Bulk-Flow Analysis of Hybrid Thrust Bearings for Process Fluid Applications

1999 ◽  
Vol 122 (1) ◽  
pp. 170-180 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis San Andre´s
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Energy Transport ◽  
Flow Analysis ◽  
Mechanical Efficiency ◽  
Bulk Flow ◽  
Fluid Film ◽  
Axial Stiffness ◽  
Dynamic Force ◽  
Fluid Inertia ◽  
Thrust Bearings

Advanced cryogenic fluid turbopumps are very compact, operate at extremely high shaft speeds, and require hybrid (hydrostatic/hydrodynamic) radial and thrust fluid film bearings for accurate rotor positioning. Sound design and reliable operation of fluid film thrust bearings also allows for unshrouded impellers with a significant increase in the turbopump mechanical efficiency. A bulk-flow analysis for prediction of the static load performance and dynamic force coefficients of high speed, angled injection orifice-compensated, hybrid (hydrostatic/hydrodynamic) thrust bearings is presented. The model accounts for the bulk-flow mass, momentum and thermal energy transport, and includes flow turbulence and fluid inertia (advection and centrifugal) effects on the bearing film lands and recesses. The performance of a refrigerant hybrid thrust bearing for an oil-free air conditioning equipment is evaluated at two operating speeds and pressure differentials. The computed results are presented in dimensionless form to evidence consistent trends in the bearing performance characteristics. As the applied axial load increases, the bearing film thickness and flow rate decrease while the recess pressure increases. The axial stiffness coefficient shows a maximum for a certain intermediate load while the damping coefficient steadily increases with load. The computed results show the significance of centrifugal fluid inertia at low recess pressures (i.e. low loads) and high rotational speeds, and which can lead to film starvation at the bearing inner radius and subambient pressures just downstream of the bearing recess edge. [S0742-4787(00)02201-3]

scholarly journals Measurements Versus Predictions for a Hybrid (Hydrostatic Plus Hydrodynamic) Thrust Bearing for a Range of Orifice Diameters

2019 ◽  
Vol 141 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dara W. Childs ◽  
Paul Esser
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Thrust Bearing ◽  
Fluid Film ◽  
Orifice Diameter ◽  
Axial Stiffness ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Flow Rates ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Thrust Bearings ◽  
Inner Radius

A fixed-geometry hybrid thrust bearing is investigated with three different supply orifice diameters, (1.63, 1.80, and 1.93 mm). The test rig uses a face-to-face thrust-bearing design, with the test bearing acting as the rotor loading mechanism. A hydraulic shaker applies the static axial load, which is reacted by a second (slave) thrust bearing. The rotor is supported radially by two water-lubricated fluid-film journal bearings and is attached to a 30.6 krpm motor via a high-speed coupling with very low axial stiffness. Thrust bearings are tested for a range of supply pressures (5.17, 10.34, and 17.34 bars), fluid film thicknesses, and speeds (7.5, 12.5, and 17.5 krpm). The water-lubricated test bearings have eight pockets, with feed orifices located centrally in each pocket. Experimental results are compared to predictions from a bulk-flow model, showing generally good agreement. Thrust-bearing inlet supply and inner radius flow rates all decreased with decreasing orifice diameters and bearing axial clearances. In most cases, the bearings with larger orifice diameters exhibit higher recess pressure ratios, operating clearances, and flow rates. An optimum hybrid thrust-bearing orifice diameter will depend on the conditions of individual applications. Larger orifices generally provide larger operating clearances and higher stiffnesses, but also require higher flow rates. For most applications, a compromise of bearing performance parameters will be desired. The test results and comparisons presented will aid in sizing orifice diameters for future hybrid thrust-bearing designs and in validating and improving models and predictions.

