Whiffletree based supports for self-adjustable hydrostatic bearings

Hydrostatic bearings are superior in terms of their friction and load carrying characteristics when compared to contact based bearings, but non-usable applications with non-constant curvature counter surfaces. A possible solution this limitation is the introduction deformable hydrostatic components that cope these required deformations. To reduce deformation a single bearing pad, multiple pads can be connected through so-called whiffletree support system. In work, symmetric embodiment introduced. 2D quasi-static model introduced allows for determining kinetostatic path following properties such type bearing. Design considerations given regarding joint rotational-, normal-, shear stiffness each individual joint, as well basic layout. The potential suspended presented use case study.