Balancing of machinery with a flexible variable-speed rotor

The balancing procedure of machines composed of a flexible rotating part (rotor) and a non-rotating part (stator) mounted on suspensions is presented. The rotating part runs at a variable speed of rotation and is mounted on bearings with variable-speed-dependent characteristics. Assuming that the unbalance masses are relatively well defined, such as in the case of a crank-shaft, the procedure is based on a numerical approach using rotordynamics theory coupled with the Finite Element and Influence Coefficient Methods. An academic rotor/stator model illustrates the procedure. Moreover, the industrial application concerns a refrigerant rotary compressor whose experimental investigation permits validating the model. Assuming that the balancing planes are located on the rotor, it is shown that reducing the vibration level of both rotor and stator requires a balancing procedure using target planes on the rotor and on the stator. In the case of the rotary compressor, this avoids rotor-to-stator rubs and minimizes vibration transmission through pipes and grommets. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.