Balancing of flexible rotors supported on bearings having non-linear flexibility

Abstract

In real-life applications, multi-disk-rotor systems are supported on bearings which have non-linear flexibility. The balancing of such systems at high speeds is a challenging task. This thesis presents a method of balancing such systems. The dynamic equations of motion of the non-linear system are derived using the influence coefficient method as well as the Lagrangian equations. An equivalent linear system is found using the optimization principles. Finally, the correct balance weights for the non-linear system are obtained based on the equivalent linear system. The results thus obtained establish the utility of such a method of balancing of nonlinear systems.