Modeling Finite Squeeze Film Dampers
Most closed form solutions of Reynolds’ equation assume either a short bearing approximation or a long bearing approximation. These closed form approximations are used in rotordynamic simulation applications, otherwise a Finite Difference solution of Reynolds’ equation would be prohibitively time consuming. Recently, there have been proposed series solutions for Reynolds’ equation for special cases. In this paper, a perturbation solution to the governing equations is proposed to obtain a closed form solution of Reynolds’ equation for a finite squeeze film damper executing a circular centered orbit. The pressure field and velocity profiles are obtained. It is shown that in the limit the finite damper solution approaches either the appropriate short or long damper. This perturbation solution can be used with appropriate boundary conditions, for various damper sealing configurations, and provides insight into the damper performance.