Thermohydrodynamic Instability In Fluid-Film Bearings

Comprehensive coverage of thermohydrodynamic instability for improved performance and reliability of rotating machinery

The fact that thermohydrodynamic instability in rotating machines still plagues the industry after 80 years is indicative of the complexity of the interrelated physical phenomena that require a multidisciplinary approach in analyzing their behaviour. Extensive research reveals that following two most fundamental questions remain without definite answers:

‧ Can operating conditions that cause thermohydrodynamic instabilities be accurately predicted?
‧ How can thermohydrodynamic instabilities be mitigated?

This book is dedicated to answering these questions by exposing recent research results that combine expertise in tribology, fluids, mechanics, thermodynamics, and systems and control; researchers are able to bring a fresh perspective to the problem through a systems theory-based approach. Specifically, by: a) exploiting stability analysis tools for nonlinear systems to better characterize instability; b) developing mathematical models that accurately predict the nonlinear mechanical-thermal-fluid dynamic interactions; and c) conceiving an innovative sensor/actuator paradigm and corresponding feedback algorithms for controlling the instability. This book will address these three issues.

• Features comprehensive, in-depth coverage of thermohydrodynamic instability in fluid-film bearings.
• Addresses the important problems of rotating machine failure for improved performance and reliability.
• Possesses cross-disciplinary applications in rotating machinery in chemical, petrochemical, process and power generation plants.
• Includes background material on lubrication, fluid mechanics, and Hopf bifurcation theory.
• Analyses the different sources of thermohydrodynamic instability.
• Gather together research that is currently widely disseminated throughout numerous journal papers and articles.
• Authored by recognised leading experts in the field.
• Illustrated throughout with numerical and experimental results, line drawings, tables, photographs, and graphs to support the book’s analytical content.

J. K. Wang, PhD, PE has over 20 years' academic and industrial experience in the design and vibration analysis of high-speed rotating machinery associated with fluid film bearings. Dr. Wang currently works as the Director of Engineering and Product Development of reciprocating and centrifugal pumps business units for TSC Group. He received his bachelor and master degrees from Xi'an Jiaotong University, and his doctoral degree from Louisiana State University. He is a professional engineer registered in the state of Texas, a certified Category IV Vibration Analyst, and Category IV Vibration Consultant listed by Vibration Institute. He holds the membership of ASME, ASM, SPE, and AISC.

M. M. Khonsari holds the Dow Chemical Endowed Chair at Louisiana State University (LSU). He is holder of several US patents, has authored over 250 archival papers, 50 book chapters and special publications, and three books. Professor Khonsari is the recipient of several research awards including the ASME Mayo Hersey Award, Burt Newkirk Award, the STLE Presidential Award awards for his contributions to tribology. He is the Editor-in-Chief for ASME Journal of Tribology. Professor Khonsari is a fellow of American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), Society of Tribologist and Lubrication Engineers (STLE), and American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).