Rotor Dynamics Analysis Capabilities – AxSTREAM® Introduction

Without proper rotor dynamics analysis, rotating machinery is at a higher risk of failure during operation. It is with this in mind that rotor dynamics software is arguably one of the most important tools in the turbomachinery design process.

The AxSTREAM® RotorDynamics module is a software tool that can account for a number of things such as bearing characteristics, rotor imbalance and general excitation, critical speeds and whirl frequencies, and much more.

Rotordynamics

Applications

The AxSTREAM® RotorDynamics software module has a number of different uses. This includes but is not limited to:

  • Jet engines
  • Cooling systems
  • Pumps
  • Compressors
  • Fans
  • Generators
  • Wind turbines
  • Steam turbines
  • Centrifugal compressor turbochargers
  • Gas turbines
  • Electric motors

Rotordynamics-application

Rotors and rotor trains are modeled as cylindrical or conical beam elements (plain or hollow) using a FEM (Finite Element Method) solver and mass-inertia elements can be used to simulate disks, roots, blades, impellers, probes, etc.

Scope of Analysis

Using AxSTREAM® RotorDynamics, different types of rotating machinery analysis can be performed:

  • Static deflection analysis – Allows calculating deflection of the rotor under its own weight as well as reaction on each of the bearings in the system
  • Lateral critical speeds analysis for fixed and variable support stiffnesses
  • Unbalance response analysis
  • Whirl speed and stability analysis
  • Train torsional modal, transient, harmonic and reciprocating machines analysis
  • Vibration analysis
  • Fluid film bearing analysis
  • Rotor balancing analysis

Rotordynamics-analysis

The program’s post-processing capabilities allow obtaining information about the rotor-bearing-support system like the following:

  • Static deflection form
  • Stresses, forces and moments throughout the machine
  • Critical speed mode shapes
  • Critical speed map
  • Rotor response plot
  • Amplification factor and separation margin based on provided unbalance and damping characteristics, as required by API standards
  • Stability plot and Campbell diagram for both lateral and torsional analysis
  • Torsion natural frequencies
  • Transient torsional responses torque and stresses

Rotordynamics-scope-analysis

For more information on rotor dynamics, watch an introduction and short demo to our rotor dynamics software

 

Interested in learning more? Register for our full rotor dynamics online video course below!

Register for the full video course here