Interactions Between Backlash and Bearing Clearance Nonlinearity in Geared Flexible Rotors

In this study, the interactions between backlash, bearing clearance and bearing flexibility are studied in geared flexible rotors. For this purpose, the non-linear mathematical model developed in a recent previous study for geared rotors on flexible bearings is extended further to handle clearance nonlinearity in bearings. The model consists of elastic shafts on elastic bearings with clearance, and coupled by a non-linear gear mesh interface. Shafts are modeled by using finite elements. The mathematical model includes the axial loading on shafts, rotary inertia, material damping of shafts, backlash nonlinearity of gear mesh and flexible bearings with clearances nonlinearity. The model considers also the effects of gear errors and profile modifications. The excitation effect of time varying mesh stiffness is indirectly included into the analysis through a periodic displacement representing loaded static transmission error (STE). STE input is modeled by the highest n harmonic terms of the Fourier series representation of the measured or calculated data. The model developed is believed to be one of the most advanced ones: It includes several linear and non-linear effects and capable of handling various different gear-rotor-bearing configurations. Through several case studies, the combined effects of backlash, bearing clearance, and bearing flexibility on dynamic mesh force and bearing loads are studied.