Structural Design and Analysis of Cylindrical Squirrel Cage to Meet Stiffness, Strength and High Cycle Fatigue Life for an Aero Engine

Abstract

Squeeze film dampers have traditionally been used in aircraft engine to overcome stability and vibration problems that are not adequately handled with conventional style bearings. One of the key design features in a squeeze film damper [1] configuration is the introduction of flexibility in the bearing support. The simplest means to provide the support flexibility in the squeeze film damper is through the use of squirrel cage [2]. This paper deals with structural design analysis of cylindrical squirrel cage of an aircraft engine. Design of the squirrel cage needs a balance between stiffness and strength requirements. To meet the strength, stiffness and fatigue life requirements, squirrel cage web dimensions and fillet radius are modified. The various configurations of the squirrel cage have been evaluated to arrive at the optimum design. Stress analysis of the bearing has been carried out for axial, radial unbalance loads. Stress distribution in the web region has been studied in detail. High cycle fatigue life margins are estimated using Goodman diagram. The squirrel cage web dimensions and fillet radius are modified to improve HCF life requirements. The operating stresses in the squirrel cage are reduced while meeting the stiffness and HCF life requirements of the component.