Identifier

etd-0408103-100711

Degree

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME)

Department

Mechanical Engineering

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to experimentally investigate the effect of lubricant temperature on the presence of whirl instability in journal bearings. The first set of conditions that are studied is an extremely low eccentricity rotor and the occurrence of oil whirl at the start-up of the experiment. Lubricant temperature, bearing temperature, frequency and amplitude of vibration, and rotational speed are monitored and analyzed in relation to presence of whirl instability. Additionally, another rotor with a slightly higher eccentricity is tested with respect to the presence of such instability. Particularly with this rotor, the system is brought just below the threshold of instability. Thermal equilibrium is achieved and then the lubricant temperature is increased. This effectively increased the Sommerfeld number and reductions in the threshold of instability were detected. A brief discussion on the findings of rotor unbalance is presented. Also, the experimental transition into whirl instability is discussed.

Date

2003

Document Availability at the Time of Submission

Release the entire work immediately for access worldwide.

Committee Chair

Micheal Khonsari

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_theses.2922

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