553 - Bearing Technologies in Rotor Dynamics

Rotor dynamics is an important branch of dynamics concerned with the description and diagnosis of rotating structures and deals with a wide range of different rotor types, from big power plant rotors operated at low speed to small automotive turbochargers operated at very high speed. The dynamic behaviour of modern rotor systems is affected by several factors that can be classified roughly into bearing dynamics, rotating components (e.g. blades, crack, internal damping) and interactions between the rotor and the environment (e.g. seals, rotor-stator contact, dampers, control strategies, misalignment, foundation). These factors limit the overall efficiency of a rotor system and a proper understanding is crucial for further improvements in reliability and efficiency.

There are several conferences on dynamics as well as condition monitoring of rotating machinery discussing these various factors in a broad overview. However, the increased demand from industry for efficient exploitation of natural resources drives and accelerates trends towards much lighter rotors that handle a large amount of energy and fluid mass and operate at ever higher speeds. This development enforces that today’s complex rotors are more prone to vibration and instability problems than in earlier days and requires a more detailed modelling and improved measurement and monitoring techniques. The proper description of bearings plays the key role in improving the overall dynamic behaviour of the underlying rotor system.

This symposium anticipates bringing together experts and young members from academia and industry to exchange established concepts, new ideas and trends in real applications and their solutions in the scope of bearing dynamics in terms of modeling and analytical, numerical and experimental techniques. The symposium would provide a vivid and structured environment on different aspects of bearing technologies (roller, fluid film, magnetic, floating ring, tilting pad, foil, gas, porous, solid lubrication,…) highlighting the dis-/advantages and future trends.