System for reducing vibrations in a rotor

Abstract

A rotor operable to rotate about a rotational axis includes a first bearing coupled to the rotor, and a second bearing coupled to the rotor, the first bearing and the second bearing cooperating to support the rotor for rotation about the rotational axis at a rotational speed. A rotor body includes a first bearing surface coupled to the first bearing, a second bearing surface coupled to the second bearing and an operational surface that extends between the first bearing surface and the second bearing surface. A bend dissipater is connected to the operational surface and operates to dissipate energy during bending of the rotor body in the operational surface to reduce vibration of the rotor body measured at the first bearing and the second bearing.

Description

Docket No. 2024PF00269 SYSTEM FOR REDUCING VIBRATIONS IN A ROTOR BACKGROUND

[0001] Rotating equipment or turbo machinery such as turbine rotors, compressor rotors, generator rotors and the like are dynamically balanced before operation to reduce unwanted vibration. This is important for almost any rotor but is particularly important for high-speed rotors such as those that rotate above 4000 RPM. Many of these rotors pass through one or more critical frequencies before arriving at their rotating speed. Vibration at or around these critical speeds, even for short periods of time can cause damage or excessive wear for a rotor and its related components. SUMMARY

[0002] In one aspect, a rotor operable to rotate about a rotational axis includes a first bearing coupled to the rotor, and a second bearing coupled to the rotor, the first bearing and the second bearing cooperating to support the rotor for rotation about the rotational axis at a rotational speed. A rotor body includes a first bearing surface coupled to the first bearing, a second bearing surface coupled to the second bearing and an operational surface that extends between the first bearing surface and the second bearing surface. A bend dissipater is connected to the operational surface and operates to dissipate energy during bending of the rotor body in the operational surface to reduce vibration of the rotor body measured at the first bearing and the second bearing.

[0003] In another aspect, a rotor operable to rotate about a rotational axis includes a first bearing coupled to the rotor to partially support the rotor for rotation about the rotational axis at a rotational speed. A rotor body includes a first bearing surface coupled to the first bearing, a dissipater space formed in the rotor body and including a first wall surface and a second wall surface, and a bend dissipater disposed within the dissipater space and in direct physicalDocket No. 2024PF00269 contact with the first wall surface and the second wall surface. The bend dissipater is operable to dissipate energy during bending of the rotor body to reduce vibration of the rotor body measured at the first bearing.

[0004] In another aspect, a rotor operable to rotate about a rotational axis includes a first bearing coupled to the rotor to partially support the rotor for rotation about the rotational axis at a rotational speed. A rotor body includes a first bearing surface coupled to the first bearing and an operational surface. A bend dissipater includes a first end shrink-fit connected to the operational surface and a second end spaced apart from the first end and connected to the operational surface. The bend dissipater operable to dissipate energy during bending of the rotor body in the operational surface to reduce vibration of the rotor body measured at the first bearing.

[0005] The foregoing has broadly outlined some of the technical features of the present disclosure so that those skilled in the art may better understand the detailed description that follows.

[0006] Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that they may readily use the conception and the specific embodiments disclosed as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure in its broadest form.

[0007] Also, before undertaking the Detailed Description below, it should be understood that various definitions for certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document, and those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that such definitions apply in many, if not most, instances to prior as well as future uses of such defined words and phrases. While some terms may include a wide variety of embodiments, the appended claims may expressly limit these terms to specific embodiments.Docket No. 2024PF00269 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a rotor including a first bearing and a second bearing supporting the rotor for rotation about a rotational axis.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of the rotor of FIG. 1 including a bend dissipater.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of the rotor of FIG. 2 including the bend dissipater and a cover member.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a two-piece bend dissipater.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of the rotor of FIG. 1 including another bend dissipater.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of the rotor of FIG. 1 including another bend dissipater.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of a rotor that includes a tie bolt and a bend dissipater.

[0016] FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of the rotor of FIG. 1 including a bend dissipater disposed outside of the operational surface of the rotor body.

[0017] FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of the rotor of FIG. 1 including another bend dissipater disposed outside of the operational surface of the rotor body.

[0018] FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of the rotor of FIG. 1 including another bend dissipater disposed outside of the operational surface of the rotor body.

