Experimental study of the aircraft air cycle machine rotor dynamics on gas foil bearings

Abstract

In this paper the results of the experimental research of the dynamics of the rotor of a four-wheeled aircraft air cycle machine on gas foil supports under conditions of vibration. The description of the experimental unit, measuring system, and methods of results processing is given. The rotor of the turbomachine is mounted on compliant gas foil journal bearings of the second generation. The rotor speed varied from 20000 to 32000 rpm. The cooling turbine was exposed to broadband random vibration with a mean square value of Vibro-acceleration up to 5 g. The influence of vibration load level, air supply temperature, amplitude-frequency characteristics of the turbine cooler case, and vibration equipment on the rotor dynamics was assessed.