Investigation of Rotor Dynamic and High-Speed Bearing Technology for a 3KW Turboalternator. Part III. Ball Bearing Endurance Tests.

摘要

The results of the experimental test rig verification program are presented and the development of a simple, more economical, resilient bearing mount is described. During the investigation, parametric tests were made to determine the effect of bearing oil flow, bearing preload, and rotor unbalance; a low-cost, damped, resilient bearing mount was developed; and 1500-hour and 3000-hour endurance tests were run on the damped resilient bearing mounts consisting of elastomer packings and oil squeeze-film dampers and a combination of cantilevered springs and squeeze-film dampers, respectively. The results indicate that an oil flow of 0.1 gpm to the bearings is satisfactory to maintain proper lubrication throughout the speed range. Optimum bearing preload appears to be 18 pounds per bearing. Residual rotor unbalance should be kept as low as possible, although levels up to 0.0013 oz-in. are tolerable. (Author)