[0019] FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of the rotor of FIG. 1 including the bend dissipater of FIG. 8 disposed outside of the operational surface of the rotor body adjacent a slot.Docket No. 2024PF00269

[0020] FIG. 12 is a schematic illustration of the rotor of FIG. 1 including the bend dissipater of FIG. 8 disposed outside of the operational surface of the rotor body adjacent a plurality of slots.

[0021] FIG. 13 is a schematic illustration of the rotor of FIG. 1 including the bend dissipater of FIG. 8 disposed outside of the operational surface of the rotor body adjacent a slot. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in this description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0023] Various technologies that pertain to systems and methods will now be described with reference to the drawings, where like reference numerals represent like elements throughout. The drawings discussed below, and the various embodiments used to describe the principles of the present disclosure in this patent document are by way of illustration only and should not be construed in any way to limit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented in any suitably arranged apparatus. It is to be understood that functionality that is described as being carried out by certain system elements may be performed by multiple elements. Similarly, for instance, an element may be configured to perform functionality that is described as being carried out by multiple elements. The numerous innovative teachings of the present application will be described with reference to exemplary non-limiting embodiments.

[0024] It should be understood that the words or phrases used herein should be construed broadly, unless expressly limited in some examples. For example, the terms “including,” “having,” and “comprising,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation. The singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Further, the term “and / or” as used hereinDocket No. 2024PF00269 refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The term “or” is inclusive, meaning and / or, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The phrases “associated with” and “associated therewith,” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like. Furthermore, while multiple embodiments or constructions may be described herein, any features, methods, steps, components, etc. described with regard to one embodiment are equally applicable to other embodiments absent a specific statement to the contrary.

[0025] Also, terms such as “first”, “second”, “third” and so forth may be used herein to refer to various elements, information, functions, or acts, but should not be considered as limiting in any way. Rather these numeral adjectives are used to distinguish different elements, information, functions or acts from each other. For example, a first element, information, function, or act could be termed a second element, information, function, or act, and, similarly, a second element, information, function, or act could be termed a first element, information, function, or act, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0026] In addition, the term “adjacent to” may mean that an element is relatively near to but not in contact with a further element or that the element is in contact with the further portion unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based, at least in part, on” unless explicitly stated otherwise. Terms “about” or “substantially” or like terms are intended to cover variations in a value that are within normal industry manufacturing tolerances for that dimension. If no industry standard is available, a variation of twenty percent would fall within the meaning of these terms unless otherwise stated.

[0027] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a rotor 100 supported by a first bearing 110 and a second bearing 112 for rotation about a rotational axis 114. The rotor 100 includes a rotor body 102 that defines a first bearing surface 104 that engages the first bearing 110 and a second bearing surface 106 that engages the second bearing 112 to support the rotor 100. In the illustrated construction, the first bearing 110 and the second bearing 112 are journal bearings with other bearings including roller bearings, magnetic bearings, any other bearing suitable for supporting a rotor or shaft for rotation as well as thrust bearings being possible.Docket No. 2024PF00269

[0028] A damping arrangement 116 is shown connected to each of the first bearing 110 and the second bearing 112. One of ordinary skill will recognize this illustration as a representation of the dynamic damping characteristics of the bearing that are generally reduced to a spring 118 having a spring characteristic or constant and a damper 120. Of course, there is not necessarily a component or element that is defined as a spring 118 or a damper 120. The actual values or operating characteristics of the damping arrangement 116 are a function of the construction of the bearing, the supports for the bearing and other characteristics that are not critical to the system described herein.

[0029] The rotor body 102 includes an operational surface 108 that extends between the first bearing surface 104 and the second bearing surface 106 in the illustrated construction. The shape, contour, and content of the operational surface 108 is a function of the type of rotor 100. For example, a generator rotor may appear largely cylindrical. However, turbine rotors or compressor rotors may include rows of blades, vanes, fans, internal seals, shaft seals, or other components that are required for the particular rotor. It should be noted that while the illustrated operational surface 108 is between the first bearing 110 and the second bearing 112 other arrangements will include an operational surface 108 that extends beyond one or more of the bearings 110, 112. Thus, the operational surface 108 should be considered to include any surface of the rotor not disposed inside one of the bearings 110, 112.

[0030] During operation, all rotors 100 vibrate. While the rotor 100 is statically and dynamically balanced, vibrations still arise, particularly if the rotor operates near one of its critical speeds. The term “critical speed” refers to the theoretical angular velocity that excites the natural frequency of a rotating object, such as a shaft, propeller, leadscrew, or gear. As the speed of rotation approaches the object's natural frequency, the object begins to resonate, which dramatically increases system vibration. The resulting resonance occurs regardless of orientation. When the rotational speed is equal to the natural frequency, then that speed is referred to as a critical speed.