Theoretical and Experimental Comparisons for Damping Coefficients of a Short-Length Open-End Squeeze Film Damper

1996 ◽  
Vol 118 (4) ◽  
pp. 810-815 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. A. San Andres
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Mechanical Energy ◽  
Short Length ◽  
Fluid Film ◽  
Squeeze Film ◽  
Absolute Pressure ◽  
Dynamic Force ◽  
Fluid Inertia ◽  
Squeeze Film Damper ◽  
Damping Coefficients

Squeeze film dampers (SFD) provide load isolation and attenuate rotor vibrations in high speed turbomachinery. Operating parameters such as whirl frequency, amplitude of journal motion, and value of external pressure supply determine the SFD dynamic force response and its dissipation of mechanical energy. Measurements of pressure fields and fluid film forces in a fully submerged open-end squeeze film damper are presented for tests with rotor speeds to 5000 cpm and low supply pressures. The damper has a clearance of 381 µm (0.015 in.) and the journal describes circular centered orbits of amplitudes ranging from 30 to 50 percent of the bearing clearance. Experimental film pressures depict a vapor cavitation (close to zero absolute pressure) zone increasing in extent as the whirl frequency increases. Estimated fluid film forces from the measured pressure profiles are found to be proportional to whirl speed and lubricant viscosity. Test cross-coupled damping coefficients (Crt) are smaller than predicted values based on the short-length bearing model with a π film cavitation assumption. The direct damping coefficients (Ctt) are larger than theoretical values, especially at low frequencies where the dynamic cavitation region has not grown to half the circumferential flow extent. The experiments demonstrate the viscous character of the fluid film forces in a SFD test apparatus where fluid inertia effects are minimal (squeeze film Reynolds number less than one). On the other hand, the extent of the cavitation zone appears to be dominant on the generation of fluid film forces.

Theoretical and Experimental Comparisons for Damping Coefficients of a Short Length Open-End Squeeze Film Damper

1995 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis A. San Andres
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Mechanical Energy ◽  
Short Length ◽  
Fluid Film ◽  
Squeeze Film ◽  
Absolute Pressure ◽  
Dynamic Force ◽  
Fluid Inertia ◽  
Squeeze Film Damper ◽  
Damping Coefficients

Squeeze film dampers (SFD) provide load isolation and attenuate rotor vibrations in high speed turbomachinery. Operating parameters such as whirl frequency, amplitude of journal motion and value of external pressure supply determine the SFD dynamic force response and its dissipation of mechanical energy. Measurements of pressure fields and fluid film forces in a fully submerged open end - squeeze film damper are presented for tests with rotor speeds to 5,000 cpm and low supply pressures. The damper has a clearance of 381 µm (0.015 in) and the journal describes circular centered orbits of amplitudes ranging from 30% to 50% of the bearing clearance. Experimental film pressures depict a vapor cavitation (close to zero absolute pressure) zone increasing in extent as the whirl frequency increases. Estimated fluid film forces from the measured pressure profiles are found to be proportional to whirl speed and lubricant viscosity. Test cross coupled damping coefficients (Cπ) are smaller than predicted values based on the short length bearing model with a π film cavitation assumption. The direct damping coefficients (Cπ) are larger than theoretical values, especially at low frequencies where the dynamic cavitation region has not grown to half the circumferential flow extent. The experiments demonstrate the viscous character of the fluid film forces in a SFD test apparatus where fluid inertia effects are minimal (squeeze film Reynolds number less than one). On the other hand, the extent of the cavitation zone appears to be dominant on the generation of fluid film forces.

