Optimizing bearing length and permissible axis curvature alleviates distortion of film gap of gas lubricated journal bearing in deployment mechanisms. Required bearing length is divided into two shorter bearings interconnected by links which allow satisfactory conformity with the bent, load-carrying member

Redmon, J. W.

English

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June 1969	 Brief 69-10182 
NASA TECH BRIEF 
NASA Tech Briefs are issued to summarize specific innovations derived from the U.S; space program, 
to encourage their commercial application. Copies are available to the public at 15 cents each 
from the Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical Information, Springfield, Virginia 22151. 
Journal Gas Bearing for Curved Surfaces 
Load
Journal Gas Bearing 
The problem: 
Large deployable arrays require extensive support 
structures in a one "G" environment which incorporate 
externally pressurized gas-lubricated journal bearings 
in the deployment mechanism. Curvature of the load 
carrying member during deployment causes the film 
gap of the gas lubricated bearing to become unsym-
metrical and may even be eliminated so that binding 
occurs. This binding can be minimized by optimizing 
bearing length and permissible axis curvature.
The solution: 
The required bearing length has been divided into 
two shorter bearings which are movably intercon-
nected by links and which allow satisfactory conformity 
with the bent, load-carrying member. The advantage 
of this construction is that the bearing can slide on the 
load-carrying member as long as the shaft curvature 
under each bearing half does not exceed that per-
mitted by the air gap between the bearing half and 
the shaft. Thus, a solid bearing having a bearing sur-
face equal to that of the two bearing surfaces would 
continued overleaf) 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States
Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of the 
information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
will be free from privately owned rights.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19690000182 2020-03-16T17:38:17+00:00Z
have to accommodate considerably more shaft curva-
ture than would the split bearing. 
How it's done: 
The air bearing assembly shown in the schematic 
has two halves, A and B, connected by the adjustment 
mechanism. Air is admitted through inlets into the 
manifolds within the air bearing halves; the manifold 
is coupled with the air gap via the injection ports. 
The load is applied at Point "C" and is transmitted 
to the bearing/pin assembly by the linkage mecha-
nism. Rotational capability exists at Point "C" in 
addition to the entire assembly rotation about the 
shaft axis.
Notes: 
I. This bearing assembly has been manufactured and 
tested with an efficiency of 60%. 
2. Inquiries concerning this split bearing assembly 
may be directed to: 
Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific 
and Technical Information 
Springfield, Virginia 22151 
Price $3.00 
Reference: TSP69- 10182 
Patent status: 
Inquiries about obtaining rights for the commercial 
use of this invention may be made to NASA, Code 
GP, Washington, D.C. 20546. 
Source: John W. Redmon of 
Marshall Space Flight Center 
(M FS-20423)
. 
. 
is 
Brief 69-10182	 Category 05


Journal gas bearing for curved surfaces

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