Numerical Analysis on Dynamic Coefficients of Self-Acting Gas-Lubricated Tilting-Pad Journal Bearings

2007 ◽  
Vol 130 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang Lihua ◽  
Qi Shemiao ◽  
Yu Lie

Although gas-lubricated tilting-pad bearings are widely used in high-speed turbomachinery, the theoretical prediction of the dynamic characteristics of tilting-pad gas bearings is also a very difficult problem because of its structural complexity. Several approaches have been proposed to solve this problem such as the pad assembly method and the small perturbation method. A numerical method by combining the partial derivative method with the equivalent coefficient method is presented in this paper to evaluate the dynamic stiffness and damping coefficients of self-acting tilting-pad gas bearing. The dynamic coefficients with the pads fixed and with the pads perturbation are, respectively, obtained for a typical self-acting tilting-pad gas bearing by using the proposed method to mainly explain the dependency of the bearing dynamic coefficients on the perturbation frequency. For bearings with the pads perturbation, the cross-coupling stiffness and damping coefficients are almost negligible compared with the direct ones. At lower perturbation frequency, the stiffness coefficients increase, while the damping coefficients decrease with an increasing frequency. The higher perturbation frequencies have very little effects on the bearing dynamic coefficients. Dynamic stiffness coefficients approach to the constant and damping coefficients to zero. However, with the pads fixed, in a low range of frequency, the absolute values of cross-coupling stiffness coefficients decrease with frequency. Furthermore, the cross-coupling coefficients are not negligible compared with the direct ones. In addition, the effects of pad inertia on dynamic coefficients are studied and compared with the results of pad inertia neglected.

Author(s):  
Chris D. Kulhanek ◽  
Dara W. Childs

Static and rotordynamic coefficients are measured for a rocker-pivot, tilting-pad journal bearing (TPJB) with 50 and 60% offset pads in a load-between-pad (LBP) configuration. The bearing uses leading-edge-groove direct lubrication and has the following characteristics: 5-pads, 101.6 mm (4.0 in) nominal diameter,0.0814 -0.0837 mm (0.0032–0.0033 in) radial bearing clearance, 0.25 to 0.27 preload, and 60.325 mm (2.375 in) axial pad length. Tests were performed on a floating bearing test rig with unit loads from 0 to 3101 kPa (450 psi) and speeds from 7 to 16 krpm. Dynamic tests were conducted over a range of frequencies (20 to 320 Hz) to obtain complex dynamic stiffness coefficients as functions of excitation frequency. For most test conditions, the real dynamic stiffness functions were well fitted with a quadratic function with respect to frequency. This curve fit allowed for the stiffness frequency dependency to be captured by including an added mass matrix [M] to a conventional [K][C] model, yielding a frequency independent [K][C][M] model. The imaginary dynamic stiffness coefficients increased linearly with frequency, producing frequency-independent direct damping coefficients. Direct stiffness coefficients were larger for the 60% offset bearing at light unit loads. At high loads, the 50% offset configuration had a larger stiffness in the loaded direction, while the unloaded direct stiffness was approximately the same for both pivot offsets. Cross-coupled stiffness coefficients were positive and significantly smaller than direct stiffness coefficients. Negative direct added-mass coefficients were obtained for both offsets, especially in the unloaded direction. Cross-coupled added-mass coefficients are generally positive and of the same sign. Direct damping coefficients were mostly independent of load and speed, showing no appreciable difference between pivot offsets. Cross-coupled damping coefficients had the same sign and were much smaller than direct coefficients. Measured static eccentricities suggested cross coupling stiffness exists for both pivot offsets, agreeing with dynamic measurements. Static stiffness measurements showed good agreement with the loaded, direct dynamic stiffness coefficients.


2016 ◽  
Vol 139 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Guangwei Yang ◽  
Jianjun Du ◽  
Weiping Ge ◽  
Tun Liu ◽  
Xiaowei Yang

The traditional eight-coefficient bearing model only considers the translational motion of the bearings and neglects the tilting motion and coupling effects between them. In this paper, the dynamic characteristics of the spiral-grooved opposed-hemisphere gas bearing considering five degrees-of-freedom are studied, and 50 dynamic coefficients including the translational, tilting, and coupling components are completely calculated. The Reynolds equations and their perturbed equations are solved by the finite element method to obtain the dynamic stiffness and damping coefficients. The effects of the tilting motion on the dynamic coefficients and response are analyzed, respectively. The results show that the coupling coefficients between the translational and tilting motions, which have been neglected in most previous studies, are significant at large eccentricity ratio. But these coupling coefficients have little effect on the dynamic response. On the other hand, the influences of the tilting motion on the synchronous response and natural frequency are remarkable and will decrease the stability of the rotor bearing system.


