Transient Dynamic Analysis of Rotors Using the Combined Methodologies of Finite Elements and Transfer Matrix

A new approach is proposed to predict the dynamic behavior of rotor-bearing systems in time domain using the combined methodologies of finite elements and transfer matrices. This approach makes use of the finite element method to model symmetric shafts and then transforms the system properties to transfer matrix mode. The formulation provides flexibility to include both linear and nonlinear system models, often encountered in rotor dynamic applications. Few example rotor cases had been studied and the results were compared with those obtained using finite element method. This establishes that considerable savings in computational effort can be achieved without losing any accuracy.