## 7 Conclusions  
In this study, the flow dynamics within a porous aerostatic rectangular thrust bearing are examined through both analytical and finite element analyses. The reliability of the finite element approach and analytical outcomes is further affirmed by experimental validation. The analytical technique specifically facilitates the formulation of a procedure to calculate the bearing's load-carrying capacity, which is subsequently corroborated against the findings from the finite element analysis. The employment of the finite element method leads to the following deductions:  
(1) The arrangement of throttle orifices greatly affects the performance of the bearings. As the length \(a\) of the rectangular array of throttle orifices increases, both the air consumption and the maximum velocity within the gas film gap increase. Consequently, the bearing load capacity initially rises and then declines. The bearing load capacity reaches its peak when the length \(a\) of the throttle orifice array is 24 mm. However, when \(a\) is 40 mm, the bearing stiffness reaches its maximum. (2) When the film thickness ranges between 8 and 20 \(\upmu\)m, smaller thickness leads to a higher load-carrying capacity. Decreasing the film thickness during gas bearing operation also reduces gas consumption and the maximum airflow velocity within the film gap, thereby enhancing the bearing's stability. Stiffness increases with thicker films, peaking at a thickness of 14 \(\upmu\)m. However, employing the minimum film thickness during operation may heighten manufacturing and installation complexities, necessitating comprehensive consideration of processing conditions and load demands when determining this value. (3) A greater throttle hole diameter yields a greater bearing load-carrying capacity. Nonetheless, it also induces increased gas consumption and a lowered maximum airflow velocity within the film gap, consequently reducing stiffness. (4) As the supply pressure of the gas is heightened, there is an observed enhancement in the load-bearing capability, gas usage, and stiffness of the bearing. Nevertheless, this increase in supply gas pressure equally intensifies the peak velocity of the airflow across the film gap, which in turn can undermine the stability of the bearing. (5) After an exhaustive analysis of the model's structural parameters, the following design parameters were selected: a bearing throttle hole diameter of 0.2 mm, a gas film thickness of 8 \(\upmu\)m, a rectangular array length of throttle holes of 40 mm, and a gas supply pressure of 0.5 Mpa. This investigation into the characteristics of porous gas static-pressure rectangular thrust bearings using both CFD and analytical methods holds significant engineering importance. It offers a more precise comprehension of these bearings' characteristics, encompassing parameters like load capacity, stiffness, and damping. Consequently, it establishes a scientific foundation for bearing design and optimization, aiming at achieving efficient and reliable operation. Through the diagnosis and analysis of operational issues, the establishment of a health management system becomes feasible, enabling real-time monitoring and prediction of long-term operational states. This facilitates the early detection of potential problems and the implementation of corrective measures, thereby aiding with achieving high-precision processing and long-term stability. To sum up, the investigation into the static characteristics of porous gas static-pressure rectangular thrust bearings through CFD and analytical approaches is expected to have broad engineering applications going forward, potentially fueling technological progress and innovation in associated domains. In addition, the intelligentization and real-time monitoring of gas static-pressure thrust bearings is an important area of research.