Design sensitivity analysis of rotors with multiple disks using the finite element method

Abstract

The vibration of the hard disk drive (HDD) systems, which comprises flexible disks, flexible shafts, bearings, and base structures, are analyzed by a finite element method (FEM) to cope with complicated coupling effects between them. The natural frequencies and mode shapes of the uncoupled, axial and bending coupled vibrations are calculated. Modal testing of the HDD systems is performed to validate the finite element analysis (FEA) results. Good agreement was obtained between the computed and experimental results. Sizing design sensitivity analysis (DSA) of the system was performed with the thickness of base structure and bearing stiffness as design variables. And shape DSA of the system was also performed with the location of the bearing as design variables. The DSA results tell how design engineer should increase or decrease eigenvalue of the system effectively.