-Description
Fluid is forced between two faces and held in by edge seal
-Friction
Zero friction at zero speed, low
-Stiffness
Very high
-Speed
Very high (usually limited to a few hundred feet per second at/by seal)
-Life
Virtually infinite in some applications, may wear at startup/shutdown in some cases. Often negligible maintenance.
-Cautions
Can fail quickly due to grit or dust or other contaminants. Maintenance free in continuous use. Can handle very large loads with low friction.