Experimental Investigation of Squeeze Film Damper Characteristics at High Speed Rotor Configurations

Abstract

High performance turbo machinery demands high shaft speeds, increased rotor flexibility, tighter clearances in flow passages, advanced materials, and increased tolerance to imbalances. Operation at high speeds induces severe dynamic loading with large amplitude journal motions at the bearing supports. Squeeze film dampers are essential components of high-speed turbo machinery since they offer the unique advantages of dissipation of vibration energy and isolation of structural components, as well as the capability to improve the dynamic stability characteristics of inherently unstable rotor-bearing systems. A bearing test rig is developed using 350 KW motor with variable frequency drive and has the potential of maximum operating speed up to 20,000 rpm. A squeeze film damper is used between the bearings and housing to reduce the unbalance forces transmitted to the pedestal by introducing an additional damping and thereby reduces the amplitude of vibration to acceptable level. The test rig instrumentation is capable of detecting bearing critical speed of the test rotor, and has been used for parametric studies and to monitor the temperature profile, vibration levels and pressure distribution of SFD oil film. The first critical speed of the test rotor is measured. The vibration level of the rotor system is increased with the rise of axial load together with speed. It is estimated that under all the conditions presence of oil in SFD zone reduces the vibration levels.

Experimental investigation for novel hybrid journal bearing with hydrostatic squeeze film and metal mesh damper in series

“…Squeeze film dampers (SFDs) are used in rotational equipment owing to their low friction and high damping capacity (Kandasamy et al , 2014). Hydrostatic SFD (HSFD), as an improved structure of SFD, has been investigated for vibration control of rotor-bearing systems.…”

Static and dynamic characteristics of an orifice compensated three-pad hydrostatic squeeze film damper

“…Squeeze film dampers can be used in high-speed gas turbine engines and power turbines to attenuate the unbalance responses and bearing transmitted forces Chen and Gunter (2005). Experimental investigation of squeeze film damper characteristics at high-speed rotor configurations were presented by Kandasamy et al (2014). It is estimated that under all the conditions, presence of oil in squeeze film damper zone reduces the vibration levels.…”