Introduction to bearing and seals in rotordynamics

A turbomachinery is defined as a rotating structure where the load or the driver handles a
process fluid from which power is extracted or delivered to. Examples of turbomachines
include pumps and compressors, gas and steam turbines, turbo generators and turbo
expanders, turbochargers, APU (auxiliary power units), etc.

Most turbomachinery is supported on oil lubricated fluid film bearings, although modern
advances and environmental restrictions are pushing towards the implementation of
process fluid bearings and even gas bearing applications. Fluid film bearings are used due
to their adequate load support, good damping characteristics and absence of wear if
properly designed and operated.

Turbomachines also include a number of other mechanical elements which provide

stiffness and damping characteristics and affect the dynamics of the rotor-bearing system.
Impeller seals, floating ring seals, thrust collars and balance pistons are a few of these
elements.

The adequate operation of a turbomachine is defined by its ability to tolerate normal (and
even abnormal) vibrations levels without affecting significantly its overall performance
(reliability and efficiency).

The rotordynamics of turbomachinery encompasses the structural analysis of rotors

(shafts and disks) and the design of fluid film bearings and seals that determine the best
dynamic performance given the required operating conditions. This best performance is
denoted by well-characterized natural frequencies (and critical speeds) with amplitudes of
synchronous dynamic response within required standards and demonstrated absence of
subsynchronous vibration instabilities.

A rotordynamic analysis considers the interaction between the elastic and inertia
properties of the rotor and the mechanical impedances from the fluid film bearing
supports, oil seal rings, seals, etc.

The most commonly recurring problems in rotordynamics are

1. Excessive steady state synchronous vibration levels.
2. Subharmonic rotor instabilities.
Steady state vibration levels may be reduced by:
a) Improving balancing.
b) Modifying rotor-bearing systems: tune system critical speeds out of RPM operating
range.
c) Introducing damping to limit peak amplitudes at critical speeds that must be
traversed.
Subharmonic rotor instabilities may be avoided by:
a) Raising the natural frequency of rotor system as much as possible.
b) Eliminating the instability mechanism, i.e. change bearing design if oil whip is
present.
c) Introducing damping to raise onset speed above the operating speed range.

Introduction to bearings and seals. Dr. Luis San Andrés © 2000 1

Rotordynamic instabilities have become more and more common as the speed and
horsepower of turbomachinery have increased. These instabilities can sometimes be
erratic, seemingly increasing vibration amplitudes for no apparent reason. A common
denominator among many stability problems is that they tend to grow with time as the
affected component(s) begins to wear or fatigue.

For example, two typical destabilizing forces well documented in the technical literature
are due to the aerodynamic effects of labyrinth seals and the hydrodynamic effects of
cylindrical bearings and floating oil ring seals in centrifugal compressors. Load, gas
molecular weight, and oil pressure and temperature appear to be among the factors
bringing severe problems in problematic turbomachinery.

The detailed study of rotordynamics demands accurate knowledge of the specific

mechanical elements that support the rotor, i.e. fluid film bearings and seals.

Fluid film bearings

Fluid film bearings are machine elements designed to produce smooth (low friction)
motion between solid surfaces in relative motion and to generate a load support for
mechanical components. The lubricant or fluid between the surfaces may be a liquid, a
gas or even a solid.

Fluid film bearings if well designed are able to support static and dynamic loads, and
consequently, their effects on the performance of rotating machinery are of great
importance.

Our study will concentrate on the analysis of bearings with a full film separating the
mechanical surfaces. The word film implies that the fluid thickness (gap or clearance)
separating the surfaces is several orders of magnitude smaller than the other dimensions
of the bearing, i.e. width and length.

The basic operational principles of fluid film bearings are hydrodynamic, hydrostatic or
hybrid (a combination of the former two).

Hydrodynamic fluid film bearings or self-acting bearings

In these bearings there is relative motion between two mechanical surfaces with a
particular wedge shape. The fluid is dragged into the film and hydrodynamic pressures
are generated and able to support an externally applied load.

Hydrostatic fluid film bearings or externally-presurized bearings

In these bearings, an external source of pressurized fluid forces the lubricant or fluid
between the surfaces, thus providing their separation and the ability to support a load
without surface contact.

Introduction to bearings and seals. Dr. Luis San Andrés © 2000 2

Normal motions between two surfaces can also generate hydrodynamic pressures in the
thin film separating two surfaces. This mechanism, known as squeeze film action, works
effectively only for compressive loads, i.e. those forcing the approach of one surface to
the other. Squeeze film dampers are routinely implemented to reduce vibration
amplitudes and isolate structural components in gas jet engines and high performance
compressors.

