Steady-State Tilting-Pad Bearing Performance Under Reduced Oil Supply Flow Rates

2018 ◽  
Vol 140 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bradley R. Nichols ◽  
Roger L. Fittro ◽  
Christopher P. Goyne
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Data ◽  
Steady State ◽  
Flow Rate ◽  
Flow Model ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Input Power ◽  
Flow Rates ◽  
Flow Models ◽  
Oil Supply ◽  
Tilting Pad

Reduced oil supply flow rates in fluid film bearings can cause cavitation, or lack of a fully developed hydrodynamic film layer, at the leading edge of the bearing pads. Reduced oil flow has the well-documented effects of higher bearing operating temperatures and decreased power losses and is commonly referred to as starvation. This study looks at the effects of oil supply flow rate on steady-state bearing performance and provides increased experimental data for comparison to computational predictions. Tests are conducted on a five-pad tilting-pad bearing positioned in a vintage, flooded housing with oil supply nozzles. Pad temperatures, sump temperature, journal operating position, and motor input power are measured at various operating speeds ranging from 2000 to 12,000 rpm and various oil supply flow rates. Predicted results are obtained from bearing modeling software based on thermoelastohydrodynamic (TEHD) lubrication theory. A starved flow model was previously developed as an improvement over the original flooded flow model to more accurately capture bearing behavior under reduced flow conditions. Experimental results are compared to both flow models. The starved bearing model predicts significantly higher journal operating positions than the flooded model and shows good correlation with the experimental data. Predicted pressure profiles from the starved bearing model show cavitation of the upper unloaded pads that increase in severity with increasing speed and decreasing oil supply flow rate. The progressive unloading of these top pads explains the rise in shaft centerline position and helps further validate the starvation model.

Rotor Damped Natural Frequencies and Stability Under Reduced Oil Supply Flow Rates to Tilting-Pad Journal Bearings

2018 ◽  
Vol 140 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bradley R. Nichols ◽  
Roger L. Fittro ◽  
Christopher P. Goyne
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Data ◽  
Natural Frequencies ◽  
Dynamic Performance ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
System Stability ◽  
Flow Rates ◽  
Oil Supply ◽  
Pressure Profiles ◽  
Tilting Pad ◽  
Identification Technique

Reduced oil supply flow rates in fluid film bearings can cause cavitation, or lack of a fully developed film layer, over one or more of the pads due to starvation. Reduced oil flow has the well-documented effects of higher bearing operating temperatures and decreased power losses; however, little experimental data are available on its effects on system stability and dynamic performance. The study looks at the effects of oil supply flow rate on dynamic bearing performance by comparing experimentally identified damped natural frequencies and damping ratios to predictive models. A test rig consisting of a flexible rotor and supported by two tilting pad bearings in flooded housings is utilized in this study. Tests are conducted over a range of supercritical operating speeds and bearing loads while systematically reducing the oil supply flow rates provided to the bearings. Shaft response measured as a magnetic actuator is used to perform sine sweep excitations of the rotor. A single-input, multiple-output system identification technique is then used to obtain frequency response functions (FRFs) and modal parameters. All experimental results are compared to predicted results obtained from bearing models based on thermoelastohydrodynamic (TEHD) lubrication theory. Both flooded and starved model flow assumptions are considered and compared to the data. Differences in the predicted trends of the models and the experimental data across varying operating conditions are examined. Predicted pressure profiles and dynamic coefficients from the models are presented to help explain any differences in trends.

Subsynchronous Vibration Patterns Under Reduced Oil Supply Flow Rates

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. R. Nichols ◽  
R. L. Fittro ◽  
C. P. Goyne
Keyword(s):  
Flow Rate ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
System Stability ◽  
Supporting Evidence ◽  
Test Rig ◽  
Flow Rates ◽  
Oil Supply ◽  
Bending Mode ◽  
Wide Range

