Transient response of a rotor-AMBs system connected by a flexible mechanical coupling

• A spatial model of a misaligned rotor mounted in two identical AMBs is setup.
• AMBs dynamics support parameters were modeled by stiffness and damping matrices.
• These were computed through an electromagnetic theory.
• Effect of misalignment on vibration of rotors is investigated in transient regime.
• Simulation results were carried out to determine the frequency and transient.

In this paper, the effect of angular misalignment on the transient dynamics of a rotor-Active Magnetic Bearings (AMBs) system was examined with numerical analysis. A spatial model of a misaligned rotor mounted in two identical AMBs is setup to account angular misalignment with a flexible coupling having torsional and lateral flexibility. The driving rotor was powered by an electric motor in transient regime. Three models of AMBs were used with four; six and eight magnets. They were powered by bias and control current. The AMBs dynamics support parameters were modeled by stiffness and damping matrices. These were computed through an electromagnetic theory and derivation of the magnetic forces. The general equations of motion of the driven rotor were derived and solved using the Newmark time integration method. Simulation results were carried out to determine the frequency and transient responses in term of misalignment magnitude. Dynamic responses come to confirm a significant influence of the transient regime on the dynamic behavior of misaligned rotor. Simulated results also reveal that vibrations induced by angular misalignment were more important in the case of AMBs with four magnets. Spectral components of the system response were investigated, in sort to present diagnostic information about the signature of this kind of fault in transient regime.