Tribology
Group 
Rotordynamics
Laboratory
Turbomachinery
Laboratory – Texas
A&M University
Contact Information: Lsanandres@mengr.tamu.edu
Phone: (979) 862 4744, (979) 845 0160 Fax: (979) 845 6382
The Tribology Group/Rotordynamics
Laboratory is one of the most active and well equipped research groups in the
Turbomachinery Program at
In the
field of Tribology (friction, lubrication
and wear) research focuses on
experimentally verified computational film flow models for the
prediction of the static and dynamic force response of fluid film bearings; in
particular hydrostatic bearings, tilting pad bearings, annular pressure seals,
squeeze film dampers, floating ring bearings, and gas damper bearings and
seals.
In the Rotordynamics field, research deals with the
measurement and prediction of the dynamic lateral vibration characteristics of
turbomachinery, encompassing both the traditional aspects of rotordynamics
analysis and investigations into the fluid film-structure interaction forces
that influence rotordynamics, with a major emphasis in fluid film dampers and
gas bearings.
GOALS
To provide an
advanced education in the fields of fluid film lubrication and rotordynamics
Our goal is to provide both
graduate and undergraduate students with an in-depth education on the
fundamental aspects of fluid film bearing technology and dynamics of high speed
rotating machinery. Our current research covers a wide spectrum of novel
bearing and seal applications and rotordynamics addressing to current and
future industrial needs
To develop advanced
analytical and computational tools for the analysis and design of process fluid
film bearings
The trends in turbomachinery demand
the largest output power to weight ratios and require flexible mechanical
rotating components able to operate at increased speeds, temperatures and
pressure differentials. Best efficiency and compactness can only be achieved
with the effective use of the process liquid or gas as the lubricant in the
support bearings
To procure experimental measurements of the static and
dynamic force performance of fluid film bearings and squeeze film dampers for
industrial applications
Our experimental research
program on squeeze film dampers has an outstanding international reputation.
Major advances have resulted from the analysis and experimental verification of
the forced performance of squeeze film dampers due to the effects of feeding
grooves, fluid inertia and dynamic lubricant cavitation. The latest
experimental measurements provide fundamental understanding on the complex flow
mechanics of air ingestion and entrapment (bubbly lubricant mixtures) in the
dynamic performance of squeeze film dampers
To advance technologies for Oil-Free turbomachinery and
micro-turbomachinery
Current research focuses on the analysis and experimental verification of the
static and dynamic forced performance of gas bearings and seals for
applications in micro-turbomachinery (40 Kw-500 kW) and portable power hybrid
systems (SFOC & gas turbines).
Annual Progress
Reports
Download short
reports describing major achievements, publications and funding
2005 2006 2007(pdf format)
2008
Slide shows for TRC funded
projects (May 08) NEW
|
Tech Report |
Title |
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Dynamic Performance
of a Squeeze Film Damper with Non-Circular Motions: Multi-Frequency
Excitations Reproducing Multi-Spool Engine Operating Conditions |
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A Novel FE Lubrication Model for Improved Predictions of
Force Coefficients in Off-Centered Grooved Oil Seals |
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Dynamic Forced Response of a Rotor-Hybrid
Gas Bearing System due to Intermittent Shocks |
|
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Thermohydrodynamic Analysis
of Bump Type Gas Foil Bearings: Model and Predictions & Rotordynamic Measurements on a High Temperature Rotor
Supported on Gas Foil Bearings |
|
|
Development of a Test Rig for Metal Mesh Foil Gas Bearing and Measurements
of Structural Stiffness and Damping in a Metal Mesh Bearing |
|
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The Effect of (Nonlinear) Pivot Stiffness on Tilting Pad
Bearing Dynamic Force Coefficients |
|
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Simplified Thermohydrodynamic
Analysis of (rigid geometry) Journal Bearings |
Slide show: ISCORMA
-2008 Plenary Lecture on Gas bearings at TAMU
Current
Projects 2006-2008
·
Research Experiences for Undergraduates: Development of
Microturbomachinery
Sponsor: National Science Foundation (3 years)
2006-2009, REU#0552885
P.I: Dr. Wayne Hung (ENTC),
co-pi: Dr. Luis San Andrés
Objective: The REU Summer Program funds 30
junior-level students to conduct hand-on training and research in mechanical,
manufacturing, industrial, or materials engineering topics related to
technological advances in microturbomachinery. This program is part of a larger
scale multidisciplinary research project at TAMU to develop microturbines to
enhance defense, homeland security, transportation, and aerospace applications.
