Semi-active vibration control of high-speed rotor system with electrorheological bearing fluid

Abstract

Present work focuses on the use of electrorheological fluid (ERF) as a lubricant in the high speed turbocharger rotor supported on floating ring bearings. The rotor is analysed by finite element modelling with gyroscopic effects and bearing forces. The ERF contains one carrier fluid and active particles that react to external electric field, which induces a yield stress in the fluid increasing its viscosity. In order to control the rotor vibration amplitudes, the dynamic changes in the fluid viscosities at the inner and outer films of bearing are employed with external electric field. A case study of automotive turbocharger rotor is considered and the effect of semi-active control is illustrated on the dynamic response of the system.