altimategxe99
+1y
This really has nothing to do with the automotive industry but was inspired by it. The newest turbo design in the works was made to withstand heat, and require absolutelty no pressure system for the fluid!! Here are the benefits taken from NASA website:
Increased reliability
Higher (unlimited) speed capability
Higher and lower temperature capability (40 K to 2500 K)
No scheduled maintenance
High vibration and shock load capacity
Quieter operation
Areas of current research are:
Higher load capacity
Improved damping
Improved coatings
The main disadvantages are:
Lower capacity than roller or oil bearings
Wear during start-up
High speed required for operation Advanced Foil Bearings
Recent design improvements have doubled load capacity, enabling application to a broader range of oil-free turbomachinery
Foil Bearing Benefits:
Self-acting hydrodynamic 'float on air'
No external pressurization
No DN speed limit
Higher power density
No lube/tanks/coolers/plumbing/filters
Lower weight
Operate to 1200