Department of Mechanical Engineering

Rotor Dynamics Laboratory



Contact Information:
R. Gordon Kirk, Director
gokirk@vt.edu

For more information, go to:
filebox.vt.edu/eng/mech/rdl/main.html


What We Do

The Rotor Dynamics Laboratory is involved with both analysis and experimental evaluation of rotating machinery design and vibration. The evaluation of machinery sub-systems such as bearings and seals is currently the major thrust of the research. The Virginia Tech Rotor Dynamics Laboratory is a major source of specialty computer programs for industry for the analysis of vibration characteristics and the prediction of instability for rotating equipment.


Research

Rotor Dynamics LabMultiple projects involving a variety of rotating machinery related topics are underway. These projects involve fluid-film bearings, magnetic bearings, shaft force sensing, condition monitoring, seals and the identification and characterization of machinery vibration phenomena. Others include:

  • High speed fluid-film bearing test rig
  • Hydrostatic bearing design
  • Advanced analysis of liquid ring seals
  • Thermal Deformation Synchronous Instability
  • CFD analysis of liquid gas seals- evaluation of seal grooving and inertia effect in liquid seals and gas labyrinth seal comparisons
  • Magnetic bearings for improved process control
  • High accuracy modular thrust measurement system utilizing magnetic bearings and magnetic actuators to support the test piece and to measure thrust forces
  • Investigation into the use of vibration monitoring methods for the detection of refrigerant level in automotive A/C systems as they come off the assembly line

 

Facilities

The Rotor Lab at Plantation Road has 3800 sq ft of shop and office space. The lab has a 200 HP variable speed motor drive test stand with speed capability of up to 14,000 rpm. Air turbine and variable speed motor drives are available for the fluid film bearing test rig. A smaller 1 inch diameter shaft rig with 10 HP variable speed drive has been used to study cracked shafts and disk skew. Another room for smaller experimental projects and student work area is located in Randolph Hall.