NASTRAN structural model for the large ground antenna pedestal with applications to hydrostatic bearing of film
Investigations were conducted on the 64-meter antenna hydrostatic bearing oil film thickness under a variety of loads and elastic moduli. These parametric studies used a NASTRAN pedestal structural model to determine the deflections under the hydrostatic bearing pad. The deflections formed the input for a computer program to determine the hydrostratic bearing oil film thickness. For the future 64-meter to 70-meter antenna extension and for the 2.2-meter (86-in.) haunch concrete replacement cases, the program predicted safe oil film thickness (greater than 0.13 mm (0.005 in.) at the corners of the pad). The effects of varying moduli of elasticity for different sections of the pedestal and the film height under stressed runner conditions were also studied.