[0031] Many rotors 100 operate above their first critical speed meaning the rotor 100 must pass through that critical speed while accelerating to its operating speed. At the critical speed, increased vibration can occur. For high-speed rotors 100, such as rotors 100 that operate at greater than 4000 RPM it is possible that the rotor 100 must pass through two or more critical speeds before arriving at its desired operating speed.Docket No. 2024PF00269

[0032] FIG. 2 through FIG. 13 illustrate arrangements that are applicable to the rotor 100 of FIG. 1 and that are designed to reduce the magnitude or duration of any vibration during operation of the rotor 100. FIG. 2 illustrates an arrangement in which a dissipater space 204 is formed in the operational surface 108 of the rotor body 102. The dissipater space 204 can be positioned anywhere in the rotor body 102 or the operational surface 108 but preferably is positioned in an area that is subjected to large bending stresses during operation.

[0033] In the illustrated construction, the dissipater space 204 is annular in shape and includes an innermost surface 206 that is substantially cylindrical, a first wall surface 208, and a second wall surface 210 that cooperate to define the dissipater space 204. In the illustrated construction, the first wall surface 208 and the second wall surface 210 are each planar annular walls that cooperate to define a rectangular cross-section annular space with an open outermost boundary. Of course, other arrangements of the dissipater space 204 are possible including dissipater spaces 204 with non-planar wall surfaces 208, 210 or even one continuous wall that defines the innermost surface 206, the first wall surface 208, and the second wall surface 210. Furthermore, the length or depth of the dissipater space 204 can vary greatly with the illustration of FIG. 2 being just one example.

[0034] A bend dissipater 202 is positioned within the dissipater space 204. In the illustrated construction, the bend dissipater 202 fills the entire dissipater space 204 and is flush or nearly flush with the operational surface 108. It is preferred that the bend dissipater 202 be shrunk-fit or closely formed within the dissipater space 204 such that is moves or bends with the rotor body 102 as if it were one unitary component.

[0035] The bend dissipater 202 is formed from a material that is selected to have a high modulus of resilience. Modulus of Resilience (Ur) is a quantitative measure of a material'sresilience, calculated as: Ur = ( y2) / (2E), where y is the yield strength and E is the modulusof elasticity. It represents the maximum strain energy per unit volume that can be stored elastically. The modulus of resilience is a measure of a material's capability to absorb energy without undergoing permanent deformation. It quantifies the energy per unit volume that a material can absorb up to the elastic limit, essentially the area under the stress-strain curve in the elastic deformation region. This modulus is crucial in applications where energy absorption without permanent distortion is desired. In contrast, the modulus of elasticity, also known as Young's modulus, measures a material's stiffness or resistance to elastic deformation underDocket No. 2024PF00269 load. It is defined as the ratio of stress (force per unit area) to strain (deformation) in the linear elastic region of the stress-strain curve. Unlike the modulus of resilience, which concerns energy absorption capabilities, the modulus of elasticity focuses on the material's stiffness characteristics. While both properties provide insights into material behavior under stress, the modulus of resilience emphasizes energy absorption capacity without permanent change, and the modulus of elasticity highlights the relationship between stress and strain in elastic deformation.

[0036] Suitable materials for the bend dissipater 202 include elastomeric materials, rubber, rubber-like materials, soft metals, cast iron, and the like. Generally, the material is selected to have a higher modulus of resilience than the base material of the rotor body 102 but that material must also be suitable for the operating conditions experienced by the rotor body 102. These conditions, include temperature, pressure, corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and the like.

[0037] As one of ordinary skill in the art will understand, during bending, the bend dissipater 202 may be compressed in one direction which will force expansion in the other two directions. Thus, if the rotor body 102 is bent in a manner that compresses the bend dissipater 202 in the axial direction (parallel to the rotational axis 114), the bend dissipater 202 will try to expand in the circumferential direction (around the rotational axis 114), and the radial direction (normal to the rotational axis 114). If the bend dissipater 202 is continuous in the circumferential direction, it will only be free to expand in the radial direction and it will bulge out of the open dissipater space 204.

