scholarly journals Measurements Versus Predictions for the Static and Dynamic Characteristics of a Four-Pad, Rocker-Pivot, Tilting-Pad Journal Bearing

Author(s):  
David P. Tschoepe ◽  
Dara W. Childs

Measured and predicted static and dynamic characteristics are provided for a four-pad, rocker-pivot, tilting-pad journal bearing (TPJB) in the load-on-pad (LOP) and load-between-pad (LBP) orientations. The bearing has the following characteristics: pad-pivot offset = 0.57, L/D = 0.6, pad length = 60.33 mm. Unit loads ranged from 0 to 2903 kPa, and speeds ranged from 6.8 to 13.2 krpm. Nonrotating tests were carried out using a small rotating load to precess the test-bearing stator around the rotor shaft while measuring the clearances. These tests produced “clearance rectangles” for the LOP case and “clearance rhombuses” for the LBP cases. These tests defined the bearing clearances for facing bearing pads that were significantly different with a ratio between the larger and smaller clearances at approximately 1.6. Clearances were measured at room temperatures and immediately following tests to obtain room temperature and “hot” clearances. Hot-clearance measurements showed a 16%–25% decrease as compared to room-temperature clearances. Static load-deflection tests were carried out to determine the pad's flexibility characteristics with respect to the housing (pad-pivot flexibility). Detailed circumferential temperature measurements were made on the loaded pad(s) with only leading and trailing temperatures for the unloaded pads. The radial thermal gradient was examined in the loaded pad via embedded thermocouples on the rotor and outside of the pads. Results showed a 5–25 °C decrease from the rotor side of the pad to housing side. An FEM analysis predicted that the radial and circumferential temperature gradients caused an uneven thermal deflection in the pad, changing the pads' radii of curvature. (However, the changes made scant differences in predictions.) Dynamic-excitation tests were performed over a range of excitation frequencies Ω to obtain 2 × 2 complex dynamic-stiffness matrices [Hij] as a function of Ω. The Re(Hij) coefficients were readily fitted as a linear function of Ω2, producing frequency-independent stiffness and virtual-mass coefficients. The Im(Hij) coefficients were readily fitted as a linear function of Ω, producing frequency-independent damping coefficients and supporting the adequacy of a constant-frequency MCK model for bearings out to running speed. Measured (separate) pad clearances, pad-contact flexibility characteristics, and input temperatures were used as input for a recently-developed code to predict the static and dynamic characteristics of the bearing. The code used a Reynolds equation model plus an adiabatic energy equation. It also accounts for pad-contact flexibility. Measurements versus predictions were made for the temperature distributions, the dynamic-stiffness coefficients, and the direct rotordynamic coefficients (stiffness, damping, and virtual-mass). The measured cross-coupled stiffness and damping coefficients were insignificant, and are not presented. Generally, the code predicts the trends of the circumferential temperature distributions well; however, it predicted a continuing increase in temperature from leading to trailing edge, while the tests show an increase through the next-to-last temperature probe and then a drop to the last probe nearest the trailing edge. Generally speaking, the code does an adequate job of predicting rotordynamic coefficients for both LOP and LBP conditions. The input data (clearances, pad-flexibility, etc.) and output results (temperatures, dynamic stiffness coefficients, rotordynamic coefficients) presented allow other researchers to directly make predictions for these bearings using alternate models and codes.

Author(s):  
David P. Tschoepe ◽  
Dara W. Childs

Measured and predicted static and dynamic characteristics are provided for a four-pad, rocker-pivot, tilting-pad journal bearing in the load-on-pad and load-between-pad orientations. The bearing has the following characteristics: 4 pads, .57 pad pivot offset, 0.6 L/D ratio, 60.33 mm (2.375in) pad axial length, 0.08255 mm (0.00325 in) radial clearance in the load-on-pad orientation, and 0.1189 mm (0.00468 in) radial clearance in the load-between-pad orientation. Tests were conducted on a floating test bearing design with unit loads ranging from 0 to 2903 kPa (421.1 psi) and speeds from 6.8 to 13.2 krpm. For all rotor speeds, hot-clearance measurements were taken to show the reduction in bearing clearance due to thermal expansion of the shaft and pads during testing. As the testing conditions get hotter, the rotor, pads, and bearing expand, decreasing radial bearing clearance. Hot-clearance measurements showed a 16–25% decrease in clearance compared to a clearance measurement at room temperature. To look at the radial thermal gradient in the loaded pad, embedded thermocouples were inserted inside the bearing pad near the bearing housing. Results showed a 5–25°C decrease in temperature from the rotor side of the pad to the temperatures near the bearing housing. This radial temperature gradient caused an uneven thermal deflection in the pad, changing the pads’ radii of curvature. For all test conditions, dynamic tests were performed over a range of excitation frequencies to obtain complex dynamic stiffness coefficients as a function of frequency. The direct real dynamic stiffness coefficients were then fitted with a quadratic function with respect to frequency. From the curve fit, the frequency dependence was captured by including a virtual-mass matrix [M] to produce a frequency independent [K][C][M] model. The direct dynamic stiffness coefficients for the load-on-pad orientation showed significant orthotropy, while the load-between-pad did not. The load-between-pad showed slight orthotropy as load increased. Experimental cross-coupled stiffness coefficients were measured in both load orientations, but were of the same sign and significantly less than direct stiffness coefficients. In both orientations the imaginary part of the measured dynamic stiffness increased linearly with increasing frequency, allowing for frequency-independent direct damping coefficients. Rotordynamic coefficients presented were compared to predictions from two Reynolds-based models. The models showed the importance of taking into account pivot contact flexibility and different pad geometries (due to the reduction in bearing clearance during testing) in predicting rotordynamic coefficients. If either of these two inputs were incorrect, then predictions for the bearings impedance coefficients were very inaccurate.


