An Experimental Study of High-Speed Rotors Supported by Air-Lubricated Foil Bearings—Part 2: Response to Impact and to Periodic Excitation

1969 ◽  
Vol 91 (3) ◽  
pp. 494-505 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Licht
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Resonance Excitation ◽  
Frequency Range ◽  
Theoretical Formulation ◽  
Variable Amplitude ◽  
Foil Bearings ◽  
Fluid Film Bearings ◽  
Foil Bearing ◽  
Good Agreement

A high-speed rotor, supported by an air-lubricated foil bearing is stable at speeds up to and in excess of 60,000 rpm. “Natural frequencies” are determined at various rotational speeds from records of response following impact of the rotor housing. The foil-rotor system is subjected to periodic, unidirectional excitation by means of a vibrator (shake table) and the in-line and transverse responses are obtained in a frequency range 50–2000 cps. The behavior of the system is similar to that of a simple, damped oscillator, characterized by a single resonance in the low-frequency range. Experimentally determined values of resonant frequencies are in fairly good agreement with predicted results, based on a simplified theoretical formulation of the problem. Responses of rotors to (a) excitation of variable amplitude at resonance and to (b) excitation of variable amplitude at frequency equal to half the rotational speed are investigated. It is found that excitation and rotor excursion are nearly colinear, except in the neighborhood of resonance. Excitation at frequency equal to half the speed of rotation is not associated with large amplitudes of motion, wherein the foil bearing compares favorably with other types of fluid-film bearings.

Rotordynamics Performance of Hybrid Foil Bearing Under Forced Vibration Input

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daejong Kim ◽  
Brian Nicholson ◽  
Lewis Rosado ◽  
Garry Givan
Keyword(s):  
Impulse Response ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Load Capacity ◽  
Supply System ◽  
Forced Response ◽  
Experimental Results ◽  
Lateral Acceleration ◽  
Foil Bearings ◽  
Foil Bearing ◽  
Gas Supply

Foil bearings are one type of hydrodynamic air/gas bearings but with a compliant bearing surface supported by structural material that provides stiffness and damping to the bearing. The hybrid foil bearing (HFB) in this paper is a combination of a traditional hydrodynamic foil bearing with externally-pressurized air/gas supply system to enhance load capacity during the start and to improve thermal stability of the bearing. The HFB is more suitable for relatively large and heavy rotors where rotor weight is comparable to the load capacity of the bearing at full speed and extra air/gas supply system is not a major added cost. With 4,448N∼22,240N thrust class turbine aircraft engines in mind, the test rotor is supported by HFB in one end and duplex rolling element bearings in the other end. This paper presents experimental work on HFB with diameter of 102mm performed at the US Air force Research Laboratory. Experimental works include: measurement of impulse response of the bearing to the external load corresponding to rotor’s lateral acceleration of 5.55g, forced response to external subsynchronous excitation, and high speed imbalance response. A non-linear rotordynamic simulation model was also applied to predict the impulse response and forced subsynchronous response. The simulation results agree well with experimental results. Based on the experimental results and subsequent simulations, an improved HFB design is also suggested for higher impulse load capability up to 10g and rotordynamics stability up to 30,000rpm under subsynchronous excitation.

Rotordynamic Performance of a Shaft With Large Overhung Mass Supported by Foil Bearings

2016 ◽  
Vol 139 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nguyen LaTray ◽  
Daejong Kim
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Foil Bearings ◽  
Speed Test ◽  
Foil Bearing ◽  
Stable Conditions ◽  
Bending Mode ◽  
Mode Vibration ◽  
Lift Off ◽  
Compact Design ◽  
Bearing System

