Complete Squeeze-Film Damper Analysis Based on the “Bulk Flow” Equations

Abstract

The article presents the numerical adaptation of the “bulk flow” model for the analysis of squeeze-film dampers of industrial design. These components are characterized by high squeeze Reynolds numbers and by complex feeding and sealing systems. The “bulk flow” system of the equation is an efficient model for dealing with high Reynolds number regimes but its numerical treatment needs to be adapted for taking into account the feeding orifices and the circumferential groove as well as the openings of the piston ring seals. These adaptations are performed in the frame of the SIMPLE numerical algorithm used for dealing with the pressure-velocity coupling. The conservative character of the finite volume discretization is preserved without any penalty for the overall efficiency of the numerical procedure. The results depict how film discontinuities and local sources or sinks are embedded into the pressure field. Finally the complete numerical algorithm is validated against experimental data and its advantages are underlined by comparisons with a Reynolds based approach of squeeze-film dampers.