Author(s):  
Dara Childs ◽  
Joel Harris

Static performance characteristics and rotordynamic coefficients were experimentally determined for a four-pad, ball-in-socket, tilting-pad journal bearing in load-between-pad configuration. Measured static characteristics include journal static equilibrium position, estimated power loss, and trailing-edge pad temperatures. Rotordynamic coefficients were determined from curve-fits of measured complex dynamic-stiffness coefficients as a function of the excitation frequency. Aside from the cross-coupled damping coefficients, a frequency-independent [M]-[C]-[K] model did a good job of fitting the measurements. The added-mass coefficient was frequently dropped, leaving only a frequency-independent stiffness and damping coefficient. Test conditions included speeds from 4000 rpm to 12,000 rpm and unit loads from 0 kPa to 1896 kPa (0–275 psi). The bearing uses cool inlet oil to decrease the pad operating temperatures and increase the bearing’s load and speed capacity. The bearing has a nominal radial clearance of 95.3 μm (3.75 mils). However, measurements indicated significant bearing crush with a radial bearing clearance of 99.6 μm (3.92 mils) in the axis 45 deg counterclockwise from the loaded axis and 54.6 μm (2.15 mils) in the axis 45 deg clockwise from the loaded axis (assuming counterclockwise rotation). The pad length is 101.60 mm (4.00 in.), giving L/D=1.00. The pad arc angle is 73 deg, and the pivot offset ratio is 65%. Testing was performed using a test rig described by Kaul (1999, “Design and Development of a Test Setup for the Experimental Determination of the Rotordynamic and Leakage Characteristics of Annular Bushing Oil Seals,” MS thesis, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX), and rotordynamic coefficients were extracted using a procedure adapted from the work of Childs and Hale (1994, “A Test Apparatus and Facility to Identify the Rotordynamic Coefficients of High-Speed Hydrostatic Bearings,” ASME J. Tribol., 116, pp. 337–344). A bulk-flow Navier–Stokes model was used for predictions, using adiabatic conditions for the fluid in the bearing. However, the model assumes constant nominal clearances at all pads, and an average clearance was used based on measured clearances. Measured static eccentricities and attitude angles were significantly higher than predicted. Attitude angles varied from 6 deg to 39 deg and decreased with load. Power loss was underpredicted at low speeds and very well predicted at high speeds, with a maximum value of 25 kW (34 hp). The maximum detected pad temperature was 71°C(160°F) while the temperature increase from inlet to maximum pad temperature location was overpredicted by 10–40%. Direct stiffness and damping coefficients were significantly overpredicted, but the addition of a stiffness-in-series correction vastly improved the agreement between theory and experiment. Direct added masses were zero or negative at low speeds and increased with speed up to a maximum of about 50 kg; they were normally greater in the x (unloaded) direction. Although significant cross-coupled stiffness terms were present, they always had the same sign, and the bearing had a whirl frequency ratio of zero netting unconditional stability over all test conditions.


