Axial Compressor Bearing Design Principles and Analysis
Axial compressor bearing design plays a critical role in the efficacy, reliability, and durability of a centrifugal compressor. Optimizing an axial compressor bearing design to effectively support all of the forces acting on it from the rotor can eliminate damage, reduce wear, and improve mechanical performance. Different bearing design principles and approaches must be taken into consideration when designing the bearings of an axial compressor, and their effectiveness should be analyzed to ensure a successful design.
The purpose of axial compressor bearing design is to ensure that the rotor is properly supported and the rotor loads are transferred to the foundation. The parameters that must be considered in axial compressor bearing design include; axial compliance, radial stiffness, stiffness and damping in the bearing supports, lubrication, and clearance and contact.
Axial compliance of the bearings is important in axial compressor design to absorb any axial movement in the rotor due to external and internal forces. A proper axial compliance should be selected in order to minimize the rotor movement and prevent rubbing on the bearing surfaces. An axial compliance of 0.22 - 0.5 mm/Mpa is typically used.
Radial stiffness is another important parameter that must be taken into consideration during axial compressor bearing design. Radial stiffness must be high enough to support the rotor forces but also compliant enough to prevent any damage to the bearing due to flexing. An appropriate balance must be struck for optimum performance.
Stiffness and damping in the bearing supports should also be considered in order to ensure that the rotor forces are transferred to the foundation in a controlled manner. The stiffness and damping should be chosen carefully to ensure the bearing does not experience excessive displacement or vibrations.
Lubrication is a key factor in bearing design in order to ensure optimal performance and reduce wear of the components. The lubricant should be chosen based on the type of components used in the design and the environment in which it operates.
Clearance and contact are also an important consideration in axial compressor bearing design. The bearing clearance should be just enough to avoid metal-to-metal contact. If the clearance is too small, the bearing will rub excessively, leading to premature failure; if the clearance is too large, there may not be enough contact to create a seal, leading to lubricant loss and further premature bearing failure.
In order to ensure the successful design of an axial compressor bearing, designers must identify the operating conditions, determine the bearing loads and parameters, consider the materials and lubrication used, and select the appropriate design parameters. Once the design parameters have been identified, the performance of the bearing should be tested and analyzed to assure optimum performance and reliability.
Axial compressor bearing design is a complex process that requires careful analysis and consideration of multiple parameters. By taking all of the relevant factors into consideration, designers can optimize their designs to ensure an effective, reliable, and durable bearing that will maximize the performance of the compressor.
