In this paper, the air film formation behavior of air cushion belt conveyor with stable load is studied. The air cushion field is analyzed by means of theoretical derivation, numerical simulation and experimental research. An intelligent experiment platform is developed. Three dimensional pressure distribution of air film and the air film thickness distribution along the conveyor belt in the width direction are obtained. The experimental result is analyzed by comparing with theoretical calculation and numerical simulation. The numerical and theoretical results are in good agreement with those obtained from experiments. The air film formation behavior pattern of air cushion belt conveyor with stable load is presented. The optimized film thickness and pore distribution are obtained based on the comprehensive energy consumption. This study provides a basis for the optimization design of air cushion belt conveyor.
