Dynamic responses of the rotor supported by a new type zero-clearance catcher bearing

Abstract

Catcher bearings (CB) are required to support the rotor rotating for some time when a failure event of active magnetic bearing (AMB) system occurs. For this purpose, a new type zero-clearance catcher bearing (NTZCB) is proposed. The influences of different parameters of NTZCB on the rotor dynamic responses are theoretically and experimentally analyzed. The results indicate that choosing relatively soft spring and heavy moveable supporting pedestal can effectively buffer the rotor vibrations, which makes it possible for the rotor to keep rotating with the support of the CB system for a long time.