Author(s):  
Clint R Carter ◽  
Dara W. Childs

Rotordynamic data are presented for a rocker-pivot tilting-pad bearing in the load-between-pad configuration for unit loads over the range 345–3101kPa and speeds over the range 4000–13,000rpm. The bearing was directly lubricated through a leading-edge groove with the following specifications: Five pads, 0.282 preload, 60% offset, 57.87deg pad arc angle, 101.587mm(3.9995in.) rotor diameter, 0.1575mm(0.0062in.) diametral clearance, and 60.325mm(2.375in.) pad length. Dynamic tests were performed over a range of frequencies to investigate frequency effects on the dynamic stiffness coefficients. Under most test conditions, the direct real parts of the dynamic stiffnesses could be approximated as quadratic functions of the excitation frequency and accounted for with the addition of an added-mass matrix to the conventional [K][C] matrix model to produce a frequency-independent [K][C][M] model. Measured added-mass terms in the loaded direction approached 60kg. At low speeds, “hardening” direct dynamic stiffness coefficients that increased with increasing frequency were obtained, which produced negative added-mass terms. No frequency dependency was obtained for the direct damping coefficients. The dynamic experimental results were compared to predictions from a bulk-flow computational fluid dynamics analysis. The static load direction in the tests was y. The direct stiffness coefficients Kxx and Kyy were slightly overpredicted. Measured direct damping coefficients Cxx and Cyy were insensitive to changes in either the load or speed in contrast to predictions of marked Cyy sensitivity for changes in the load. Only at the highest test speed of 13,000rpm were the direct damping coefficients adequately predicted. Measurable cross-coupled stiffness coefficients were obtained for the bearings with Kxy and Kyx being approximately equal in magnitude but opposite in sign—clearly destabilizing. However, the whirl frequency ratio was found to be zero at all test conditions indicating infinite stability for the bearing.


Author(s):  
Phuoc Vinh Dang ◽  
Steven Chatterton ◽  
Paolo Pennacchi ◽  
Andrea Vania ◽  
Filippo Cangioli

The use of tilting pad journal bearings (TPJBs) has increased in recent years due to their stabilizing effects on the rotor bearing system. Most of the studies addressing steady state and dynamic behaviors of TPJBs have been evaluated by means of thermo-hydrodynamic (THD) models, assuming nominal dimensions for the bearing, (i.e., the physical dimensions of all pads are identical and loads applied along the vertical direction). However machining errors could lead to actual bearing geometry and dimensions different from the nominal ones. In particular, for TPJB the asymmetry of the bearing geometry has not been well-investigated and can lead to an unexpected behavior of the bearing. The asymmetry of the bearing geometry can arise from large machining errors on only one or more pads, as a consequence of a pivot failure or after bad-mounting of the pads during assembly. These conditions can sometimes be detected by high values of the pad temperature, as measured by the temperature probes installed on the bearing pads, or by the abnormal vibration caused by pad-flutter phenomena. In this paper the authors investigate large machining errors on the pad thickness for a five-pad TPJB and analyze their effects on the bearing operating characteristics. Pad thickness errors correspond to a different preload factor or clearance for each pad. A sensitivity analysis was performed for several combinations of pad thickness using a THD model and the behavior of the bearing was analyzed, including dynamic stiffness and damping coefficients, clearance profile, shaft locus, minimum oil-film thickness, power loss, flow rate, and maximum pressure. The experimental case of a five pads TPJB with an intentional large machining error on the thickness of the pads is also described in the paper. The bearing has a nominal diameter of 100 mm, a diameter to length ratio (L/D) equal to 0.7 and can run at up to 3000 rpm. The experimental measurements are compared with the results obtained from the analytical model. The results show that the effects of asymmetry of the bearing geometry are more evident if the direction of the static load applied on the rotor bearing system, which is different from the vertical load, is also considered. For instance, the shape of shaft locus obtained by experimental tests changing the static load direction at a constant speed is an irregular pentagon if it is compared to the case of the nominal bearing. Based on our findings, we concludes that the machining error on the pads has a large influence on the shaft locus, minimum oil-film thickness and maximum pressure on pads, especially at high rotational speed, but has little effect on the flow rate and power loss. In addition, this error significantly affects the dynamic stiffness and damping coefficients, both in terms of rotational speed and load direction.


