Thermohydrodynamic Instability in Fluid–Film Bearings

Can operating conditions that cause thermohydrodynamic instabilities be accurately predicted? How can thermohydrodynamic instabilities be mitigated? This book answers these questions by exposing recent research results that combine expertise in tribology, fluids, mechanics, thermodynamics, and systems and control; and more.

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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.