According to the structure characteristics of the multileaf foil journal bearing with large preload effect

the nonlinear Finite Element contact model of the foil bearings was established through introducing the assistant parts.The performance of the foil bearings were investigated using Finite Element Method.The assistant parts were used to help form the last contact relationship of foil bearings in the numerical simulation process.These assistant parts were dealt with as rigid bodies without strain.Through modifying the moving contact relationship between the foil bearing parts

the large preload effect of foil bearing was dealt with using the nonlinear contact Finite Element analysis between rigid bodies and flexible bodies.Solution of the governing hydrodynamic equation dealing with compressible fluid was coupled with the structure resiliency of the foil bearing surfaces.In this paper

a typical five leaves foil bearing with large preload effect was analyzed as a successful case to prove the analysis feasibility and accuracy.