Many high-speed, rotating machines across a wide range of industrial applications depend on fluid film bearings to provide both static support of the rotor and to introduce stabilizing damping forces into the system through a developed hydrodynamic film wedge. Reduced oil supply flow rate to the bearings can cause cavitation, or a lack of a fully developed film layer, at the leading edge of the bearing pads. Reducing oil flow has the well-documented effects of higher bearing operating temperatures and decreased power losses due to shear forces. While machine efficiency may be improved with reduced lubricant flow, little experimental data on its effects on system stability and performance can be found in the literature. This study looks at overall system performance of a test rig operating under reduced oil supply flow rates by observing steady-state bearing performance indicators and baseline vibrational response of the shaft. The test rig used in this study was designed to be dynamically similar to a high-speed industrial compressor. It consists of a 1.55 m long, flexible rotor supported by two tilting pad bearings with a nominal diameter of 70 mm and a span of 1.2 m. The first bending mode is located at approximately 5,000 rpm. The tiling-pad bearings consist of five pads in a vintage, flooded bearing housing with a length to diameter ratio of 0.75, preload of 0.3, and a load-between-pad configuration. Tests were conducted over a number of operating speeds, ranging from 8,000 to 12,000 rpm, and bearing loads, while systematically reducing the oil supply flow rates provided to the bearings under each condition. For nearly all operating conditions, a low amplitude, broadband subsynchronous vibration pattern was observed in the frequency domain from approximately 0–75 Hz. When the test rig was operated at running speeds above its first bending mode, a distinctive subsynchronous peak emerged from the broadband pattern at approximately half of the running speed and at the first bending mode of the shaft. This vibration signature is often considered a classic sign of rotordynamic instability attributed to oil whip and shaft whirl phenomena. For low and moderate load conditions, the amplitude of this 0.5x subsynchronous peak increased with decreasing oil supply flow rate at all operating speeds. Under the high load condition, the subsynchronous peak was largely attenuated. A discussion on the possible sources of this subsynchronous vibration including self-excited instability and pad flutter forced vibration is provided with supporting evidence from thermoelastohydrodynamic (TEHD) bearing modeling results. Implications of reduced oil supply flow rate on system stability and operational limits are also discussed.

scholarly journals Validation of the generalized model of two-phase thermosyphon loop based on experimental measurements of volumetric flow rate

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 109-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henryk Bieliński
Keyword(s):  
Steady State ◽  
Flow Rate ◽  
Vertical Section ◽  
Volumetric Flow Rate ◽  
Working Fluid ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Generalized Model ◽  
Flow Models ◽  
Theoretical Predictions ◽  
The One

AbstractThe current paper presents the experimental validation of the generalized model of the two-phase thermosyphon loop. The generalized model is based on mass, momentum, and energy balances in the evaporators, rising tube, condensers and the falling tube. The theoretical analysis and the experimental data have been obtained for a new designed variant. The variant refers to a thermosyphon loop with both minichannels and conventional tubes. The thermosyphon loop consists of an evaporator on the lower vertical section and a condenser on the upper vertical section. The one-dimensional homogeneous and separated two-phase flow models were used in calculations. The latest minichannel heat transfer correlations available in literature were applied. A numerical analysis of the volumetric flow rate in the steady-state has been done. The experiment was conducted on a specially designed test apparatus. Ultrapure water was used as a working fluid. The results show that the theoretical predictions are in good agreement with the measured volumetric flow rate at steady-state.

An Experimental Study of the Flow of R-407C in an Adiabatic Spiral Capillary Tube

2009 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
M. K. Mittal ◽  
R. Kumar ◽  
A. Gupta
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Data ◽  
Mass Flow Rate ◽  
Mass Flow ◽  
Flow Rate ◽  
Capillary Tube ◽  
Flow Characteristics ◽  
Flow Rates ◽  
Tube Test ◽  
Mass Flow Rates ◽  
R 134A

The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of coiling on the flow characteristics of R-407C in an adiabatic spiral capillary tube. The characteristic coiling parameter for a spiral capillary tube is the coil pitch; hence, the effect of the coil pitch on the mass flow rate of R-407C was studied on several capillary tube test sections. It was observed that the coiling of the capillary tube significantly reduced the mass flow rate of R-407C in the adiabatic spiral capillary tube. In order to quantify the effect of coiling, the experiments were also conducted for straight a capillary tube, and it was observed that the coiling of the capillary tube reduced the mass flow rate in the spiral tube in the range of 9–18% as compared with that in the straight capillary tube. A generalized nondimensional correlation for the prediction of the mass flow rates of various refrigerants was developed for the straight capillary tube on the basis of the experimental data of R-407C of the present study, and the data of R-134a, R-22, and R-410A measured by other researchers. Additionally, a refrigerant-specific correlation for the spiral capillary was also proposed on the basis of the experimental data of R-407C of the present study.

