Engineering topics
Publications and source records attributed to Rowan, B. F..
Vibration of pump shaft is damped at impeller--where vibration-induced deflections are greatest--by shroud and seal. Damping reduces vibrational motion of shaft at bearings and load shaft places on them. Flow through clearance channel absorbs vibration energy.
The dynamic radial stiffness characteristics of rolling element bearings are currently determined by analytical methods that have not been experimentally verified. These bearing data are vital to rotating machinery design integrity because accurate critical speeds and rotor stability predictions are highly dependent on the bearing stiffness. A tester was designed capable of controlling the bearing axial preload, speed, and rotor unbalance. The rotor and support structures were constructed to permit critical speeds that are predominantly determined by a 57 mm test bearing. A curve of calculated critical speed versus stiffness was used to determine the actual bearing stiffness from the empirical data. The results of extensive testing are used to verify analytical predictions, increase confidence in existing bearing computer programs, and to serve as a data base for efforts to correct these programs.
Active fluidic dampers are proposed for controlling turbopump-shaft whirl. Study indicates that linear variable-bleed detector and linear bistable amplifier are effective in supplying sizable controlled damping forces. Linear bistable device was considered as simplest and most adequate.
This study describes the rotordynamics analysis of the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) high-pressure oxidizer turbopump. Modal synthesis methods were used to account for the complex coupling of the pump and engine structure. Cross-coupling elements effecting rotor stability were included in the analysis. Results of the analysis indicated that smaller bearing clearances and a smooth turbine interstage seal would result in longer bearing life and improved stability. Subsequent testing with these design features has shown the same results.
Mathematical model for predicting rotor dynamic motion phenomena associated with rotor whirl using computer simulation