Nonlinear vibration phenomena in hydrodynamically supported rotor systems

Abstract It is a well‐known fact, that hydrodynamically supported systems are prone to nonlinear vibrations. Their exact simulative prediction with respect to frequency and amplitude is complicated by the fact that different system properties interact. The paper at hand outlines an approach that takes all relevant influences like rigid body motions, elastic deformations, nonlinear relation between fluid film pressure and bearing kinematics as well as temperature increase due to power loss or adjacent heat sources into account as detailed as necessary. Both journal and thrust bearings are considered as they contribute to the system's stiffness and damping capabilities. The approach is applied to self‐excited pad vibrations of tilting pad thrust bearings as well as the run‐up simulation of a turbocharger rotor under different axial loads. Both models are validated against measurements.