Bearing mount with squeeze film damping

Abstract

In a mount for a bearing on a high speed shaft subject to radial and axial vibratory displacement, a tube around the shaft having a first end rigidly connected to the bearing so that the tube vibrates with the shaft, an annular diaphragm spring with an inner diameter whereat a second end of the tube is rigidly attached and an outer diameter and a resilient planar portion therebetween, an annular shim between the diaphragm spring and a stationary parallel surface, a seal between the diaphragm spring and the parallel surface which cooperates with the shim and the parallel surface and the diaphragm spring planar portion in defining an annular squeeze film chamber, and means for maintaining the squeeze film chamber filled with fluid. When the shaft vibrates radially, the diaphragm spring planar portion distorts and the distortion orbits the squeeze film chamber wherein a resisting force is developed by the fluid to damp the vibrations. Axial vibrations of the shaft are also damped while the diaphragm spring resiliently centers the shaft and bearing about the axis.