Theoretical and experimental dynamics analysis of rotor-bearing system supported by elliptical bearings

Abstract

Purpose High power and speed are new demands for rotating machinery which needs the journal bearings with high dynamic characteristics. The critical speed of the rotor-bearing system is one of the most significant parameters to evaluate the dynamic characteristics. This paper aims to investigate the theoretical and experimental analysis of a rotor system supported by large diameter elliptical bearings. Design/methodology/approach To obtain the theoretical and experimental support for rotor-bearing system design, dynamic characteristics theoretical analysis based on the finite difference method is given and an experiment focuses on critical speed identification is carried out. Findings The theoretical calculation results indicate that the critical speed is near to 800 rpm and there is no large vibration amplitude round working speed (1,500 rpm). Using the test bench in the factory unit, vibration data including three experimental processes are obtained. According to the vibration data, the critical speed is identified which also indicates that it is stable when working at 1,500 rpm. Originality/value The design method for the rotor system supported by large diameter elliptical bearing can be obtained by the theoretical and experimental results shown in this paper. Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-04-2020-0122/