Rotors on tilting pad journal bearings: the results of theoretical and experimental models

In order to study the dynamic behaviour of systems comprising low-loaded rotors on tilting pad journal bearings, a numerical simulation model has been developed and two experimental test rigs have been set up at the D.I.M.E. of the University of Naples. The theoretical model allows the system's dynamic behaviour to be described in the above conditions and is based on the hypothesis of a rigid rotor and rigid bearing supports. Bearings' hydrodynamic forces are calculated adopting the Reynolds equation for laminar and isothermal flows. The two test rigs and the particular features of each one are described in the present paper which also reports some of the test results, interpreted in the light of the results obtained by numerical simulation.