This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation into the dynamic structural stiffness and damping characteristics of a -diameter compliant surface foil journal bearing. The goal of this development was to achieve high levels of damping without the use of oil, as is used in squeeze film dampers, while maintaining a nearly constant dynamic stiffness over a range of frequencies and amplitudes of motion. In the experimental work described herein, a full compliant foil bearing was designed, fabricated, and tested. The test facility included a non-rotating journal located inside the bearing. The journal was connected to an electrodynamic shaker so that dynamic forces simulating expected operating conditions could be applied to the structurally compliant bump foil elements. Excitation test frequencies to a maximum of at amplitudes of motion between 25.4 and were applied to the damper assembly. During testing, both compressive preload and unidirectional static loads of up to 1335 and , respectively, were applied to the damper assembly. The experimental data from these tests were analyzed using both a single degree of freedom model and an energy method. These methods of data analysis are reviewed here and results are compared. Excellent agreement in results obtained from the two methods was achieved. Equivalent viscous damping coefficients as high as were obtained at low frequencies. Dynamic stiffness was shown to be fairly constant with frequency.
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January 2007
Technical Papers
Advancements in the Structural Stiffness and Damping of a Large Compliant Foil Journal Bearing: An Experimental Study
Hooshang Heshmat,
Hooshang Heshmat
Fellow ASME
Mohawk Innovative Technology, Inc.
, Albany, NY 12205
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James F. Walton, II
James F. Walton, II
Mohawk Innovative Technology, Inc.
, Albany, NY 12205
Search for other works by this author on:
Mohsen Salehi
Hooshang Heshmat
Fellow ASME
Mohawk Innovative Technology, Inc.
, Albany, NY 12205
James F. Walton, II
Mohawk Innovative Technology, Inc.
, Albany, NY 12205J. Eng. Gas Turbines Power. Jan 2007, 129(1): 154-161 (8 pages)
Published Online: March 1, 2004
Article history
Received:
October 1, 2003
Revised:
March 1, 2004
Citation
Salehi, M., Heshmat, H., and Walton, J. F., II (March 1, 2004). "Advancements in the Structural Stiffness and Damping of a Large Compliant Foil Journal Bearing: An Experimental Study." ASME. J. Eng. Gas Turbines Power. January 2007; 129(1): 154–161. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.2360598
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