Multi-physic modeling of hydrodynamic bearing with active pads using COMSOL

• Grant number: 20/13723-4
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): February 01, 2021
• Effective date (End): January 31, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Mechanical Engineering Design
• Principal researcher: Rodrigo Nicoletti
• Grantee: Mateus Laviera Bezerro
• Home Institution: Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos (EESC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The project lies within the design of a hydrodynamic bearing whose tilting pads are controlled by electromagnetic actuators (a new solution design). By mounting the actuators in the bearing housing, we can apply electromagnetic forces on the pads, therefore changing their angular position in relation to the housing. As a consequence, we can modify the dynamic characteristics of the rotor-bearing system to more appropriated conditions according to the operating condition of the machine (no need of maintenance stops thus reducing economic losses). The main objective of this project is the multi-physic modeling of the bearing, considering the hydrodynamic effects of the oil film and the electromagnetic characteristics of the actuators. For that, we will employ the software COMSOL.