1976 ◽  
Vol 98 (1) ◽  
pp. 90-94 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. M. Rohde ◽  
H. A. Ezzat

An analysis of the dynamic behavior of hybrid journal bearings is presented. The analysis accounts for the compressibility of the lubricant in the bearing recesses and supply line. Results show that when the journal is subjected to high frequency excitation the bearing stiffness and damping can change drastically. The behavior is characterized by a “break frequency” beyond which the bearing stiffness increases sharply. This is accompanied by a rapid decrease in bearing damping. It is also shown that the cross-coupling stiffness coefficients are reduced at high excitation frequencies. The asymptotic behavior of the stiffness and damping coefficients is examined at both ends of the frequency spectrum.


Author(s):  
Dara W. Childs ◽  
Clint R. Carter

Rotordynamic data are presented for a rocker-pivot tilting pad bearing in load-on-pad (LOP) configuration for (345–3101 kPa) unit loads and speeds from 4000 rpm to 13,000 rpm. The bearing was directly lubricated through a leading edge groove with five pads, 0.282 preload, 60% offset, 57.87 deg pad arc angle, 101.587 mm (3.9995 in.) rotor diameter, 0.1575 mm (0.0062 in.) diametral clearance, and 60.325 mm (2.375 in.) pad length. Measured results were reported for this bearing by Carter and Childs (2008, “Measurements Versus Predictions for the Rotordynamic Characteristics of a 5-Pad, Rocker-Pivot, Tilting-Pad Bearing in Load Between Pad Configuration,” ASME Paper No. GT2008-50069) in the load-between-pad (LBP) configuration. Results for the LOP are compared with predictions from a bulk-flow Navier–Stokes model (as utilized by San Andres (1991, “Effect of Eccentricity on the Force Response of a Hybrid Bearing,” STLE Tribol. Trans., 34, pp. 537–544)) and to the prior LBP results. Frequency effects on the dynamic-stiffness coefficients were investigated by applying dynamic-force excitation over a range of excitation frequencies. Generally, the direct real parts of the dynamic-stiffness coefficients could be modeled as quadratic functions of the excitation frequency, and accounted for by adding a mass matrix to the conventional [K][C] model to produce a frequency-independent [K][C][M] model. Measured added-mass terms in the loaded direction approached 60 kg. The static load direction in the tests was y. The direct stiffness coefficients Kyy and Kxx depend strongly on the applied unit load, more so than speed. They generally increased linearly with load, shifting to a quadratic dependence at higher unit loads. At lower unit loads, Kyy and Kxx increase monotonically with running speed. The experimental results were compared with predictions from a bulk-flow computational fluid dynamics analysis. Stiffness orthotropy was apparent in test results, significantly more than predicted, and it became more pronounced at the heavier unit loads. Measured Kyy values were consistently higher than predicted, and measured Kxx values were lower. Comparing the LOP results to prior measured LBP results for the same bearing, at higher loads, Kyy is significantly larger for the LOP configuration than LBP. Measured values for Kxx are about the same for LOP and LBP. At low unit loads, stiffness orthotropy defined as Kyy/Kxx is the same for LOP and LBP, progressively increasing with increasing unit loads. At the highest unit load, Kyy/Kxx=2.1 for LOP and 1.7 for LBP. Measured direct damping coefficients Cxx and Cyy were insensitive to changes in either load or speed, in contrast to predictions of marked Cyy sensitivity for changes in the load. Only at the highest test speed of 13,000 rpm were the direct damping coefficients adequately predicted. No frequency dependency was observed for the direct damping coefficients.