Prediction of Ingestion Through Turbine Rim Seals—Part II: Externally Induced and Combined Ingress

2010 ◽  
Vol 133 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Michael Owen
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Data ◽  
Flow Rate ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
Swirling Flows ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Flow Rates ◽  
Hot Gas ◽  
Predicted Values ◽  
Good Agreement

Ingress of hot gas through the rim seals of gas turbines can be modeled theoretically using the so-called orifice equations. In Part I of this two-part paper, the orifice equations were derived for compressible and incompressible swirling flows, and the incompressible equations were solved for axisymmetric rotationally induced (RI) ingress. In Part II, the incompressible equations are solved for nonaxisymmetric externally induced (EI) ingress and for combined EI and RI ingress. The solutions show how the nondimensional ingress and egress flow rates vary with Θ0, the ratio of the flow rate of sealing air to the flow rate necessary to prevent ingress. For EI ingress, a “saw-tooth model” is used for the circumferential variation of pressure in the external annulus, and it is shown that ε, the sealing effectiveness, depends principally on Θ0; the theoretical variation of ε with Θ0 is similar to that found in Part I for RI ingress. For combined ingress, the solution of the orifice equations shows the transition from RI to EI ingress as the amplitude of the circumferential variation of pressure increases. The predicted values of ε for EI ingress are in good agreement with the available experimental data, but there are insufficient published data to validate the theory for combined ingress.

Prediction of Ingestion Through Turbine Rim Seals—Part 2: Externally-Induced and Combined Ingress

2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Michael Owen
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Data ◽  
Flow Rate ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
Swirling Flow ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Flow Rates ◽  
Hot Gas ◽  
Predicted Values ◽  
Good Agreement

Ingress of hot gas through the rim seals of gas turbines can be modelled theoretically using the so-called orifice equations. In Part 1 (ASME GT 2009-59121) of this two-part paper, the orifice equations were derived for compressible and incompressible swirling flow, and the incompressible equations were solved for axisymmetric rotationally-induced (RI) ingress. In Part 2, the incompressible equations are solved for non-axisymmetric externally-induced (EI) ingress and for combined EI and RI ingress. The solutions show how the nondimensional ingress and egress flow rates vary with Θ0, the ratio of the flow rate of sealing air to the flow rate necessary to prevent ingress. For EI ingress, a ‘saw-tooth model’ is used for the circumferential variation of pressure in the external annulus, and it is shown that ε, the sealing effectiveness, depends principally on Θ0; the theoretical variation of ε with Θ0 is similar to that found in Part 1 for RI ingress. For combined ingress, the solution of the orifice equations shows the transition from RI to EI ingress as the amplitude of the circumferential variation of pressure increases. The predicted values of ε for EI ingress are in good agreement with available experimental data, but there are insufficient published data to validate the theory for combined ingress.

A Comparison of Tilting Pad Thrust Bearing Lubricant Supply Methods

1983 ◽  
Vol 105 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. M. Mikula ◽  
R. S. Gregory
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Data ◽  
Power Loss ◽  
Thrust Bearing ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Potential User ◽  
Thrust Bearings ◽  
Tilting Pad ◽  
Edge Distribution

This paper compares three different lubricant supply methods—pressurized supply (flooded), spray feed, and leading edge distribution groove—and analyzes their influence on the performance of tilting pad, equalizing thrust bearings. The paper presents experimental data on 267 mm (10-1/2 in.) o.d. bearings, operating at shaft speeds up to 13,000 rpm with loads ranging up to 3.45 MPa (500 psi). The data presented demonstrate the effect each lubricant supply method has on bearing power loss and temperature. Conclusions are drawn, based upon the effectiveness of each design, to guide the potential user.

