Case Studies of Self-excited Vibration of Rotor Stability Problems

Abstract

Frequencies associated with self-excited vibrations are, in most cases, the natural frequencies of the system. The natural frequencies are not proportional to the rotational speed. Therefore, self-excited vibration is a form of non-synchronous vibration. In rotor systems, the lowest natural frequency is often below the rated rotational speed and it may become unstable, hence self-excited vibration is also known as sub-synchronous vibration. This chapter describes various case studies of self-excited vibrations, which are inherent in rotating machinery, as for a journal bearing, seal, centrifugal impeller, and blade for an axial flow machine. Also, the phenomena of internal friction, fluid trapped in a rotor, and rotor contacting with a stator, may produce strong self-excited vibration. While illustrating these unstable phenomena, the cause or mechanism of the instabilities and appropriate solutions are discussed by citing the v_BASE data. In addition, squeeze film dampers, which are used to stabilize the system by adding a damping effect, are explained.