Nonlinear Dynamic Analysis of Flywheel Rotor Systems with Multiple Fit Clearances

Dynamic analysis of a flywheel rotor system with multiple bearing clearances is conducted in this study. Firstly, Jones-Harris method is used to deduce the equivalent nonlinear support stiffness of angular contact high-speed ball bearing with preload considered. Ignoring the structural deformation, the contact model of inner and outer rings with clearance is used to describe the clearance fit between the outer ring and the sleeve, and between the sleeve and the bearing pedestal. Based on Hertz contact theory, the discontinuous and nonlinear support stiffness is then obtained. The lumped parameter model of rotor-bearing-pedestal system is established and verified based on dynamic test results. Based on this, the influence of clearance fit parameters and external excitation parameters on the vibration response amplitude of the system is analyzed. When the radial displacement is greater than the fit clearance, the radial support stiffness changes abruptly and increases rapidly. If it increases to a certain value, the increase of radial stiffness would slow down. The vibration response curve appears sub-harmonic resonances and amplitude jump. The increase of the fit clearance aggravates the vibration response level, the resonance speed of the system moves to the low speed, and the jumping phenomenon becomes more prominent, which is not conducive to the stable operation of the rotor system.