Radial fluid seals (annular, labyrinth or honeycomb) separate regions of

high pressure and low pressure in rotating machinery and their function is to minimize
the leakage and improve the overall efficiency of a rotating machine extracting or
delivering power to a fluid. Typical applications include neck ring seals on impeller eyes
and interstage seals as well as balance pistons in pump and compressor applications.
Seals have larger clearances than load carrying bearings. Yet their impact on the
rotordynamics of turbomachinery is of importance since seals are located at rotor
positions where large vibrations occur.

Introduction to bearings and seals. Dr. Luis San Andrés © 2000 3

 Hydrodynamic or self-acting fluid film bearings
Advantages Disadvantages
Do not require external source of pressure. Thermal effects affect performance if film
Fluid flow is dragged into the convergent thickness is too small or available flow rate
gap in the direction of the surface relative is too low.
motion.
Require of surface relative motion to
Support heavy loads. The load support is a generate load support.
function of the lubricant viscosity, surface
speed, surface area, film thickness and Induce large drag torque (power losses) and
geometry of the bearing. potential surface damage at start-up (before
Long life (infinite in theory) without wear lift-off) and touch down.
of surfaces.
Potential to induce hydrodynamic
Provide stiffness and damping coefficients instability, i.e. loss of effective damping for
of large magnitude. operation well above critical speed of rotor-
bearing system.

journal
Pressure rotation

Relative
motion

pressure
Hydrodynamic
fluid wedge
Plain journal
bearing
Slider bearing

Examples of hydrodynamic (self-acting) fluid film bearing

Introduction to bearings and seals. Dr. Luis San Andrés © 2000 4

 Hydrostatic or externally pressurized fluid film bearings
Advantages Disadvantages
Support very large loads. The load support Require ancillary equipment. Larger
is a function of the pressure drop across the installation and maintenance costs.
bearing and the area of fluid pressure
action. Need of fluid filtration equipment. Loss of
performance with fluid contamination.
Load does not depend on film thickness nor
lubricant viscosity. High power consumption because of
pumping losses.
Long life (infinite in theory) without wear
of surfaces Potential to induce hydrodynamic
instability in hybrid mode operation.
Provide stiffness and damping coefficients
of very large magnitude. Excellent for Potential to show pneumatic hammer
exact positioning and control. instability for highly compressible fluids,
i.e. loss of damping at low and high
frequencies of operation due to compliance
and time lag of trapped fluid volumes.

Ps
Pressure
Pr

restrictor Fluid at Ps

recess

film

hydrostatic
journal
bearing

Examples of hydrostatic (pressurized) fluid film bearing

Introduction to bearings and seals. Dr. Luis San Andrés © 2000 5

 Plain journal Partial arc Journal bearing
bearing journal bearing with axial
grooves

Elliptical Two lobe bearing Three lobe

journal bearing with offset bearing w/wo
offset

Four lobe
bearing w/wo Floating ring
offset journal bearing
Tilting pad journal
bearing

Typical configurations of cylindrical journal bearings.

Introduction to bearings and seals. Dr. Luis San Andrés © 2000 6

 Dam
Top half

Bottom half
Groove

Pressure dam journal bearing

recess

hydrostatic
journal
journal
bearing

film
Supply
port

Flow of Stator
process fluid

High P Low P

Rotor

ROTATING LABYRINTH SEAL

Typical configurations of a pressure dam journal bearing,

a hydrostatic bearing and a labyrinth seal.

Introduction to bearings and seals. Dr. Luis San Andrés © 2000 7

 Interstage Seal Impeller Eye Seal Balance Piston Seal

Seals in a Multistage Centrifugal Pump or Compressor

Honeycomb seal for

Compressor application

Straight-Through and Back-to-back Compressor Configurations and 1st

Mode Shapes

Introduction to bearings and seals. Dr. Luis San Andrés © 2000 8

Example of a rotordynamic analysis
The following brief description shows
the major elements of a rotordynamic
analysis performed on a seven-stage
compressor handling a light hydrocarbon
mixture.

The objectives of the rotordynamic

analysis are:

a) To model the rotor (shaft and

disks) and to determine its free-free
natural frequencies.
b) To model the fluid film bearing
and seal elements and to calculate the
mechanical impedances (stiffness,
Cut-away view of a centrifugal
compressor damping and inertia coefficients) that
connect the rotor to its casing.
c) To perform an eigenvalue analysis, i.e. to predict the natural frequencies and
damping ratios for the different modes (rigid and elastic) of vibration of the rotor
as the rotor speed increases to values well above its design operating conditions.
Positive damping ratios evidence the absence of a rotordynamic instability.
d) To perform a synchronous response analysis to calibrated imbalances in order to
predict the maximum amplitudes of vibration, the safe passage through critical
speeds and to estimate the loads transmitted through the bearing supports.

