Experimental Verification of the CFD Model of the Squeeze Film Lifting Effect

The presented study shows the results of the research into the squeeze film levitation phenomena. The system introduced in the investigation is composed of a vibrating surface, air squeeze film, and the surface of the body freely suspended over the film. The use of the CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) model used in the system allows us to determine the steady state, periodic behavior of the air film (described by Navier-Stokes, continuity equations, and ideal gas law), and the lifted object dynamics. The model allows us to determine multiple factors, among others, mean film thickness and pressure distribution inside the fluid film. The influence of factors, such as vibration amplitude, frequency, and load on the lifting conditions, was presented. A series of calculations show the levitations height in the range of 5.61 up to 58.12 microns, obtained for masses of samples between 5-20 g, vibration frequency of 5-25 kHz, and the motions amplitude of 0.5-1.5 mu m. A series of CFD multivariable calculations for a standing wave inducer were not previously published. The CFD model was validated with the use of experiments on a specially developed test rig. The authors experimentally obtained the height of levitation up to 200 microns.

Automated summary

The study presents the results of research on squeeze film levitation phenomena. The investigated system consists of a vibrating surface, air squeeze film, and a freely suspended body over the film. The use of the CFD model allows for determining the steady state, periodic behavior of the air film, and the dynamics of the lifted object. Multiple factors, including mean film thickness and pressure distribution, were determined using the model. The study also shows the influence of factors such as vibration parameters on the lifting conditions. Experimental validation of the CFD model was performed, with levitation heights up to 200 microns obtained by the authors.