Optimization of Journal Bearing Profile for Higher Dynamic Stability Limits

This work presents an optimization procedure to find bearing profiles that improve stability margins of rotor-bearing systems. The profile is defined by control points and cubic splines. Stability margins are estimated using bearing dynamic coefficients, and obtained solutions are analyzed as a function of the number of control points and of the Sommerfeld number at optimization. Results show the feasibility of finding shapes for the bearing that significantly improve the stability margins. Some of the obtained solutions overcome the stability margins of conventional bearings, such as the journal bearing and preloaded bearings with 0.5 and 0.67 preload. A time domain simulation of a flexible shaft rotating system supported by such bearings corroborates the results.