Clearance sensing hydrostatic bearing restrictor for the homopolar generator systems tester

Thesis/Dissertation · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1985

OSTI ID:5340926

Vaughn, M R

This work documents the development of an advanced hydrostatic bearing system for the subcritical operation of the Homopolar Generator Systems Tester. Since this Systems Tester is unique in that it was built with stationary shaft bearings, several new hydrostatic bearing ideas were developed. First, a new clearance sensing variable restrictor was developed to accommodate the almost five fold increase in radial bearing clearance intrinsic to the machine geometry encountered during each machine cycle. A new dynamic hydrostatic thrust-bearing model was developed that permits tilt about any axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation as well as axial motion. These bearings are well instrumented providing data to verify the models both at rest and during operation. In addition to the bearing advances, overall machine design decisions, as well as the factors which influenced them, are examined. Magnetic effects are discussed with respect to both rotor dynamic effects and thrust bearing loading. Bearing sump and sealing philosophies are also discussed. Decisions concerning rotor geometry are similarly reviewed. Finally, the results of the experiment are evaluated in terms of the future impact on not only homopolar generators, but on rotating machinery in general.

• Research Organization: Texas Univ., Austin (USA)
• OSTI ID: 5340926
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
420500* -- Engineering-- Materials Testing
BEARINGS
DESIGN
ELECTRIC GENERATORS
HOMOPOLAR GENERATORS
HYDROSTATIC BEARINGS
MACHINERY
STRUCTURAL MODELS
TEST FACILITIES
TURBOMACHINERY