Shape memory alloy (SMA)-gas foil bearings (SMA-GFBs) are novel gas bearings comprising top foil, SMA springs, and housing. The radial clearance, stiffness, and damping coefficients of SMA-GFBs can be regulated by the bearing temperature which is determined by the electric heating of SMA springs and the cooling flow. A 3D thermohydrodynamic model (THD) considering the conduction and convection of the top foil, bearing housing, and hollow rotor, and the heat energy of heated SMA springs is presented to simulate the temperature distribution of SMA-GFBs at different rotational speeds, heating pow...