Study of Unsteady Orifice Flow Characteristics in Hydraulic Oil Lines

1996 ◽  
Vol 118 (4) ◽  
pp. 743-748 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seiichi Washio ◽  
Satoshi Takahashi ◽  
Yonguang Yu ◽  
Satoshi Yamaguchi
Keyword(s):  
Steady State ◽  
Flow Rate ◽  
Pressure Loss ◽  
Flow Characteristics ◽  
High Fidelity ◽  
Flow Rates ◽  
Hydraulic Oil ◽  
Orifice Flow ◽  
Net Pressure ◽  
Clockwise Hysteresis

A technique to measure fluctuating differential pressures with high fidelity has been developed first. When applied to detecting differential pressures generated by an accelerated or decelerated liquid column, the technique turned out to be effective in finding unsteady flow rates. An experimental study has been carried out on periodically changing hydraulic oil flows through an orifice. The results support the validity of the traditional standpoint that characteristics of an unsteady orifice flow can be approximately represented by those of a steady-state one. When inspected in detail, however, a net pressure loss across an orifice in a periodical flow is delayed against a change of the flow rate. The resulting relation between the pressure loss and the flow rate describes a loop with a counter-clockwise hysteresis and a nonlinear twist along the steady-state one. Pressure recovery in a pulsating orifice flow varies with the flow rate almost along the steady-state relation, which is confirmed when the change is not fast.

Over-Temperature Forecasts on Electronic Packages Through a Transient R–C Model

1999 ◽  
Vol 122 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-47
Author(s):  
Ben-Je Lwo ◽  
Kun-Fu Tseng ◽  
Ching-Hsing Kao ◽  
Luke Su Lu
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Data ◽  
Steady State ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Electronic Packaging ◽  
Input Power ◽  
Electronic Packages ◽  
Temperature Prediction ◽  
Steady State Temperature ◽  
New Methodologies ◽  
Capacitance Model

Based on experimental data, a simple R–C (thermal resistance–heat capacitance) model with software precaution strategies are proposed in this paper to predict the steady-state temperature of the circuit in an electronic packaging in real time. Further developments on the new methodology lead to real time monitoring if input power and/or the environment are changing during operations. It is concluded that the new methodologies, which make the over-temperature prediction much more reliable, efficient, sensible, and faster, can be easily employed for over-temperature protection designs on electronic packaging. [S1043-7398(00)00301-7]

Clarification of Performance Curve Instability Mechanism Using Large Eddy Simulation of Internal Flow of a Mixed-Flow Pump

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isao Hagiya ◽  
Chisachi Kato ◽  
Yoshinobu Yamade ◽  
Takahide Nagahara ◽  
Masashi Fukaya
Keyword(s):  
Flow Rate ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Low Flow ◽  
Performance Curve ◽  
Instability Mechanism ◽  
Positive Slope ◽  
Mixed Flow ◽  
Flow Rates ◽  
Direction Opposite ◽  
Flow Pump

We analyzed the internal flows of a test mixed-flow pump exhibiting performance curve instability at low flow rates by using LES to clarify the performance curve instability mechanism. The LES was conducted using the open source software FrontFlow/blue [1]. In particular, we investigated in detail the flows at the flow rates, where the head curve had a positive slope under low flow rate condition. We clarified that Euler’s head drop caused by a stall near the tip of the rotor-blades is a dominant factor at the instability of the test pump. At the bottom point of the positive slope of the head curve, stall regions covered all the rotor-blade passages on the tip side. The drop of the angular momentum in the impeller caused by the stall on the leading edge side exceeds the increment caused by the decrease in the flow rate on the trailing edge at the bottom point of the positive slope. At the middle point of the positive slope of the head curve we also found regions with low-velocities in some blade passages. Such regions, namely stall cells, rotated around the impeller for one revolution while the impeller rotated almost about 20 revolutions in the direction opposite to the impeller’s rotation. The region with low-velocity first appears at the trailing edge and expands toward the leading edge. The angle of attack of the neighbouring blade in the direction opposite to the rotation of the blade increases and that blade pitch begins to stall. When that blade pitch is fully stalled, it is no longer loaded and the positive pressure gradient in that blade pitch decreases. The blade pitch is most likely to accept the excess flow. It recovers from the stalled state.

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