2013 ◽  
Vol 364 ◽  
pp. 71-75
Author(s):  
Ming Hu Yin ◽  
Guo Ding Chen ◽  
Guo Yuan Zhang

Most of the studies about tilting pad journal bearings are for load-on-pad or load-between-pad tilting pad journal bearings, and for the other loading forms, the performance are often estimated by the performance of the two limited conditions, that may reduce the reliablity of bearing design or lead to waste materials in design. To obtained the influence of the load directions on the static and dynamic characteristics of the tilting pad journal bearing, which is called eccentric load effect in this papers, the performance calculation of the tilting pad journal bearing in different load directions is operated with a self-designed program. The results show that the load directions have considerable effects both on the static and dynamic characteristics of the tilting pad journal bearing, for the operating condition that load direction changed rapidly, it need performance analysis of the bearing in its special loading forms to enhance the precision and efficiency of bearing design, espacially where the dynamic performance of the tilting pad journal bearing is demanding.


Author(s):  
David M. Coghlan ◽  
Dara W. Childs

Measured and predicted rotordynamic characteristics are presented for a four-pad, spherical-seat, tilting-pad journal bearing (TPJB) with 0.5 pivot offset, 0.6 L/D, 101.6 mm nominal diameter, and 0.3 preload in the load-between-pivots orientation. One bearing is tested four separate times in the following four different lubrication configurations: (1) flooded single-orifice (SO) at the bearing shell, (2) evacuated leading edge groove (LEG), (3) evacuated spray-bar blocker (SBB), and (4) evacuated spray-bar (SB). The same set of pads is used for every test to maintain clearance and preload; each method of lubrication is added as an assembly to the bearing. Test conditions include surface speeds and unit loads up to 85 m/s and 2.9 MPa, respectively. Dynamic data includes four sets (one set for each bearing configuration) of direct and cross-coupled rotordynamic coefficients derived from measurements and fit to a frequency-independent stiffness-damping-mass (KCM) matrix model. The pivot stiffness (pad and pivot in series) is measured and incorporated into predictions.


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.


1967 ◽  
Vol 89 (3) ◽  
pp. 392-400 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. K. Orcutt

Calculated steady-state and dynamic characteristics are given for the four-pad, tilting-pad journal bearing with preload coefficients of 0 and 0.5 and for mean Reynolds up to 12,000. The calculated characteristics are compared with experimental measurements over the same range of operating parameters. Correlation is good, leading to the conclusion that the calculated data are effective for design analysis of rotor-bearing systems using tilting-pad bearings.


2018 ◽  
Vol 201 ◽  
pp. 747-759 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seung Yoon On ◽  
Yun Seong Kim ◽  
Jun Il You ◽  
Jun Woo Lim ◽  
Seong Su Kim

Author(s):  
Joel Harris ◽  
Dara Childs

Static performance characteristics and rotordynamic coefficients were experimentally determined for a four-pad, spherical-seat, tilting-pad journal bearing in load-between-pad configuration. Measured static characteristics include journal static equilibrium position, estimated power loss, and trailing-edge pad temperatures. Rotordynamic coefficients were determined from curve fits of measured complex dynamic-stiffness coefficients as a functions of the excitation frequency. A frequency-independent [M]-[C]-[K] model did a good job of fitting the measurements. Test conditions included speeds from 4 to 12 krpm and unit loads from 0 to 1896 kPa (0 to 275 psi). The bearing uses cool inlet oil to decrease the pad operating temperatures and increase the bearing’s load and speed capacity. The bearing has a nominal diameter of 101.78 mm (4.0070 in). Measurements indicated significant bearing crush with a radial bearing clearance of 99.63 μm (3.92 mils) in the axis 45° counterclockwise from the loaded axis and 54.60 μm (2.15 mils) in the axis 45° clockwise from the loaded axis. The pad length is 101.60 mm (4.00 in), giving L/D = 1.00. The pad arc angle is 73°, and the pivot offset ratio is 65%. Testing was performed using a test rig described by Kaul [1], and rotordynamic coefficients were extracted using a procedure adapted from Childs and Hale [2]. A bulk-flow Navier-Stokes model was used for predictions, using adiabatic conditions for the fluid in the bearings. However, the model assumes constant nominal clearances at all pads, and an average clearance was used based on measured clearances. Measured static eccentricities and attitude angles were significantly lower than predicted. Attitude angles varied from 6° to 39° and decreased with load. Power loss was well-predicted, with a maximum value of 25 kW (34 hp). The maximum detected pad temperature was 71°C (160°C) while the temperature rise from inlet to exit was over-predicted by 8°C (14°F). Direct stiffness and damping coefficients were significantly over-predicted, but the addition of a simple pivot-stiffness in series with the measured stiffness and damping values vastly improved the agreement between theory and experiment. Direct added masses were negative to a higher degree for Myy (y load direction) at low speeds and increased with speed. With the exception of Myy at zero load, they became positive before reaching 8,000 rpm. Although significant cross-coupled stiffness terms were present, they always had the same sign, producing a whirl frequency ratio of zero and netting unconditional stability over all test conditions.


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