摘要
To evaluate the critical performance factors of gas foil bearings across their full operating range, this study develops an integrated experimental test bench for the systematic observation of rotor–bearing interactions. The platform enables quantitative assessment of bearing behavior and provides deeper insight into turbomachinery dynamics stabilized by GFBs through properly mounted contactless sensors. The apparatus is capable of measuring key parameters, including temperature distribution, load capacity under varying conditions, start-up and acceleration speed, and real-time shaft attitude within the clearance. To reproduce realistic operating environments, the test system incorporates both low-and high-speed turbines, allowing precise initiation of shaft motion and controlled adjustment of rotational velocity across a wide spectrum. This dual-drive configuration effectively simulates conditions ranging from start-up to steady-state operation representative of practical applications. To meet various future experimental requirements, the bench is capable of employing expandable sensors, such as an infrared thermographic sensor and an optical displacement sensor, which can record the temporal evolution of surface temperature and track shaft position with clearance-level alignment, supporting indirect evaluation of bearing performance. The non-contact measurement approach eliminates interference, ensuring reliable and authentic experimental data. © 2026, Avestia Publishing. All rights reserved.