Gas Foil Bearing Technology Enhanced with Smart Materials

The paper discusses a perspective of the usage of various types of smart materials to enhance the operational properties of Gas Foil Bearings. The authors, referring to the current investigation on thermomechanical characteristics of the above-mentioned bearing type, have focused on the concept of using Shape Memory Alloys, Piezoelectric Transducers, Thermoelectric Modules and Thermocouples to improve both mechanical and thermal behavior of the bearings. Based on the available literature and the authors’ experience, the present work provides an overview of the known and perspective applications of smart materials to Gas Foil Bearings. In particular, a discussion on their capabilities, limitations and effectiveness is conducted, taking into account the unique characteristics and requirements of the studied type of bearings.