This work presents the theoretical and experimental rotordynamic evaluations of a rotor–air foil bearing (AFB) system supporting a large overhung mass for high-speed application. The proposed system highlights the compact design of a single shaft rotor configuration with turbomachine components arranged on one side of the bearing span. In this work, low-speed tests up to 45 krpm are performed to measure lift-off speed and to check bearing manufacturing quality. Rotordynamic performance at high speeds is evaluated both analytically and experimentally. In the analytical approach, simulated imbalance responses are studied using both rigid and flexible shaft models with bearing forces calculated from the transient Reynolds equation along with the rotor motion. The simulation predicts that the system experiences small synchronous rigid mode vibration at 20 krpm and bending mode at 200 krpm. A high-speed test rig is designed to experimentally evaluate the rotor–air foil bearing system. The high-speed tests are operated up to 160 krpm. The vibration spectrum indicates that the rotor–air foil bearing system operates under stable conditions. The experimental waterfall plots also show very small subsynchronous vibrations with frequency locked to the system natural frequency. Overall, this work demonstrates potential capability of the air foil bearings in supporting a shaft with a large overhung mass at high speed.

Influence of geometric parameters on the bump foil bearing performance

2019 ◽  
Vol 234 (7) ◽  
pp. 1017-1026
Author(s):  
Sadanand Kulkarni ◽  
Soumendu Jana
Keyword(s):  
Carrying Capacity ◽  
High Speed ◽  
System Development ◽  
Load Capacity ◽  
Radial Clearance ◽  
Load Carrying Capacity ◽  
Foil Bearings ◽  
Foil Bearing ◽  
Load Carrying ◽  
Lift Off

High-speed rotating system development has drawn considerable attention of the researchers, in the recent past. Foil bearings are one of the major contenders for such applications, particularly for high speed and low load rotating systems. In foil bearings, process fluid or air is used as the working medium and no additional lubricant is required. It is known from the published literature that the load capacity of foil bearings depend on the operating speed, viscosity of the medium, clearance, and stiffness of the foil apart from the geometric dimensions of the bearing. In case of foil bearing with given dimensions, clearance governs the magnitude of pressure developed, whereas stiffness dictates the change in radial clearance under the generated pressure. This article deals with the effect of stiffness, clearance, and its interaction on the bump foil bearings load-carrying capacity. For this study, four sets of foil bearings of the same geometry with two levels of stiffness and clearance values are fabricated. Experiments are carried out following two factor-two level factorial design approach under constant load and in each case, the lift-off speed is measured. The experimental output is analyzed using statistical techniques to evaluate the influence of parameters under consideration. The results indicate that clearance has the maximum influence on the lift-off speed/ load-carrying capacity, followed by interaction effect and stiffness. A regression model is developed based on the experimental values and model is validated using error analysis technique.

scholarly journals Rotor dynamic experimental investigation of an ultra-high-speed permanent magnet synchronous motor supported on a three-pad bidirectional gas foil bearing

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 168781401987536
Author(s):  
Wenjie Cheng ◽  
Zhikai Deng ◽  
Ling Xiao ◽  
Bin Zhong ◽  
Wenbo Duan
Keyword(s):  
Permanent Magnet ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor ◽  
Synchronous Motor ◽  
Rotor System ◽  
Permanent Magnet Motors ◽  
Foil Bearings ◽  
Foil Bearing ◽  
Ultra High Speed ◽  
Rotor Dynamic

With a 10-kW, 120,000-r/min, ultra-high-speed permanent magnet synchronous motor taken as a prototype, experimental research is conducted on the rotor dynamic behaviours of a three-pad bidirectional gas foil bearing high-speed motor rotor system. Load-carrying properties of the three-pad bidirectional gas foil bearing are analysed, and natural frequencies of conical and parallel whirling modes of the elastically supported rotor are calculated based on an appropriate simplification to the stiffness and damping coefficients of the gas foil bearings. The prototype passes through a 90,000-r/min coast-down experiment. Experiments show that there are violent subsynchronous whirling motions that are evoked by the gas foil bearing–rotor system itself. The cause of shaft orbit drift is analysed, and the corresponding solution is put forward. The theoretical analysis and experimental results can offer a useful reference to the bearing–rotor system design of ultra-high-speed permanent magnet motors and its subsequent dynamic analysis.

