The Optimal Design of Squeeze Film Dampers for Flexible Rotor Systems

Abstract

Optimization techniques are employed to design squeeze film dampers for minimum transmitted load to the bearing and foundation in the operational speed range. The rotor systems are modeled by finite element formulation. The maximum transmitted load in the operational speed range is the objective function that is minimized using mathematical nonlinear programming (NLP) techniques. The damper design parameters are the radius, length, and radial clearance. Stability of the equilibrium solutions are investigated in the design procedure. Design derivatives have been determined in closed form expressions without resolution of the inherently nonlinear problem. A parametric study of the transmitted force is carried out to show the influence of damper parameters on the response and to demonstrate the merits of applying optimization techniques in damper design. Two numerical examples are presented that illustrate the effectiveness of optimizing squeeze film damper designs for reducing transmitted load.