Transient and Steady State Vibration Analysis of a Wavy Thrust Bearing

This paper describes a numerical procedure for analyzing the dynamics of transient and steady state vibrations in a wavy thrust bearing. The major effects of the wavy geometry and the operating parameters on the dynamic characteristics of the bearing had been discussed in a previous paper; the present paper thus concentrates on examining the relationships between the development of the transient and steady state vibrations when operating conditions are parametrically varied. Special attention is given to the development of steady state vibrations from initial transients with comparisons and consequences to the overall system stability. Numerical based vibration signature analysis procedures are then used to identify and quantify the transient vibrations. The conclusions provide general indicators for designing wavy thrust bearings that are less susceptible to transients induced by external perturbations.