A modified transfer matrix method for linear rotor-bearing systems

The steady-state responses of linear flexible rotor-bearing systems are analyzed by the modified transfer matrix method. The transfer matrix has the advantage of solving the problems in frequency domain with fixed matrix size. This makes the method more economical in analyzing a large degree-of-freedom rotor system than many time-marching integrating methods. In this paper, the modifications of transfer matrix method include that the transfer matrix of shaft is derived from the “continuous system” concept instead of conventional “lumped system” concept, and the paper tries to extend the transfer matrix method to fit synchronous elliptical orbit and nonsynchronous multi-lobed whirling orbit. To demonstrate the applications of the method, three examples are presented; two synchronous and one nonsynchronous.