Vibration Mitigation of Rotors Suspended on Low-Cost Hybrid Gas Foil Bearing

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kamal Kumar Basumatary ◽  
Karuna Kalita ◽  
Sashindra K. Kakoty ◽  
Seamus D. Garvey
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Current Source ◽  
Magnetic Bearing ◽  
Active Magnetic Bearing ◽  
Electromagnetic Actuators ◽  
Manufacturing Method ◽  
Foil Bearings ◽  
Foil Bearing ◽  
Small Series

Abstract The hybrid Gas Foil Bearings combining the Gas Foil Bearing and Active Magnetic Bearing is a possibility for application in high-speed turbomachinery and a few developments have been made in this context. As such, the cost of conventional Gas Foil Bearing increases due to its requirement of precise manufacturing method and the coating material for the top foil and bump foil. In case of Active Magnetic Bearing, the normal electrical arrangement includes a multiplicity of independently controlled current sources usually at least four drives per bearing which increases its cost. Therefore, the hybrid Gas Foil Bearing will have much higher cost. In this work, a new electrical arrangement for the electromagnetic actuators of the hybrid Gas Foil Bearing has been proposed. The new arrangement requires only two drives per bearing and the bias current has been provided (in the same set of windings) through a simple rectifier with small series choke and shunt capacitor. As the number of drives required is less, the proposed bearing will have low cost. Implementing the new approach, the force vectors are achieved using only two current-source drives whereas the usual conventional arrangement requires four such drives. Numerical simulations are performed to explore the capabilities of the low cost bearing.

Effect of Mechanical Preloads on the Dynamic Performance of Gas Foil Bearings

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tae Ho Kim ◽  
Luis San Andre´s
Keyword(s):  
Large Amplitude ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Dynamic Performance ◽  
Cycle Performance ◽  
High Power Density ◽  
Shaft Speed ◽  
Foil Bearings ◽  
Bearing Force ◽  
Good Agreement

Gas foil bearings (GFBs) enable efficient, reliable and maintenance free operation of high-power-density microturbomachinery (< 200 kW). High speed rotors supported on bump-type GFBs, however, are prone to show large-amplitude subsynchronous motions albeit reaching limit cycle performance. Presently, commercial GFBs are simply modified to introduce a mechanical preload that induces a hydrodynamic wedge to generate more load support and direct stiffnesses. Three metal shims inserted under the bump strip layers and in contact with the bearing housing create a multiple lobe clearance profile at a very low cost. Shaft speed coastdown measurements reveal the rotordynamic performance of a rotor supported on original GBFs and (modified) shimmed GFBs. The later GFBs determine a raise in the rotor-bearing system natural frequency, as expected, and also act to delay the onset speed of large-amplitude subsynchronous motions. Predictions of imbalance response implementing linearized bearing force coefficients are in good agreement with measured amplitudes of synchronous response for both GFB configurations, original and modified.

The Dynamic Characteristics of a Turborotor Simulator Supported on Gas-Lubricated Foil Bearings—Part 3: Rotation in Foil Bearings of Reduced Length, With Starting and Stopping Unaided by External Pressurization

1972 ◽  
Vol 94 (3) ◽  
pp. 211-220 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Licht
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic Characteristics ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Experimental Methods ◽  
Wear Characteristics ◽  
Foil Bearings ◽  
Foil Bearing

Experiments and analysis, reported in detail in references [1] through [5], demonstrated that high-speed rotors, supported by foil bearings, were free from whirl-instability and sensitivity to excitation at frequency equal one half the speed of rotation. It was shown also that the foil bearing could accommodate thermal and geometrical distortions, combining this attribute with excellent wipe-wear characteristics and tolerance of particles. The present investigation was directed toward the solution of two important problems: (a) the reduction of foil bearing length without detriment to rotor performance, and (b) the elimination of the foil-lift system and attainment of multiple start-stops without the aid of external pressurization. A description of experimental methods, which lead to the realization of the foregoing objectives, is given.