Modeling and Experimental Investigation of Micro-Hydrostatic Gas Thrust Bearings for Micro-Turbomachines

2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. J. Teo ◽  
Z. S. Spakovszky
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic Stability ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Thrust Bearing ◽  
Dynamic Instability ◽  
Axial Stiffness ◽  
Stable Operation ◽  
Essential Information ◽  
Flow Choking ◽  
Thrust Bearings

One of the major challenges for the successful operation of high-power-density micro-devices lies in the stable operation of the bearings supporting the high-speed rotating turbomachinery. Previous modeling efforts by Piekos [1], Liu et al. [2] and Spakovszky and Liu [3] have mainly focused on the operation and stability of journal bearings. However, since thrust bearings play the vital role of providing axial support and stiffness, there is a need to gain a fuller understanding of their behavior. In this work, a rigorous theory is presented to analyze the effects of compressibility in micro-flows (characterized by low Reynolds numbers and high Mach numbers) through hydrostatic thrust bearings for application to microturbomachines. The analytical model, which combines a 1-D compressible flow model with Finite-Element Analysis, serves as a useful tool for establishing operating protocols and assessing the stability characteristics of hydrostatic thrust bearings. The model is capable of predicting key steady-state performance indicators, such as bearing mass flow, axial stiffness and natural frequency as a function of the hydrostatic supply pressure and thrust bearing geometry. The model has been applied to investigate the static stability of hydrostatic thrust bearings in micro-turbine-generators, where the electrostatic attraction between the stator and rotor gives rise to a negative axial stiffness contribution and may lead to device failure. Thrust bearing operating protocols have been established for a micro-turbopump, where the bearings also serve as an annular seal preventing the leakage of pressurized liquid from the pump to the gaseous flow in the turbine. The dual role of the annular pad poses challenges in the operation of both the device and the thrust bearing. The operating protocols provide essential information for the required thrust bearing supply pressures and axial gaps required to prevent the leakage of water into the thrust bearings for various pump outlet pressures. Good agreement is observed between the model predictions and experimental results. In addition, a dynamic stability analysis is also performed, which indicates the occurrence of unstable axial oscillations due to flow choking effects in both forward and aft thrust bearings. These a-priori dynamic stability predictions were subsequently verified experimentally on a micro-turbocharger. The frequencies of unstable axial oscillations predicted using the model compare favorably to those determined experimentally, thus vindicating the validity of the model. A simple and useful dynamic stability criterion is established, where the occurrence of flow choking in both thrust bearings give rise to dynamic instability.

scholarly journals Squeeze Film Dampers Executing Small Amplitude Circular-Centered Orbits in High-Speed Turbomachinery

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sina Hamzehlouia ◽  
Kamran Behdinan
Keyword(s):  
Pressure Distribution ◽  
Small Amplitude ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Fluid Film ◽  
Distribution Model ◽  
Squeeze Film ◽  
Fluid Inertia ◽  
Inertia Effects ◽  
Squeeze Film Dampers ◽  
Reaction Forces

This work represents a pressure distribution model for finite length squeeze film dampers (SFDs) executing small amplitude circular-centered orbits (CCOs) with application in high-speed turbomachinery design. The proposed pressure distribution model only accounts for unsteady (temporal) inertia terms, since based on order of magnitude analysis, for small amplitude motions of the journal center, the effect of convective inertia is negligible relative to unsteady (temporal) inertia. In this work, the continuity equation and the momentum transport equations for incompressible lubricants are reduced by assuming that the shapes of the fluid velocity profiles are not strongly influenced by the inertia forces, obtaining an extended form of Reynolds equation for the hydrodynamic pressure distribution that accounts for fluid inertia effects. Furthermore, a numerical procedure is represented to discretize the model equations by applying finite difference approximation (FDA) and to numerically determine the pressure distribution and fluid film reaction forces in SFDs with significant accuracy. Finally, the proposed model is incorporated into a simulation model and the results are compared against existing SFD models. Based on the simulation results, the pressure distribution and fluid film reaction forces are significantly influenced by fluid inertia effects even at small and moderate Reynolds numbers.