2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
pp. 649-664
Author(s):  
Michael G. Papanikolaou ◽  
Michael G. Farmakopoulos ◽  
Chris A. Papadopoulos

Purpose – Wear in journal bearings occurs when the operating conditions (high load, high temperature, low angular velocity or low viscosity), downgrade the ability of the bearing to carry load. The wear depth increases because the rotor comes in contact with the bearing surface. Wear in journal bearings affects their characteristics because of its influence on the thickness of the fluid film. This influence can be detected in the dynamic behavior of the rotor and especially in the dynamic stiffness and damping coefficients. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – In this paper, the effect of wear on the rotor dynamic stiffness and damping coefficients (K and C) of a short journal bearing is investigated. K and C in this work are estimated by using two methods a semi-analytical method and finite element (FE) analysis implemented in the ANSYS software. Findings – The main goal of this research is to make the identification of wear in journal bearings feasible by observing the alternation of their dynamic coefficients. Both of the methods implemented are proven to be useful, while FE analysis can provide more accurate results. Originality/value – This paper is original and has not been published elsewhere.


1968 ◽  
Vol 90 (4) ◽  
pp. 793-803 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. W. Lund

The dynamic characteristics of a gas bearing can be represented by a set of spring and damping coefficients (impedances) which are functions of the static load on the bearing, the rotating speed and the whirl frequency of the journal. For a rotor supported in gas bearings, these coefficients can be used directly in a critical speed calculation or an unbalance response calculation. In addition, the coefficients can be employed in a stability investigation. The paper gives the computational method for obtaining the spring and damping coefficients and, also, describes how they are used in rotor calculations and stability studies. Numerical results are given in graphical and tabular form for a tilting pad journal bearing and a three-lobe journal bearing.


Author(s):  
Clint R. Carter ◽  
Dara W. Childs

Rotordynamic data are presented for a rocker-pivot tilting-pad bearing in a load-between-pad (LBP) configuration for unit loads over the range [345, 3101 kPa] and speeds over the range [4k to 13k rpm]. The bearing was direct lubricated through a leading-edge groove with the following specifications: 5 pads, .282 preload, 60% offset, 57.87° pad arc angle, 101.587 mm (3.9995 in) rotor diameter, .1575 mm (.0062 in) diametral clearance, 60.325 mm (2.375 in) pad length. Dynamic tests were performed over a range of frequencies to investigate frequency effects on the dynamic-stiffness coefficients. Under most test conditions, the direct real parts of the dynamic stiffnesses could be approximated as quadratic functions of the excitation frequency and accounted for with the addition of an added mass matrix to the conventional [K][C] matrix model to produce a frequency-independent [K][C][M] model. Measured added mass terms in the loaded direction approached 60 kg. At low speeds, “hardening” direct dynamic stiffness coefficients that increased with increasing frequency were obtained that produced negative added-mass terms. No frequency dependency was obtained for the direct damping coefficients. The dynamic experimental results were compared to predictions from a bulk-flow CFD analysis. The static load direction in the tests was y. The direct stiffness coefficients Kxx and Kyy were slightly over predicted. Measured direct damping coefficients Cxx and Cyy were insensitive to changes in either load or speed in contrast to predictions of marked Cyy sensitivity for changes in the load. Only at the highest test speed of 13000 rpm were the direct damping coefficients adequately predicted. Measurable cross-coupled stiffness coefficients were obtained for the bearings with Kxy and Kyx being approximately equal in magnitude but opposite in sign — clearly destabilizing. However, the whirl frequency ratio was found to be zero at all test conditions indicating infinite stability for the bearing.


2011 ◽  
Vol 462-463 ◽  
pp. 1230-1237
Author(s):  
She Miao Qi ◽  
Y.S. Ho ◽  
Hai Peng Geng ◽  
Lie Yu

A general method is developed to deal with the compressibility of air film and to predict the linear dynamic stiffness and damping coefficients of air-lubricated bearings over the whole range of frequency. Numerical results reveal that both stiffness and damping coefficients are functions of not only the static parameters such as eccentricity and attitude angle, but also the frequency of disturbance. The coefficients are continuous and tend to certain values even when the frequency approaches zero or positive infinity. In general, the direct terms of the dynamic stiffness increase with the increase of the frequency, while the cross-coupling terms tend to an equal value when the frequency becomes infinite, and all the damping coefficients decrease in the higher frequency region and vanish when the frequency approaches positive infinity.


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