Previously,.a.2D.simulation.model.for.hydrodynamic.linear.guides.with.two.reduction.factors.has.been.developed.to.calculate.oil.film.pressure.and.floating.heights/angle.numerically...However,.no.method.was.available.to.verify.the.oil.film.pressure.experimentally.but.only.with.floating.heights.mea...

Hydrodynamic linear guides in machine tools offer a high load capacity and excellent damping characteristics, improving stability, precision, and vibration reduction. This study builds on previous research where floating heights were verified with a simulation model limited to measured floating heights. Advancements include incorporating pressure sensors into a fixed steel rail, enabling simultaneous measurement of oil film pressure and floating heights for a comprehensive understanding of lubrication conditions within the lubrication gap. The experimental results explore the effects of different lubrication methods, providing valuable insights into cavitation and lubrication adequacy. The results demonstrate the feasibility of utilizing pressure sensors to measure oil film pressure within the lubrication gap, providing a nuanced understanding of lubrication dynamics. By measuring both floating heights and pressure measurement, distinctions between hydrodynamic lubrication, mixed friction regions, and instances of lubricant deficiency become readily discernible. The variations in real-time oil film pressure and floating heights help to optimize the lubrication cycle for hydrodynamic linear guides, enhancing system performance and longevity.

Due to their high damping and the associated low dynamic excitation of the machine tool, hydrodynamic guideways are necessary for precision machines such as grinding machines. This article summarizes the development of the measuring system that was integrated into the guiding rail of a linear hydrodynamic bearing and presents the experimental evaluation. The measuring system is aimed at providing a better understanding of the actual transient hydrodynamic pressure and lubrication condition during the reversing sliding motion in the liquid friction range. The system was checked for its frequency response to ensure that the expected pressure rise during the stroke motion can be measured both in relation to the rail width and to the point. The evaluation is based on Reynolds’ analytical hydrodynamic theory, as numerical calculation approaches themselves are also subject to considerable uncertainties, particularly with regard to the actual geometry of the lubrication gap. The novelty of the results lies in the possibility of analyzing the instationary behavior of a reversing linear bearing of a carriage in machine tools at very low pressures as a quasi-2D and 3D pressure curve. Finally, the new possibilities are demonstrated by analyzing the behavior of a carriage with concave sliding surfaces.