Dynamic modeling and simulation of inter-shaft bearings with localized defects excited by time-varying displacement

To accurately describe the dynamic features of inter-shaft bearings with localized defect under operation, the dynamic model of inter-shaft bearing with localized defects was established with respect to time-varying displacement excitation. Based on fault simulations on a birotor experimental rig, the developed dynamic model of inter-shaft bearing is validated to have high accuracy (over 99%) when localized defects happen on inner and outer race with co- and counter-rotation, which indicates that the model can be adopted to simulate the faults of inter-shaft bearing instead of experiment. Through investigation of the square-root (SR) amplitudes of bearing vibration with different defect sizes, radial loads, and rotational directions, we find that the SR amplitudes of bearing vibration increase with increasing defect size and radial load for both co- and counter-rotation. The amplitudes of counter-rotation are larger than those of co-rotation for inner race and outer race, and the amplitude of inner race defect are larger than that of outer race defect for the same defect size or same radial load. This work reveals the SR variation of bearing vibration with localized surface defects under different defect sizes and radial loads, and accurately describes the dynamic characteristics of inter-shaft bearing with localized defects. The efforts of this study open a door to adopt a dynamic model in the future to evaluate and monitor the health condition of inter-shaft bearings in an aeroengine or other rotating machinery.