Reduction of friction in a fluid driven micro-actuator using a stepped bearing plate

This paper presents an initial investigation into the feasibility of utilizing the fluid drive, in conjunction with a profiled stator surface, as a possible means of reducing the effects of friction in a fluid driven micro-actuator. It is envisaged that the action of the rotor and the resulting motion of the drive fluid across the profiled stator surface will produce an increase in pressure, on the lower surface of the rotor, capable of levitating the rotor from the stator surface. In order to investigate this, a series of finite element simulations, which require coupling both fluid and structural results, were executed for a simple stepped stator surface. The results presented in this paper show the effect of step height and rotational velocity on the final vertical resting position of the rotor, above the stator surface.