[0038] FIG. 3 illustrates a construction that restrains this potential radial expansion. The arrangement of FIG. 3 is the same as that of FIG. 2 but additionally includes a cover member 302 that inhibits unwanted axial expansion or bulging of the bend dissipater 202.

[0039] In the illustrated construction, the cover member 302 is a complete ring that is shrunk onto the operational surface 108 of the rotor body 102 and has an inner surface that closely corresponds to the operational surface 108. In other constructions, other shapes or arrangements could be employed if desired. In addition, some positions of the bend dissipater 202 may not allow for a shrunk-fit ring. In these locations two piece or multi-piece cover members 302 may be required.Docket No. 2024PF00269

[0040] The material used to manufacture the cover member 302 is selected to meet the operating parameters in the area in which it is placed and also, where possible to further enhance the vibration characteristics of the rotor body 102 as will be discussed in greater detail with regard to the constructions of FIG. 8 through FIG. 13.

[0041] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates one possible construction of a multi-piece bend dissipater 202. The bend dissipater 202 of FIG. 4 includes a first portion 402 and a second portion 404 that are disposed adjacent one another or connected to one another to define the complete bend dissipater 202. Of course, more than two portions could be used to define the bend dissipater 202 and the bend dissipater 202 could be held in place via a shrink fit alone as shown in FIG. 2 or using a cover member 302 as illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0042] It should be noted that the cover member 302 could also be formed as two or more pieces as might be required. The separate pieces of the cover member 302 would be connected via fasteners or other arrangements to complete the assembly.

[0043] FIG. 5 illustrates an arrangement of the rotor body 102 that includes a plurality of dissipater spaces 506 and a plurality of bend dissipaters 508. The plurality of dissipater spaces 506 includes a number of individual dissipater spaces 504 with each dissipater space 504 being substantially rectangular in shape. However, like the dissipater space 204 of FIG. 2, the dissipater spaces 504 can vary in size, shape, quantity, spacing, arrangement, and the like with FIG. 5 being one example.

[0044] Each of the dissipater spaces 504 is filled with one of the bend dissipaters 502 of the pluralities of bend dissipaters 508. Each dissipater space 504 and bend dissipater 502 pair is similar to the bend dissipater 502 and dissipater space 504 of FIG. 2 with only the size and shape being different. In preferred arrangements, each bend dissipater 502 is a complete ring that surrounds the rotor body 102 and is shrunk-fit into its respective dissipater space 504.

[0045] While the illustrated arrangement illustrates four dissipater spaces 504 equally spaced from one another and equally sized, other arrangements may vary the size, spacing and quantity of dissipater spaces 504 as may be desired. In addition, not all of the dissipater spaces 504 need to be filled with bend dissipaters 502. Some or even all the dissipater spaces 504 could be left empty or could be filled with different materials. For example, materials of differentDocket No. 2024PF00269 elasticity could be placed in the different dissipater spaces 504 to achieve the desired energy absorption.

[0046] FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative construction of the rotor body 102 which includes a plurality of dissipater spaces 606 and a plurality of bend dissipaters 608. The plurality of dissipater spaces 606 includes three dissipater spaces 604 that are similar to the dissipater spaces 504 of FIG. 5. While FIG. 6 illustrates three dissipater spaces 604, other arrangements could include fewer or more dissipater spaces 604 as desired. In addition, the size, spacing, depth, and other parameters of the dissipater spaces 604 may vary as required for the particular design and operating conditions.

[0047] Each of the dissipater spaces 604 of the illustrated construction receives one of the bend dissipaters 602 of the pluralities of bend dissipaters 608. While prior constructions, completely filled the dissipater spaces, the illustrated construction positions O-rings within each dissipater space 604 to partially fill the dissipater spaces 604. Unlike the prior rings that filled the various dissipater spaces, the bend dissipaters 602 of FIG. 6 are circular cross section O-rings. In some arrangements, some or all of the dissipater spaces 604 can be partially filled with a bend dissipater 502 similar to the ones illustrated in FIG. 5 with the bend dissipaters 602 also positioned in the dissipater spaces 604.

[0048] FIG. 7 illustrates an arrangement of a rotor 100 in which the rotor 100 is assembled using a tie bolt 706. The tie bolt 706 extends along a portion of the length of the rotor body 102 and is parallel to and often concentric with the rotational axis 114. The tie bolt 706 operates to axially connect various rotor portions to form a completed rotor body 102.

