Control System Design for Active Lubrication With Theoretical and Experimental Examples

Abstract

This work focuses on the theoretical and experimental behavior of rigid rotors controlled by tilting-pad journal bearings with active oil injection. Initially the mathematical model of the active bearing is presented: The equations that describe the dynamics of hydraulic actuators are introduced into the equations of the lubricant, resulting in a new form of Reynolds’ equation for active lubrication. The global model of the system is obtained by coupling the equation of motion of the rigid rotor with the stiffness and damping of the active oil film. This global model is then used to design the control system of the active bearing based on root locus curves. The active system stability is analyzed by calculating its eigenvalues and frequency response curves. The theoretical and experimental results show that this kind of bearing can significantly reduce the vibration level of rotating machinery.