Engineering topics
Publications and source records attributed to Zalik, R. A..
A method is developed for determining the stability margins of a simple Jeffcott model with deadband via analysis of the discrete Fourier transform of the system response. The model in question is of a uniform, unbalanced, flexible shaft that is supported by a bearing as it rotates about its x axis. This model is represented by a system of coupled nonlinear differential equations.
The solutions of the Jeffcott equations describing the behavior of a rotating shaft are investigated analytically, with a focus on the case where deadband is taken into account. Bounds on the solutions are obtained from those for the linearized equations, and the onset of destructive vibrations is predicted by analyzing the Fourier transforms of the solutions; good agreement with numerical solutions and power-spectrum density plots is demonstrated. It is suggested that the present analytical approach could be applied to determine cryogenic-pump stability margins in flight and hot-fire ground testing of launch vehicles such as the Space Shuttle.
The Jeffcott equations are a system of coupled differential equations representing the behavior of a rotating shaft. This is a simple model which allows investigation of the basic dynamic behavior of rotating machinery. Nolinearities can be introduced by taking into consideration deadband, side force, and rubbing, among others. The properties of the solutions of the Jeffcott equations with deadband are studied. In particular, it is shown how bounds for the solution of these equations can be obtained from bounds for the solutions of the linearized equations. By studying the behavior of the Fourier transforms of the solutions, we are also able to predict the onset of destructive vibrations. These conclusions are verified by means of numerical solutions of the equations, and of power spectrum density (PSD) plots. This study offers insight into a possible detection method to determine pump stability margins during flight and hot fire tests, and was motivated by the need to explain a phenomenon observed in the development phase of the cryogenic pumps of the Space Shuttle, during hot fire ground testing; namely, the appearance of vibrations at frequencies that could not be accounted for by means of linear models.
Three analytic consequences of the nonlinear Jeffcott equations are examined. The primary application of these analyses is directed toward understanding the excessive vibrations recorded in the Liquid Oxygen (LOX) pump of the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) during hot firing ground testing. The first task is to provide bounds on the coefficients of the equations which delimit the two cases of numerical solution as a circle or an annulus. The second task examines the mathematical generalization to multiple forcing functions, which includes the special problems of mass imbalance, side force, rubbing, and combination of these forces. Finally, stability and boundedness of the steady-state solutions is discussed and related to the corresponding linear problem.