Evaluation of various fluid-film models for use in the analysis of squeeze film dampers with a central groove

Experimental vibration responses of squeeze film dampers (SFDs) are obtained with four different central groove depths, two types of lubricant and various unbalance levels. Highly non-linear fluid stiffness and damping are observed, the damping being sensitively related to oil viscosity and unbalance. Existing oil film models are applied to predict the SFD behaviour. A special groove-two land model is able to predict the vibration behaviour of a very shallow grooved SFD and the conventional two-land theory is applicable to a SFD with a very deep groove. These observations provide useful guidelines for designing a shallow or deep grooved SFD-rotor assembly.