Note that the typical rotordynamic analysis is linear, i.e. it relies on the representation of
the bearings and seals as linear mechanical elements. That is, the second order
differential equations describing the motion about an equilibrium position are linear. Of
course a nonlinear analysis could also be performed but its efficiency and accuracy are
usually questionable. Furthermore, a linear analysis is mandatory to determine the
operability of the turbomachine.

It is important to stress that the tasks (objective) described above need of extensive
experimental and field support verification. Analysis without adequate measurements is
usually not very useful in rotordynamics.

The example intends to show the complexity of a typical analysis. The following figure
depicts the structural model with the rotor partitioned into 36 stations (each with inertia
and inertia properties). The circles denote added inertias such as those from the impellers
and thrust collars. The spring-like connections to ground intend to denote the bearing and
seal elements supporting the rotor.

The tables below show the physical properties of the rotor, the compressor operating
conditions (current and desired), and a brief description of the bearings and seals in place.

Introduction to bearings and seals. Dr. Luis San Andrés © 2000 9

 Rotor dynamic analysis
Compressor C-2100, supported on original bearings, laby
30
seals and locked oil seals
Shaft Radius, inches

20 Bearing Floating Impeller seals Balance Floating Bearing

Ring piston ring

10

12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 44 48 52 56
48 6063
0

Free
-10 end

-20

-30
0 20
Axial Location,
40
inches
60 80

Table 1. Geometry of rotor for compressor

Compresor C-2100 Physical units
Number of impellers 7
Shaft length 85.6 “ (2.17 m)
Rotor weight incluydes thrust collar 1,024 lb (4,550 N)
Center of mass from coupling side 43.65 “ – station 34
Mass moment of inertia (transversal0 302,815 lbm-in2
Mass moment of inertia (polar) 16,749 lbm-in2
Static load on bearing (coupling side) 469 lb (2,085 N)
Static load on bearing (free end) 554 lb (2,465 N)

Table 2. Operating conditions (actual and desired) for compresor

Hydrocarbon mixture (molecular weight 8.72)
5,700 RPM 9,850 RPM
Stage Pressure Temperature (K) Pressure Temperature (K)
(bar) (bar)
0 20.00 311.0 21.00 311
7 27.00 338.0 33.00 360

Table 3 shows the location of the mechanical impedances to ground. The rotor is
supported on two multiple lobe cylindrical bearings operating with ISO VG 32 oil.
Furthemore, pressurized floating oil seal rings isolate the process gas from the
environment. There are also seven eye impeller seals and six iinterstage seals of the

Introduction to bearings and seals. Dr. Luis San Andrés © 2000 10

labyrinth type. A long balance piston is also found at the free end of the compressor.
Appendix A provides a more detailed description of the bearings and seals, i.e.
dimensions and operating conditions.

Table 3. Bearing and seal locations on compressor

Station Mechanical element Description
8 Hydrodynamic bearing Three lobe bearing (coupling end)
56 Hydrodynamic bearing Three lobe bearing (free end)
15 Floating ring seal Pressurized, lubricant
50 Floating ring seal Pressurized, lubricant
46 Balance piston Process Gas, 27 teeth
20, 24, 28 Impulsor seals– neck ring (eye) Labyrinth type, process gas
32, 36, 40 and interstage 4 teeth
44 Eye Impulsor # 7 seal Labyrinth type, process gas

The structural analysis predicts well the free-free natural frequency of the rotor as shown
in Table 4. The free-free mode is the first elastic mode without any connection to ground,
i.e no bearings or seals. The good correlation with the field measurement is encouraging.
The field test usually consists of hanging the rotor from long cables and then raping the
shaft with a heavy objects and then recording the natural frequency (and mode shape) of
motion.

Table 4. Free-free mode natural frequency of rotor (no thrust collar)

C-2100 calculated Field measurement
Fundamental 14,431 (RPM) 14,400 (RPM)
frequency (240 Hz)
2nd frequency 27,081 ‘’ Unknown
3rd frequency 40,927 ‘’ ‘’

The rotordynamic analysis predicts the eigenvalues (damped natural frequencies) of the
rotor operating on its bearings and seals for speeds to 20,000 rpm, twice the design value.
The predictions show a lightly damped critical speed at 4,000 rpm. And most
importantly, it shows rotordynamic instability at 8,163 rpm. The field measurements
evidence of the subsynchronous vibration at a lower speed, i.e. 7.850 rpm!