[0049] In the arrangement of FIG. 7 the rotor body 102 includes a first axial portion 708 and a second axial portion 710 that are separated from one another to define a dissipater space 704. A ring-shaped bend dissipater 702 is positioned between the first axial portion 708 and the second axial portion 710 to sandwich the bend dissipater 702 therebetween. When the tie bolt 706 is tightened, the bend dissipater 702 is compressed and fixedly held between the first axial portion 708 and the second axial portion 710.

[0050] FIG. 8 through FIG. 13 illustrate alternative arrangements in which the bend dissipater is positioned completely outside of the rotor body 102 rather than within or partially within a dissipater space as with the prior constructions. As will be discussed, the bend dissipaters ofDocket No. 2024PF00269 FIG. 8 through FIG. 13 are generally shrunk on to the rotor body 102 in a manner similar to that used to add rotor disks or retaining rings. However, unlike these components, the bend dissipaters do not cover or support other components (e.g., rotor end turns) with the exception of other bend dissipaters, and the bend dissipaters increase the diameter of the rotor 100 in the area in which they are installed by less than twenty percent of the diameter of the rotor body 102 in the installation area.

[0051] With reference to FIG. 8, the rotor 100 includes two bend dissipaters 802 attached to the operational surface 108 of the rotor body 102. Each bend dissipater 802 includes a first end 804 and a second end 806 that are sized to engage the operational surface 108 of the rotor body 102. In preferred arrangements the first end 804 and the second end 806 are sized to define a shrink-fit or interference fit with the operational surface 108. An intermediate region 808 is formed between the first end 804 and the second end 806. In the illustrated construction, a clearance is maintained between the intermediate region 808 and the operational surface 108 such that only the first end 804 and the second end 806 of the bend dissipaters 802 contact the rotor body 102.

[0052] The outermost surface of the bend dissipaters 802 may have any shape or contour desired to achieve the desired effect. For example, thicker or thinner regions change the stiffness and bend characteristics of the bend dissipaters 802 and may have differing effects on a vibrating rotor body 102.

[0053] In preferred constructions, the bend dissipaters 802 of FIG. 8 are formed from metallic materials. However, other materials such as elastomeric or polymeric materials could be employed if desired.

[0054] FIG. 9 illustrates a variation of the rotor 100 in which bend dissipaters 902 are connected to the operational surface 108 of the rotor body 102. Each of the bend dissipaters 902 includes an inner surface 904 that is contoured to closely match the contours of the operational surface 108 in the desired location of the bend dissipater 902.

[0055] In preferred constructions, the bend dissipaters 902 are ring members made from elastomeric or other flexible materials that can be stretched to position the bend dissipaters 902 in the desired position while establishing an interference or shrink fit.Docket No. 2024PF00269

[0056] As discussed with regard to other constructions, the size, shape, position, and quantity of the bend dissipaters 902 can be varied as desired to achieve the desired effect.

[0057] FIG. 10 illustrates a rotor 100 in which a bend dissipater 1002 is installed on the operational surface 108 of the rotor body 102. The bend dissipater 1002 of FIG. 10 includes a first end 804 that is shrunk-fit onto the operational surface 108 as described with regard to FIG. 8. A cantilever portion 1008 extends from the first end 804 and has an inner diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the operational surface 108 in its installed location.

[0058] A groove 1004 is formed in the rotor body 102 and extends around the circumference to the rotor body 102. An O-ring 1006 is positioned within the groove and is sized to contact the innermost surface of the groove 1004 and the innermost surface of the cantilever portion 1008 of the bend dissipater 1002. In the illustrated construction, the O-ring 1006 has a circular cross-section with other shapes and arrangements being possible.

[0059] FIG. 11 through FIG. 13 illustrate an arrangement that uses bend dissipaters 802 similar to those described in FIG. 8. The bend dissipater 802 includes a first end 804 and a second end 806 that are arranged and shrunk-fit onto the operational surface 108 of the rotor body 102 as described with regard to FIG. 8. An intermediate region 808 extends between the first end 804 and the second end 806 and is spaced apart from the operational surface 108.

[0060] A slot 1102 is formed in the rotor body 102 and is positioned radially inward of the intermediate region 808. In the illustrated construction, the slot 1102 is rectangular in shape and has a width about equal to the depth.

