Improved non-invasive inverse problem method for the balancing of nonlinear squeeze-film damped rotordynamic systems

A non-invasive inverse problem method for rotor balancing relies on casing vibration readings and prior knowledge of the structure. Such a method is important for rotors that are inaccessible under operating conditions. This paper introduces a method for solving the quasi-implicit inverse problem that arises when identifying the required balancing correction for a rotor with only one weak linear connection to the casing, apart from the nonlinear connections. This is typical of aero-engine designs that use a retainer spring with only one of the nonlinear squeeze-film damper (SFD) bearings that support the rotor within the casing. The SFD journal displacements are estimated from casing vibration readings using identified inverse SFD models based on Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs). The information from these is then used to enhance the condition of the explicit inverse problem set up in previous research for simpler configurations. The methodology is validated using simulated casing vibration readings. The reliability of the RNN inverse SFD models is first demonstrated. The second part of the validation shows that the novel enhanced explicit inverse problem method is essential for effective balancing of this previously unconsidered system. Repeatability and robustness to noise/model uncertainty are satisfactorily demonstrated and limitations discussed. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.