Finite element investigation into proposed bearing mechanism for a fluid driven micro actuator

This paper investigates the effect of introducing a stepped stator surface directly under the rotating component of a micro fabricated turbine. The main aim of this work is to determine if a sufficient pressure can be created at the step locations, due to the shape and relative motion of the bearing surfaces, which is capable of raising the rotor from the stator surface. In this paper results are presented, based on finite element analysis, for two very simple stator designs. Using finite element models, the effect of rotational speed, step height and number are investigated, the results of which are presented in this paper.