Air bearings, also known as aerostatic or aerodynamic bearings, are fluid bearings that use a thin film of pressurized gas to provide a low friction load-bearing interface between surfaces. The two surfaces do not touch, thereby avoiding the traditional problems associated with bearings such as friction, wear and tear, particulates, and lubricant handling. Instead, air bearings offer advantages such as a lack of backlash or static friction and high performance in high-speed applications. In aerospace, friction is a common problem encountered in nearly all operations. Air bearings are critical in reducing friction and preventing serious damage caused by it. This blog will explain the main benefits of air bearings as well as their four main applications throughout the aerospace industry.
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