Numerical Analysis of a Pneumatic Cushion Operation Safety, including the Airflow Conditions

Abstract. This work concerns studying the characteristics of a pneumatic cushion in a system for moving heavy loads. Particular emphasis has been placed on the airflow parameters through the main supply nozzle, including the average flow velocity. Critical flow at the speed of sound can occur under certain circumstances. In the subsequent steps, a mathematical model of a pneumatic cushion was formulated, next, a simulation model was built in the Matlab/Simulink system, and then numerical simulations were carried out. As a result, it was estimated whether there is a flow with a safe, appropriately low speed in a given range of load and supply pressure.