A Dynamic Analysis of a Dual Clearance Squeeze Film Damper

Squeeze film dampers (SFD) are devices utilized to control the shafts of high-speed rotating machinery. A dual squeeze film damper (DSFD) consists of two squeeze film bearings that are separated by a sleeve, which is released when the rotor experiences abnormal operating conditions. In this part of our study of DSFD we analyze the case when both the inner and the outer oil films are active. We present computed and measured unbalance responses of a shaft supported in DSFD. The oil forces which are utilized in the calculation of the unbalance response are obtained from numerical solutions of the Reynolds equation. A finite-difference algorithm is utilized for solving the pressure equation within the calculation of the dynamic response of the shaft.