[0061] Other constructions may include different shaped slots or a different quantity of slots. For example, FIG. 12 illustrates an arrangement that includes multiple slots 1102 disposed radially inward of the intermediate region 808. Each slot 1102 has a small width compared to its depth with the slots 1102 being equally spaced from one another. Of course, other arrangements may vary the size of the different slots 1102 or the spacing between them to achieve the desired effect.

[0062] FIG. 13 illustrates another variation in which the large slot illustrated in FIG. 11 is replaced with a single slot 1102 that has a small width when compared to its depth.Docket No. 2024PF00269

[0063] As one of ordinary skill in the art will realize, the size, shape, quantity, spacing, and contents of the illustrated slots 1102 can vary greatly to achieve the desired result. In addition, features from any of FIG. 2 - FIG. 13 can be combined to arrive at different variations that achieve the desired result or energy dissipation during a vibration event.

[0064] During operation of the rotor 100 it must periodically accelerate to an operating speed or decelerate to a low speed or shutdown. During either acceleration or deceleration, most rotors 100 pass through at least one critical speed during which resonance can occur causing increased levels of vibration. While the constructions described herein may change those critical speeds slightly, the rotor 100 will still have to pass through the critical speed.

[0065] However, the constructions herein are arranged to absorb and dissipate energy in response to bending. Thus, the magnitude of the bending that occurs during the passage through the critical speeds as well as the duration of that vibration can be reduced.

[0066] The constructions of FIG. 2 through FIG. 7 include bend dissipaters embedded or positioned within the rotor body 102 such that they bend with the rotor body 102. However, the bend dissipaters are made from a material with a high modulus of resilience which allows them to dissipate bend energy, thereby reducing the magnitude of the bending and damping out the bending more quickly after passing through the critical speed.

[0067] The constructions of FIG. 8 through FIG. 13 illustrate bend dissipaters that are largely or fully disposed outside of the rotor body 102. Like the embedded bend dissipaters, the bend dissipaters of FIG. 8 through FIG. 13 bend with the rotor body during vibration. The material and arrangement of the bend dissipaters are selected to have a high modulus of resilience which allows them to dissipate bend energy, thereby reducing the magnitude of the bending and damping out the bending more quickly after passing through the critical speed.

[0068] The arrangements described herein may increase rotor life by reducing the magnitude and duration of vibrations and the related bending of the rotor body 102 that occurs as a result of the rotor passing through one or more critical speeds.

[0069] The constructions also, reduce the magnitude and duration of other vibrations that may occur due to other causes including imbalance, impact, and the like.Docket No. 2024PF00269

[0070] Although at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure has been described in detail, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, substitutions, variations, and improvements disclosed herein may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure in its broadest form.

[0071] None of the description in the present application should be read as implying that any particular element, step, act, or function is an essential element, which must be included in the claim scope. The scope of patented subject matter is defined only by the allowed claims. Moreover, none of these claims are intended to invoke a means plus function claim construction unless the exact words "means for" are followed by a participle.

Claims

Docket No. 2024PF00269 CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A rotor operable to rotate about a rotational axis, the rotor comprising: a first bearing coupled to the rotor; a second bearing coupled to the rotor, the first bearing and the second bearing cooperating to support the rotor for rotation about the rotational axis at a rotational speed; a rotor body including a first bearing surface coupled to the first bearing, a second bearing surface coupled to the second bearing and an operational surface that extends between the first bearing surface and the second bearing surface; and a bend dissipater connected to the operational surface and operable to dissipate energy during bending of the rotor body in the operational surface to reduce vibration of the rotor body measured at the first bearing and the second bearing.

2. The rotor of claim 1, wherein the bend dissipater is formed from a material having a higher modulus of resilience than a material used to form the rotor body.

3. The rotor of claim 1, wherein the material used to form the bend dissipater is selected from one of rubber, synthetic rubber, cast iron, and elastomeric material.

4. The rotor of claim 1, further comprising a dissipater space formed in the rotor body and including an innermost surface, a first wall surface, and a second wall surface that define a portion of the operational surface, and wherein the bend dissipater is disposed within the dissipater space.

5. The rotor of claim 4, further comprising a cover member shrunk-fit into position around an outer diameter of the bend dissipater to completely cover the bend dissipater.

6. The rotor of claim 4, wherein the dissipater space is a first dissipater space of a plurality of dissipater spaces, and the bend dissipater is a first bend dissipater of a plurality of bend dissipaters, with each bend dissipater of the plurality of bend dissipaters disposed in one and only one of the dissipater spaces of the plurality of dissipater spaces.

