SwRI offers advanced rotordynamic analysis capabilities

San Antonio -- June 6, 2005 -- Southwest Research Institute^® (SwRI^®) is now offering advanced rotordynamic analysis capabilities for the turbomachinery industry.

SwRI engineers are combining traditional rotordynamic modeling methods to predict rotor critical speeds and stability with advanced finite element analysis not only to model the rotating shaft but also to generate a detailed three-dimensional model of bearing supports, casings, pedestals and foundations. This coupled analysis approach is important for many industrial and aerospace applications including gas turbines, compressors, pumps and motors. The true interaction between the rotor and support structure is captured providing the most accurate prediction of critical speeds and unbalance response.

"Using this approach, we were able to help a client identify and alleviate a critical speed issue with a new product under development that was missed using traditional modeling techniques," said Dr. Jeff Moore, a principal engineer in the SwRI Mechanical and Materials Engineering Division and the developer of the new approach.

Rotordynamic instability continues to plague the turbomachinery industry, resulting in down-time and loss production that amounts to millions of dollars each year in lost revenue. When a machine becomes unstable, high vibrations occur, sometimes damaging the unit and preventing it from operating. Often, this instability is not discovered until start up in the field.

SwRI engineers are also using advanced three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics to capture the fluid/rotor interaction around rotating elements such as impellers and labyrinth seals inside centrifugal compressors and pumps. This analysis provides the most accurate assessment of these forces when predicting the stability of equipment.

"These new analytical tools mitigate risks at the design and procurement stages, allowing designers to catch problems before they reach the field," Moore said.

For more information about this capability and other rotordynamic research and development at SwRI, contact Dr. Jeff Moore at (210) 522-5812 or via e-mail at jeff.moore@swri.org or visit www.rotordynamics.swri.org.

For more information, contact Deborah Deffenbaugh, Communications Department, (210) 522-2046, Southwest Research Institute, PO Drawer 28510, San Antonio, TX 78228-0510.

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