S. Swarnamani

Bio: S. Swarnamani is an academic researcher from Indian Institute of Technology Madras. The author has contributed to research in topics: Bearing (mechanical) & Reynolds equation. The author has an hindex of 3, co-authored 3 publications receiving 54 citations.

Thermoelastohydrodynamic Analysis of Tilting Pad Journal Bearing—Theory and Experiments

Abstract: Thermal and elastic effects play a very important role in lubrication of tilting pad journal bearings. This paper presents both theoretical and experimental analysis of tilting pad journal bearing. Theoretical analysis includes the simultaneous solution of Reynolds equation, energy equation and deformation equation. The computer code has been developed based on FEM which will work for large number of pads. Experimental study has been carried out on a four-pad tilting pad journal bearing, load between pad configuration and load on pad configurations with the rotational speed varied from 500-4000 rpm. Twelve thermocouples are used to measure pad temperatures. Coastdown time analysis results are presented in the form of Stribeck diagram of friction and compared with theoretical ones. Theoretical results are presented for steady-state and dynamic-state conditions of a four-pad tilting pad journal bearing. Presented as a Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers paper at the World Tribology Congress in...

Identification of Dynamic Bearing Parameters: A Review

Abstract: In this paper, we present a review of the experimental identification of dynamic parameters of bearings in a rotating machine. Major emphasis is given to vibration-based identification methods and the review encompasses descriptions of experimental measurement techniques, mathematical modeling, parameter extraction algorithms and uncertainty in the estimates applied to a variety of bearings. The parameter extraction algorithms include the descriptions of governing equations of the rotor-bearing system and identification methods in both time and frequency domains. The identification techniques have been classified based on methods used to excite the system. The review includes a variety of bearings and similar components, which play an active link between the rotating and stationary parts of a machine. Based on the state of the art in bearing identification, conclusions are made and future directions are suggested.

Development of a Set of Stribeck Curves for Conformal Contacts of Rough Surfaces

Abstract: The Stribeck curve is an overall view of friction variation in the entire range of lubrication, including the hydrodynamic, mixed, and boundary lubrication This paper presents the results of research on the friction of a journal-bearing conformal contact system in the form of Stribeck curves through numerical simulation The surface roughness of the journal and the bearing and material elasticity and thermoelasticity are included in the modeling, and their influences on the results of Stribeck curves are discussed A three-dimensional Stribeck surface is constructed to illustrate the load effect on friction for the modeled journal-bearing structure Review led by Gary Barber

Identification methods and test results for tilting pad and fixed geometry journal bearing dynamic coefficients – A review

Abstract: Fluid film journal bearings (FFBs) are used to support high-speed rotors in turbomachinery which often operate above the rotor first bending critical speed. The FFBs provide both lateral support and dynamic coefficients: stiffness, damping, and mass terms, related to machine vibrations. Detailed numerical values of the bearing dynamic characteristics are necessary for proper design and operation of rotating machinery. The methods of the identification of fluid film journal bearing static and dynamic characteristics, particularly the bearing stiffness, damping, and mass coefficients, from measured data, obtained from different measurement systems, is reviewed. Many bearing tests have been performed to validate a number of different theoretical models, including the classical Reynolds isoviscous model. More advanced bearing models include the thermohydrodynamic (THD), and thermoelastohydrodynamic (TEHD) approaches. The advanced models also include turbulence effects which are important as rotor speeds continue to increase. The range of measured bearing data no longer includes current operational conditions. The various approaches to the bearing identification problem are discussed, including the different force excitation methods of incremental loading, sinusoidal, pseudorandom, impulse, known/additional unbalance, and non-contact excitation. Also bearing excitation and rotor excitation approaches are discussed. Data processing methods in the time and frequency domains are presented. Methods of evaluating the effects of measurement uncertainty on overall bearing coefficient confidence levels are reviewed. In this review, the relative strengths and weaknesses of bearing identification methods are presented, and developments and trends in improving bearing measurements are documented. Future trends in journal bearing identification improvement are discussed.

Experimental Study on the Dynamic Performance of Water-Lubricated Rubber Bearings with Local Contact

Abstract: Accurate dynamic characteristic coefficients of water-lubricated rubber bearings are necessary to research vibration of ship propulsion system. Due to mixed lubrication state of water-lubricated rubber bearings, normal test rig and identification method are not applicable. This paper establishes a test rig to simulate shaft misalignment and proposes an identification method for water-lubricated rubber bearings, which utilizes rotor unbalanced motion to produce self-excited force rather than artificial excitation. Dynamic performance tests under different conditions are operated. The results show that when rotational speed is less than 700 r/min, even if specific pressure is 0.05 MPa, it is difficult to form complete water film for the rubber bearing which was investigated, and contact friction and collision of the shaft and bearing are frequent. In the mixed lubrication, water film, rubber, and contact jointly determine dynamic characteristics of water-lubricated rubber bearings. The contact condition has a significant effect on the bearing stiffness, and water film friction damping has a significant effect on bearing damping. As for the particular investigated bearing, when rotational speed is in the range of 400~700 r/min and specific pressure is in the range of 0.03~0.07 MPa, bearing stiffness is in the range of 5.6~10.06 N/μm and bearing damping is in the range of 1.25~2.02 Ns/μm.