Dynamic Analysis Of A Bladed Balance Ring Device

Among the solutions to the rotor unbalance problem, the previous art shows the use of passive balancers. The liquid balance ring fall in this category, which basically consists of a hollow ring equipped with a number of anti-sloshing baffle boards inside the cavity. The liquid contained within the ring adopts an antagonist position to the unbalance, thus balancing the rotor. Nowadays, in regard to the shape of the baffles boards employed in liquid balance ring devices, the use of straight baffles is the standard practice. However, as the fluid is subjected to rotation, it makes sense to believe that there should be a better baffle shape to enhance the fluid-solid interaction and improve the balance ring dynamic performance. This research work introduces for the first time a balance ring with curved (forward and backward) blades that remarkably enhance the unbalance response of rotors in the transient and steady-state. A classical dynamics model of this novel bladed concept is introduced and employed in designing a liquid balance ring for high-speed performance. Experimental data showing good correlation between the model and tests is presented.