Experimental and Analytical Study of X-Ray Tube Rotor Dynamics
Abstract An X-ray tube rotor has been analyzed, using experimental and numerical methods, as a part of an effort to diagnose an intermittent acoustic noise problem. The type of rotor studied is supported by two solid-lubricated angular contact bearings, and operates in a vacuum. Experimental studies of rotor vibration were performed using a test fixture with radio frequency proximity sensors. Coast-down studies indicated the presence of both synchronous and sub-harmonic whirl, along with a tendency for the nature of response to change rapidly during operation. Two ODE (ordinary differential equation) models: a three-dimensional four-degree-of-freedom model and a one-dimensional one-degree-of-freedom model were derived. Large bearing clearances were a significant source of stiffness nonlinearity in both. Direct ODE solution was used to analyze both models. Parametric continuation was also used to find periodic solutions to the one-degree-of-freedom model for different sets of parameter values. The simulations were performed with geometric and stiffness properties representative of the X-ray tube rotor. Small damping was assumed because of the solid lubricant. Direct ODE solutions showed a variety of synchronous and subharmonic periodic motions. Multi-branch frequency response curves were computed using continuation. Qualitative agreement between experimental and numerical results was obtained in terms of tendency to jump, frequency at which multivaluedness was first observed, and existence of subharmonic solutions.