Effect of Fluid Inertia on Squeeze-Film Damper Forces for Small-Amplitude Circular-Centered Motions

Abstract

Fluid-film forces generated by squeeze-film dampers (SFD) in response to small-amplitude centered motions are of special interest for stability analyses of rotating machinery employing SFDs with strong centering springs. They form the basis for calculation of linearized damping and inertia force coefficients obtained by subjecting the journal center to very small perturbations in velocity and acceleration. The analysis considers the fluid flow in an open-ends SFD due to small-amplitude circular-centered motions. Simplified governing equations are derived; and regarding the flow to be stable and laminar, the linear flow equations are solved exactly for arbitrary values of the Reynolds number. Exact damping and inertia force coefficient are then derived for open ends SFDs with arbitrary L/D ratios.