Jun Tomioka

Development of Herringbon-Grooved Aerodynamic Journal Bearing Systems for Ultra-High-Speed Rotations

It is absolutely important for ultra-compact rotational machineries to achieve sable shaft rotation at ultra-high-speed. This paper discussed herringbone-grooved aerodynamic journal bearing systems developed for the purpose. In this system, the bearings are supported by rubber-O-rings for accurate and stable operations. To grasp the possibility for stabilization, two types of O-rings with different stiffness and damping properties under bearing supporting were tested in the experiment. As the results, the bearing system demonstrated the maximum rotational speed over 460,000 rpm without unstable phenomenon called whirl. However, the difference in rubber O-rings definitely affected the stability of the bearing system.

Investigations of Cylindrical and Conical Whirl Instabilities on Hydrodynamic Journal Bearings

Hydrodynamic journal bearings induced serious shaft vibrations called oil whirl. Since they often give severe damages to the mechanical systems, it is important to fully understand the phenomenon to avoid the occurrence by the proper bearing design. This study theoretically and experimentally investigated both cylindrical and conical whirl instabilities, which can be appeared in journal bearings, and their relation was discussed. As the result, the span length of the bearings had a significant effect on the vibration mode. The transitional state in which the cylindrical and conical whirl instabilities alternately appeared was observed.