Integration and verification of miniature fluid film pressure sensors in hydrodynamic linear guides

Previously, a 2D simulation model for hydrodynamic linear guides with two reduction factors has been developed to calculate oil film pressure and floating heights/angle numerically. However, no method was available to verify the oil film pressure experimentally but only with floating heights measurement. Therefore, different pressure sensor’s integration methods were tested in a stationary Plexiglas rail to measure fluid film pressure inside the lubrication gap. The pressure sensors were statically and dynamically calibrated. However, floating heights could not be measured with the preliminary used Plexiglas rail. This paper reports the suitable integration of pressure sensors into a stationary steel rail to compensate this drawback. It focuses on the measurement of pressure rise using pressure sensors inside the lubrication gap in combination with the floating heights. Experimental results have shown that the oil film pressure inside the lubrication gap can be measured using pressure sensors, which draw conclusions about cavitation and lack of lubrication. The variation of oil film pressure measured along the length of the carriage can be used to improve the simulation model i.e. the reduction factors. The pressure measurement can help to identify the lubrication conditions and further actions can be taken to improve the lubrication cycle.