7. The rotor of claim 1, wherein the bend dissipater is an O-ring having a circular cross section.Docket No. 2024PF00269 8. The rotor of claim 1, further comprising an O-ring positioned to circumscribe the rotor body, and wherein the bend dissipater includes a first contact surface in shrink-fit contact with the operational surface and a cantilever arm that extends from the first contact surface to a contact end, the contact end in direct contact with the O-ring.

9. The rotor of claim 1, wherein the bend dissipater includes a first contact surface, a second contact surface, and a relief space between the first contact surface and the second contact surface, the first contact surface and the second contact surface in shrink-fit contact with the operational surface.

10. The rotor of claim 9, further comprising a slot formed in the rotor body and extending around the circumference of the rotor body, the bend dissipater positioned with the first contact surface on a first side of the slot and the second contact surface positioned on a second side of the slot opposite the first side.

11. A rotor operable to rotate about a rotational axis, the rotor comprising: a first bearing coupled to the rotor to partially support the rotor for rotation about the rotational axis at a rotational speed; a rotor body including a first bearing surface coupled to the first bearing; a dissipater space formed in the rotor body and including a first wall surface and a second wall surface; a bend dissipater disposed within the dissipater space and in direct physical contact with the first wall surface and the second wall surface, the bend dissipater operable to dissipate energy during bending of the rotor body to reduce vibration of the rotor body measured at the first bearing.

12. The rotor of claim 11, wherein the bend dissipater is formed from a material having a higher modulus of resilience than a material used to form the rotor body.

13. The rotor of claim 11, wherein the material used to form the bend dissipater is selected from one of rubber, synthetic rubber, and elastomeric material.

14. The rotor of claim 11, wherein the bend dissipater is an O-ring having a circular cross section.Docket No. 2024PF00269 15. The rotor of claim 11, further comprising a cover member shrunk-fit into position around an outer diameter of the bend dissipater to completely cover the bend dissipater.

16. The rotor of claim 11, wherein the dissipater space is a first dissipater space of a plurality of dissipater spaces, and the bend dissipater is a first bend dissipater of a plurality of bend dissipaters, with each bend dissipater of the plurality of bend dissipaters disposed in one and only one of the dissipater spaces of the plurality of dissipater spaces.

17. The rotor of claim 16, wherein each bend dissipater of the plurality of bend dissipaters completely fills one of the dissipater spaces of the plurality of dissipater spaces.

18. The rotor of claim 16, wherein each bend dissipater of the plurality of bend dissipaters is an O-ring having a circular cross-section.

19. The rotor of claim 11, wherein the dissipater space separates the rotor body into a first axial portion and a second axial portion, and wherein the bend dissipater is positioned between the first axial portion and the second axial portion.

20. The rotor of claim 19, further comprising a tie bolt positioned to fixedly attach the first axial portion, the bend dissipater, and the second axial portion to one another.

21. A rotor operable to rotate about a rotational axis, the rotor comprising: a first bearing coupled to the rotor to partially support the rotor for rotation about the rotational axis at a rotational speed; a rotor body including a first bearing surface coupled to the first bearing and an operational surface; and a bend dissipater including a first end shrink-fit connected to the operational surface and a second end spaced apart from the first end and connected to the operational surface, the bend dissipater operable to dissipate energy during bending of the rotor body in the operational surface to reduce vibration of the rotor body measured at the first bearing.

22. The rotor of claim 21, wherein the bend dissipater includes a first contact surface, a second contact surface, and a relief space between the first contact surface and the second contact surface, the first contact surface and the second contact surface in shrink-fit contact with the operational surface.Docket No. 2024PF00269 23. The rotor of claim 22, further comprising a slot formed in the rotor body and extending around the circumference of the rotor body, the bend dissipater positioned with the first contact surface on a first side of the slot and the second contact surface positioned on a second side of the slot opposite the first side.

24. The rotor of claim 23, wherein the slot is a first slot of a plurality of slots and wherein the plurality of slots is entirely positioned axially between the first contact surface and the second contact surface.

25. The rotor of claim 21, further comprising an O-ring positioned to circumscribe the rotor body, and wherein the bend dissipater includes a first contact surface in shrink-fit contact with the operational surface and a cantilever arm that extends from the first contact surface to a contact end, the contact end in direct contact with the O-ring.

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