Testing of a simulated rotor system supported on gas foil bearings for a Microturbine

The rotordynamic characteristics of a simulated rotor system supported on gas foil bearings was investigated, which has a rated speed of 24 krpm. A test rig was established and assembled to simulate the operating performance of the rotor system for a microturbine. The compliant gas foil journal and thrust bearings were designed to support the rotor. The rotor system was driven by high pressure gas pushing on the impellers. As the rotor speed was accelerated to the rated speed of 24 krpm, the rotor response was mostly synchronous. The rotor system was unstable at the speed decreasing to 18 krpm. The paper presents the design, the operational procedures, and preliminary test results for a simulated rotor supported on gas foil bearigs test rig.