Modeling and Experimental Investigation of Micro-hydrostatic Gas Thrust Bearings for Micro-turbomachines

2005 ◽  
Vol 128 (4) ◽  
pp. 597-605 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. J. Teo ◽  
Z. S. Spakovszky
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Scaling Laws ◽  
Thrust Bearing ◽  
Journal Bearings ◽  
Axial Stiffness ◽  
Stable Operation ◽  
Successful Operation ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Essential Information ◽  
Thrust Bearings

One major challenge for the successful operation of high-power-density micro-devices lies in the stable operation of the bearings supporting the high-speed rotating turbomachinery. Previous modeling efforts by Piekos (2000, “Numerical Simulation of Gas-Lubricated Journal Bearings for Microfabricated Machines,” Ph.D. thesis, Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, MIT), Liu et al. (2005, “Hydrostatic Gas Journal Bearings for Micro-Turbo Machinery,” ASME J. Vib. Acoust., 127, pp. 157–164), and Spakovszky and Liu (2005, “Scaling Laws for Ultra-Short Hydrostatic Gas Journal Bearings,” ASME J. Vib. Acoust. 127, pp. 254–261) have focused on the operation and stability of journal bearings. Thrust bearings play a vital role in providing axial support and stiffness, and there is a need to improve the understanding of their dynamic behavior. In this work, a rigorous theory is presented to analyze the effects of compressibility in micro-flows (characterized by low Reynolds numbers and high Mach numbers) through hydrostatic thrust bearings for application to micro-turbomachines. The analytical model, which combines a one-dimensional compressible flow model with finite-element analysis, serves as a useful tool for establishing operating protocols and assessing the stability characteristics of hydrostatic thrust bearings. The model is capable of predicting key steady-state performance indicators, such as bearing mass flow, axial stiffness, and natural frequency as a function of the hydrostatic supply pressure and thrust-bearing geometry. The model has been applied to investigate the static stability of hydrostatic thrust bearings in micro-turbine generators, where the electrostatic attraction between the stator and rotor gives rise to a negative axial stiffness contribution and may lead to device failure. Thrust-bearing operating protocols have been established for a micro-turbopump, where the bearings also serve as an annular seal preventing the leakage of pressurized liquid from the pump to the gaseous flow in the turbine. The dual role of the annular pad poses challenges in the operation of both the device and the thrust bearing. The operating protocols provide essential information on the required thrust-bearing supply pressures and axial gaps required to prevent the leakage of water into the thrust bearings. Good agreement is observed between the model predictions and experimental results. A dynamic stability analysis has been conducted, which indicates the occurrence of instabilities due to flow choking effects in both forward and aft thrust bearings. A simple criterion for the onset of axial rotor oscillations has been established and subsequently verified in a micro-turbocharger experiment. The predicted frequencies of the unstable axial oscillations compare well with the experimental measurements.

The Effects of Fluid Inertia Forces on the Static Characteristics of Sector-Shaped, High-Speed Thrust Bearings in Turbulent Flow Regime

1989 ◽  
Vol 111 (3) ◽  
pp. 406-412 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Hashimoto
Keyword(s):  
Carrying Capacity ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Experimental Results ◽  
Polar Coordinates ◽  
Load Carrying Capacity ◽  
Static Characteristics ◽  
Fluid Inertia ◽  
Thrust Bearings ◽  
Load Carrying ◽  
Inertia Forces

This paper describes a study on the performance characteristics of sector-shaped, high-speed thrust bearings subjected to the effects of both turbulence and fluid inertia forces. The basic lubrication equations are derived by integrating the momentum and continuity equations in the polar coordinates including the full inertia terms throughout the film thickness; and a numerical calculation technique combining the control volume integration and the Newton-Raphson linearization method is applied to solve the equations. The static characteristics such as the load carrying capacity and the pressure center are calculated for various values of pad extent angle and inner-to-outer radius ratio of a pad. The theoretical results of the load carrying capacity are compared with the experimental results. It was found that the fluid inertia forces have significant effects on the static characteristics of the bearings. Good agreement was obtained between theoretical and experimental results.

