Analysis of Rotors Supported upon Many Bearings

Abstract

This paper presents a technique for setting up a mathematical model of a rotor supported by many bearings. The technique takes into account the coupling between horizontal and vertical motions at the bearings, as well as inter-bearing couplings. The rotor, which is isotropic and undamped, can be of arbitrary stiffness and mass distribution. The economy and accuracy of the programme is demonstrated for the very complex case of a large turbo-set line-out in which the rotor is supported upon twelve bearings.