Activities include a series of
informative seminars, field trips and social events to complement the research
activities while enhancing the group cohesiveness. Students will also sharpen
their communication skills through the writing of a research report and
presenting their research work to industry (TRC).
Excellent facilities and services, small size research teams,
exciting interdisciplinary topics, and staying in the intellectual city of
Download posters prepared by UG-REU
students, Summer 2007
Gas Foil Bearings
(Alex Martinez)
Turbochargers (Adam
Wilson)
Gas Tilting Pad Bearings
(H. Suh)
·
Nonlinear Rotordynamics of Automotive Turbochargers: Computational
Analysis of Floating Ring Journal Bearings (FRBs) and Experimental Validation
in a Turbocharger Test Rig
Sponsor: Honeywell Turbo Technologies 2001-2008
Objective: To advance (experimentally validated) computational tools for
prediction of the dynamic forced response of turbocharger rotors supported on
FRBs.
Status: Virtual Laboratory (computational software) is a production tool at
Honeywell. Research continues to model compressor and turbine aerodynamic
forces and more complex bearing geometries. Advice on foundation model to
·
Gas Bearings for Oil-Free Turbomachinery
Sponsor: TRC 2000-2008
Objective: To advance the technology of inexpensive reliable gas bearings for
micro gas turbines and micro power systems
Status: Further measurements for load on pad and load between pad conditions
and correlation to computational model predictions successful. Demonstrated
controlled pressurization avoids excitation of critical speeds with smooth
operation over extended speed zones. Computational program and GUI available to
TRC members.
·
Foil Gas Bearings for Oil-Free Turbomachinery
Sponsors: National Science Foundation (2003-2007),
TRC (2004-2008), NASA Glenn RC
(2007-2009),
Objective: To quantify the physical parameters of bump foil gas bearings for
micro turbine applications
Status: Extensions to computational analysis include models
for the top foil (1D and 2D). Code and GUI available to TRC members. Codes have
unsurpassed speed of execution since foil structure is modeled prior to
integration with gas film analysis. Test rig modified with AC motor running to
50 krpm and with centrifugal clutch and DC motor for start up. Tests for
structural parameter identification conducted at high temperatures (250 F)
using a heater.
·
Hybrid Brush Seals for Gas Turbines
Sponsor: Siemens Power Generation 2006-2008. Hardware from Advanced
Turbomachinery Solutions (ATS)
Objective: Measure leakage versus pressure for increasing shaft speeds, identify
mechanical parameters from improved shoed brush seal and advance computational
models for prediction of the dynamic forced performance of shoed brush seals.
Status: Test rig for identification of stiffness and damping coefficients
revamped for tests at high temperature (300C). Shaker load tests at various
frequencies will be conducted to identify the stiffness and equivalent damping
coefficients of shoed brush seal. Leakage vs. supply pressure tests completed.
·
Dynamic Force
Performance of Sealed Squeeze Film Dampers
Sponsor: TRC 2004-2008
Objective: To assess effect of mechanical end seal on dynamic forced performance
of a test SFD.
Status: Test rig accommodates a SFD with a (nonrotating) mechanical seal that
adds dry friction to system while containing lubricant for extended periods of
time and without side leakage. Seal design most successful to avoid air
ingestion and entrapment. Structural, dry-friction parameter of mechanical seal
and squeeze film damper damping and inertia coefficients identified from single
frequency load tests forcing unidirectional and circular centered orbits.
Predicted SFD force coefficients agree well with measured ones.
·
TRC Update of computational software
Sponsor: TRC 2007
Objectives: Update fluid film bearing predictive software by accounting for
thermal effects in radial bearings and pivot stiffness effects in tilting pad
journal bearings.
·
CLIN 004 - Tool/Method Development of the
AFRL Upper Stage Technology Program (USET) Turbopump USET Development
Sponsor: Northrop Grumman 2005-2008
Objective: Experimental validation and enhancements of computational models for
prediction of dynamic forced performance of cryogenic liquid hydrostatic
bearings - USAF Upper Stage Engine Technology Program.
