Simulation-Based Controller Design for an Active Auxiliary Bearing

A framework for the development of a feedback controller for an active auxiliary bearing is presented. Experiments show the success the developed control concept. A simulation for the elastic rotor and the auxiliary bearing including the non-smooth nonlinear dynamics of the rubbing contact is used to de-velop the feedback controller. The auxiliary bearing is attached to the foundation via two unidirectional actuators. The control force is applied indirectly using the active auxiliary bearing only in case of rubbing. Experimental studies have been carried out at a rotor test rig. The experiments show the outstanding success of the strategy. In case of rubbing, the contact forces are reduced up to 85%.