Vibration and critical characteristics of the tilting pads journal bearing-rotor system

Abstract

Purpose High power rotating machinery requires large diameter bearings that can perform under extreme conditions. Vibrations and critical speeds of rotor supported by tilting pad journal bearing (TPJBs) exceeding their design limits may cause unit failure. This paper aims to investigate the experimental technique for large diameter bearings. Design/methodology/approach To obtain the experimental support for rotor-bearing system design, an experiment focusing on vibration monitoring is given. The sensors arrangement, monitoring system and critical speed identification method are provided. Findings By using test bench in factory unit, a large amount of vibrations data of different working situations is obtained. In addition, a method named non-excitation identification for critical speed is proposed. The critical speed of rotor identified through vibration data is given. The theoretical calculation results are also presented. Originality/value The basis for rotor-bearing system design can be obtained through comparisons between the experimental results and the theoretical calculation data.