Dynamics of Rigid Rotors in Retainer Bearings

We present results on the dynamics and loads of a rigid rotor in a simple rigid bearing with clearance. For a sliding rotor in "cylindrical motion" with Coulomb friction, the nonlinear solution yields information on the effects of both the coefficient of friction and the air gap on such motion. A more general model indicates when cylindrical and "conical" motions exist. At high speeds, cylindrical motions produce the highest bearing loads, although loads are also intolerable for conical motions.