(a): To develop hydrostatic bearing
tool with capability for modeling the non-linear forced response of fluid film
bearing, i.e. bearing reaction forces (impedance models) as a function of
instantaneous journal position, velocity and acceleration
(b): Create capability for
modeling speed dependent non-linear operation in mixed flow regime (fluid and
solid contact), including prediction of lift-off speed
(c): Experimental
Study of Hydrostatic / Hydrodynamic Thrust Bearings: 25 krpm, 250 psi, 600 lbf, water bearings.
Personal interest:
·
On Site Identification of Bearing Parameters in
Flexible Rotor Systems
To develop procedures for practical on site reliable bearing parameter identification techniques
SPONSOR: none
Dr. Luis San
Andrés, Professor & Group Leader
ASME Fellow, STLE Fellow, Mast-Childs Tribology
Professorship
Dr.
San Andrés has an international reputation as a qualified analyst and
experimentalist in the fields of fluid film lubrication and rotordynamics. Dr.
San Andrés has managed research projects with a total value exceeding 5.5
million dollars. He directs a laboratory with an average of seven fully
supported research assistants per year. Dr. San Andrés has educated many
graduate students currently practicing their skills and providing services and
leadership to turbomachinery manufacturers. Dr. San Andrés and his students
have published extensively in the archival literature: 110 peer reviewed
papers, 50+ invited conference papers, 100+ technical
reports. Dr. San Andrés also holds five patents and the copyright for the
hydrostatic and gas film family of computer programs for liquid & gas film
bearing analysis and design.
Dr. San
Andrés has provided major advances to the technology of hybrid bearings
(hydrostatic / hydrodynamic) for applications in primary power space
turbopumps. The bearings investigated, both theoretically and experimentally,
include flexure-pivot tilting pad bearings, angled injection hybrid bearings
and foil-bearings. Current research interests include analysis of hybrid thrust
bearings and two-phase fluid seals for cryogenic applications, and high speed
gas face seals and bearings with enhanced damping characteristics.
The Tribology Group has developed
advanced and efficient computational models for the analysis and design of
process-fluid film bearings (hydrostatic and hydrodynamic), gas bearings
including foil bearings, gas damper and labyrinth seals, tilting pad bearings
and squeeze film dampers. The thermo hydrodynamic flow models account for fluid
inertia and variable properties, flow turbulence in exotic bearing geometries.
Applications to high-speed turbomachinery include cryogenic turbopumps,
aircraft jet engines, industrial compressors, etc. Users include Boeing-Rocketdyne, Pratt & Whitney,
Distinctions – Former Students
|
Name |
Society |
Distinction |
Contribution |
|
Deborah Osborne- Wilde |
ASME Tribology Division |
2004 Marshal Peterson Young
Investigator Award |
Gas Bearings and Seals |
|
Sergio Diaz |
ASME Tribology Division |
2003 Burt Newkirk Investigator
Award |
Squeeze Film Dampers |
|
Nicole Zirkelback |
|
1998 Outstanding Graduate Student
Award |
Gas Annular and Face Seals |
Several graduate and undergraduate students
have obtained STLE scholarships and fellowships
2004 BEST Rotordynamics Paper Award – IGTI
Structures and Dynamics Committee)
Rubio, D., and L., San Andrés, 2004, “Bump-Type Foil Bearing
Structural Stiffness: Experiments and Predictions”, ASME Paper GT 2005-53611
(accepted for publication at ASME Journal of Gas Turbines and Power)
2003 Best Rotordynamics Paper Award (IGTI, Structures & Dynamics Committee)
Wilde, D.A., and San Andrés, L., 2003, “Experimental
Response of Simple Gas Hybrid Bearings for Oil-Free Turbomachinery,” ASME Paper
GT 2003-38833, ASME Turbo-Expo 2003 Conference, Atlanta, GA, June (accepted for
publication at ASME Journal of Gas Turbines and Power).
Favorite Links
Turbomachinery Research
Consortium
XLrotor a commercial
rotordynamics/bearing analysis package
rotordynamics.org,
a gateway to a collection of technical literature on rotordynamics.
Personal Interests
Roca Azul, the premier Latin
Rock & Blues Band in the
PHN,
Professional Hispanic Network at TAMU
Last revised: June 10, 2008