Turbulent Hybrid Bearings With Fluid Inertia Effects

1990 ◽  
Vol 112 (4) ◽  
pp. 699-707 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis San Andre´s
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Load Capacity ◽  
Pressure Rise ◽  
Reynolds Numbers ◽  
Dynamic Force ◽  
Fluid Inertia ◽  
Inertia Effects ◽  
Friction Factors ◽  
Region Flow ◽  
The Stability

High speed hybrid bearings for cryogenic applications demand large levels of external pressurization to provide substantial load capacity. These conditions give rise to large film Reynolds numbers, and thus, cause the fluid flow within the bearing film to be turbulent and dominated by fluid inertia effects both at the recess edges and at the thin film lands. The analysis includes the effect of recess fluid compressibility and a model for the pressure rise within the recess region. Flow turbulence is simulated by friction factors dependent on the local Reynolds numbers and surface conditions. A perturbation method is used to calculate the zeroth and first flow fields and determine the bearing steady-state and dynamic force response. Comparison of results with existing experimental data shows the accuracy of the present full inertial-turbulent analysis. A roughened bearing surface is shown to improve considerably the stability characteristics of hybrid bearings operating at high speeds.

Numerical Evaluation and High-Speed Rotating Test On Circular Arc Spring Dampers for Centrifugal Compressors

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryota Takeuchi ◽  
Hidetsugu Ishimaru ◽  
Hideaki Yamashita ◽  
Takahiko Inoue ◽  
Shota Yabui ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Numerical Evaluation ◽  
Evaluation Method ◽  
Interaction Analysis ◽  
Flow Analysis ◽  
Theoretical Background ◽  
Fluid Film ◽  
System Level ◽  
Damping Force ◽  
Circular Arc

Abstract A circular arc spring damper (CASD) is a recently-proposed, compact fluid-film damper that has two or more arc-shaped centering springs and dual radial clearances. It provides linear stiffness and stable damping force in rotor-bearing systems. However, their performance and applicability to real machines have not been confirmed in system-level experiments. Additionally, a theoretical means of evaluation for CASD should be established. In the first part of this study, a numerical evaluation method using two-way fluid-structure interaction analysis and its theoretical background is presented. Transient structural analysis and fluid-film flow analysis with a simple homogeneous cavitation model are coupled in the commercial multi-physics platform ANSYS. The accuracy of the method was validated by comparing the damping and added-mass coefficients with results from previous experiments. Furthermore, several aspects of the force generation mechanism were studied numerically. The second part of the study addresses the application of CASD in a multi-stage centrifugal compressor. A combined 4-inch diameter tilting pad journal bearing (TPJB) with CASD was newly designed and manufactured. To prove the applicability of the developed damper bearing, a series of rotating tests was conducted at a high-speed balancing facility with a full-scale dummy rotor. The measured unbalance response showed a much lower amplification factor than that of the conventional TPJB without the damper. The measured responses agreed with the rotordynamic analysis, which uses the dynamic coefficients of CASD derived from the proposed numerical evaluation method.

Self-Centering Film Dividers

1980 ◽  
Vol 102 (4) ◽  
pp. 490-494
Author(s):  
D. F. Wilcock
Keyword(s):  
Reynolds Number ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Journal Bearings ◽  
The Self ◽  
Fluid Film ◽  
Turbulent Regime ◽  
Frictional Drag ◽  
Thrust Bearings ◽  
Average Shear ◽  
Effective Reynolds Number

One rather effective way to reduce the frictional drag of fluid film journal or thrust bearings, when operating in the turbulent regime, is to introduce a “floating” member dividing the fluid film into two roughly equal parts. The average shear rate is unchanged, but the effective Reynolds number is reduced, with a corresponding reduction in friction power. Such dividers have been widely used in floating sleeve journal bearings of the small high speed type. Use in thrust bearings is not known. In either application, it is essential that the self-centering divider center itself under all conditions after shaft rotation is initiated. This paper describes and analyzes a divider design that has such a property.

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