KEYWORDS

Rolling Element Bearings, Gas/Jet Turbines

STIFFNESS AND DAMPING OF ROLLING ELEMENT BEARINGS UNDER TURBINE ENGINE OPERATING CONDITIONS

In an effort to improve the accuracy of rotordynamic models for the design of aircraft turbine engines, the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is performing rotordynamic characterization of rolling element bearings at relevant engine operating conditions.  Methodology and test rig design will be presented. Calibration of the research rig will also be presented as well as the experimental design.

AUTHORS

Brian D. Nicholson and Jeremy T. Nickell, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright Patterson AFB, OH