Numerical modeling of the flow in the squeeze film dampers with oil feed groove by computational fluid dynamic analysis

Abstract

Squeeze film dampers are widely applied in high rotating speed machinery to reduce vibration, add damping and increase the stability of the system. The traditional method of squeeze film dampers analysis usually involves a complicated calculation program that is limited to a simplified physical model. In this study, the feasibility of applying commercial code ANSYS-FLUENT to study the characteristics of the squeeze film damper is investigated, where the dynamic mesh method is employed. The Zwart–Gerber–Belamri model is applied to simulate the cavitation phenomenon in squeeze film damper. By numerical simulation, the dynamic pressure distribution and oil film force are obtained and then the damping coefficients are acquired. The effect of the cavitation model on the damping coefficients and inertia coefficients is obtained. The parametric study including the squeeze film damper clearance, length and whirl frequency is carried out. The result indicates that the use of the cavitation model will reduce the amplitude of the dynamic oil film force and the hysteresis phenomenon can be observed. It leaves room for further improvement on this method.