Table 5. Threshold speed of instability

Threshold Whirl Whirl Mode
speed frequency ratio
predicted 8,163 rpm 4,000 rpm 0.49 Elastic
Field data 7,850 rpm 3,532 rpm 0.44 mode

Introduction to bearings and seals. Dr. Luis San Andrés © 2000 11

 Rotordynamic Damped Natural Frequency Map
Rotor dynamic analysis
Compressor C2100 w ith dry-seal inertias and MODIFIED BEARINGS
20000
18000
Natural Frequency, cpm

16000
14000
12000
10000 Critical
8000
speed
6000
4000
2000
0
0. 2000. 4000. 6000. 8000. 10000. 12000. 14000. 16000. 18000. 20000.
Rotor Speed, rpm

Rotordynamic Root Locus Plot

Rotor dynamic analysis
Compressor C2100 w ith dry-seal inertias and MODIFIED BEARINGS
1.000

0.800

0.600
Damping Ratio

0.400

0.200

0.000

-0.200
0.0 2000.0 4000.0 6000.0 8000.0 10000.0 12000.0 14000.0 16000.0 18000.0 20000.0
Natural Frequency, cpm

Damped eigenvalues and damping ratios for example rotor-

bearing system.

Introduction to bearings and seals. Dr. Luis San Andrés © 2000 12

The imbalance response figures below show the amplitude of vibration versus rotor speed
and the mode of vibration at a rotor speed of 8,750 rpm. Note that the predicted results
are not valid for speeds above the threshold speed of instability since the rotor vibrates
with a subsynchronous component much larger than the one synchronous with rotor
speed.

The mode shape below shows that at the bearing locations the rotor motion is quite small
while the vibration amplitude at the seal locations (rotor midspan) is much larger. The
instability is certainly associated with a poor design and unfortunate application of the
support multiple-lobe bearings and the lockup of the oil seal rings.

Rotordynam ic Response Plot

Rotor dynamic analysis
Compressor C2100 w ith dry-seal inertias and MODIFIED BEARINGS
Sta. No. 8: drive end bearing
0.1
0.09
0.08
Response, mils p-p

0.07
Major Amp
0.06
0.05 Horz Amp
0.04 Vert Amp
0.03
0.02
0.01
0
0 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000
Rotor Speed, rpm

Damped Eigenvalue Mode Shape Plot

Rotor dynamic analysis
Compressor C2100 w ith dry-seal inertias and MODIFIED BEARINGS
forward
backward
f=4041. cpm
d=-.0007 zeta
N=8750 rpm

Synchronous imbalance response and first elastic damped mode

shape for compressor example.

Introduction to bearings and seals. Dr. Luis San Andrés © 2000 13

The last figure below shows the field recorded vibration spectra. The rotor speed is 7,860
rpm and the dangerously high amplitude subsynchronous vibration develops at 3,532
rpm. The rotordynamic predictions are overly conservative!

B - C-103 FCC GAS COMP

C-103 -8V COMP OUTBOARD BRG - VERT
*
4.5
Route Spectrum
4.0 01-DEC-97 15:40

3.5 OVRALL= 3.69 D-DG

P-P Displacement in Mils

P-P = 3.67
3.0
LOAD = 100.0
RPM = 7850.
2.5
RPS = 130.83

2.0

1.5

1.0

0.5

0
Freq: 3496.9
0 6000 12000 18000 24000 30000
Ordr: .445
Frequency in CPM Spec: 3.159

Field vibration spectrum showing rotordynamic instability for

compressor example.

The example evidences the importance of fluid film bearings and seals on the dynamics
of rotating machinery. Note that the example referred brought an unexpected stop in the
operation of the unit with an enormous cost to the owner, several hundred thousand of
dollars per day over an undisclosed amount of time. Fortunately, current monitoring
techniques enabled the engineers to prevent a catastrophic failure with a larger financial
and human cost.

Closure
The following lectures (and notes) provide the fundamentals of fluid film lubrication and
rotordynamics that will enable the reader to analyze fluid film bearings and seals for
applications in turbomachinery. The study initiates with a detailed analysis of the
fundamentals of lubrication theory and its applications to oil-lubricated bearings and ring
seals. Next, seals and squeeze film dampers are thoroughly covered. The importance of
fluid inertia and flow turbulence on modern and envisioned bearing and seal applications
is also studied.

Introduction to bearings and seals. Dr. Luis San Andrés © 2000 14

Performance Objectives for Lubrication Class
1. To learn about the physical concepts and mathematical models for the analysis
and design of fluid film bearings and seals.

2. To acquire knowledge based on the detailed review of the literature on fluid film
lubrication and rotordynamics.

3. To identify the mechanical effects of importance on the static and dynamic forced
performance of fluid film bearings.

4. To learn about the effects of fluid film bearings on the rotordynamics of

turbomachinery.

5. To identify the future trends in applications of bearing and seal technologies and
the needs for further research.

6. To provide the basics of efficient computational skills for the prediction of the
static and dynamic forced performance of fluid film bearings.

Introduction to bearings and seals. Dr. Luis San Andrés © 2000 15