Air thrust bearing controlled with air proportional valve

An air thrust bearing controlled via a pneumatic proportional valve has been studied. Experimental tests on the bearing have been performed to determine its characteristics. A current drive control circuit has been designed and controlled through an electronic board to determine the air flowing through the proportional valve. Dynamic tests have been performed to evaluate the behavior of the system. A simulink model has been designed according to the behavior of the bearing and the simulated results have been compared with the experimental ones.