scholarly journals The Dynamic Characteristics of a Turborotor Simulator Supported on Gas-Lubricated Foil Bearings—Part 2: Operation With Heating and Thermal Gradients

1970 ◽  
Vol 92 (4) ◽  
pp. 650-659 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Licht
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic Characteristics ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Elevated Temperatures ◽  
Load Capacity ◽  
Temperature Gradients ◽  
Thermal Gradients ◽  
Foil Bearings ◽  
Foil Bearing ◽  
Geometrical Imperfections ◽  
The Stability

A high-speed rotor, supported by gas-lubricated foil bearings, is free from self-excited whirl and displays no loss of load capacity when vibrated at frequency equal half the rotational speed [1]. It is demonstrated here that in addition to tolerance of geometrical imperfections, misalignment, and foreign particles [3, 4], the foil bearing performs well at elevated temperatures and accommodates appreciable temperature gradients. The foil bearing is endowed with superior wipe-wear characteristics, and the flexibility of the foil accounts not only for the stability of the foil bearing but also for its forgiveness with respect to distortion, contamination, and contact.

Collision–induced absorption in gaseous methane at low temperatures

1986 ◽  
Vol 64 (7) ◽  
pp. 763-767 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. R. Dagg ◽  
A. Anderson ◽  
S. Yan ◽  
W. Smith ◽  
C. G. Joslin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Data ◽  
Low Temperatures ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Frequency Region ◽  
Experimental Results ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Frequency Range ◽  
Simple Method ◽  
Induced Absorption ◽  
Good Agreement

A recently developed theory for collision-induced absorption in methane is compared with experimental results over a wider spectral range and at lower temperatures than previously reported. The present experimental results covering the frequency range below 400 cm−1 exhibit good agreement with other recently published data. The theory shows excellent agreement with experiment in the low-frequency region below approximately 200 cm−1 but underestimates the experimental data somewhat at higher frequencies. Possible theoretical reasons for this discrepancy are given. The theory represents a simple method of obtaining a good estimate of the collision-induced absorption spectra of methane in this frequency region and for extrapolating to lower temperatures for which experimentation is not feasible. In addition, the moments α1 and γ1are compared with earlier determinations and indicate good agreement with the previously obtained values for the octupole and hexadecapole moments of methane.

Audible-frequency stiffness of a primary suspension isolator on a high-speed tilting bogie

2003 ◽  
Vol 217 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
L Kari
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Dynamic Stiffness ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Vertical Stiffness ◽  
Audible Frequency ◽  
Minimum Number ◽  
Shear Relaxation ◽  
Operator Kernel ◽  
Incompressible Rubber ◽  
Good Agreement

The preload-dependent dynamic stiffness of a primary suspension isolator on a high-speed tilting bogie is examined via measurements and modelling within an audible frequency range. The stiffness is found to depend strongly on both frequency and preload. The former displays some resonance phenomena, such as stiffness peaks and troughs, while the latter exhibits a steep low-frequency stiffness increase in addition to an anti-resonance peak shifting to a higher frequency with increased preload. The problems of simultaneously modelling the preload and frequency dependence are removed by adopting a frequency-dependent waveguide approach, assuming incompressible rubber with an Abel operator kernel as its shear relaxation function. The preload dependence is modelled by a non-linear shape factor based approach, using a globally equivalent preload configuration. All the translational stiffnesses are modelled, including the vertical, longitudinal and lateral directions, and the vertical stiffness results are compared to those of measurements in a specially designed test rig. Good agreement is obtained for a wide frequency domain-covering 100-600 Hz-using a minimum number of parameters and for a wide preload domain-from vanishing to the maximum in service, 90 kN.

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