Verification of lateral critical speed separation margins per API standards.
Operating at or near a critical speed amplifies unbalance forces, causing severe vibrations.
A Campbell diagram plots the system's natural frequencies against its rotational speed. Critical speeds occur where the "order lines" (multiples of running speed) intersect these frequency curves. Whirling Modes: These are dominant deformation patterns that split into (rotating with the rotor) and (rotating against it) modes due to gyroscopic effects. Stability Analysis: This identifies self-excited vibrations like
Comprehensive Guide to Turbomachinery Rotordynamics: Principles, Modeling, and Real-World Case Studies
Understanding how a rotor bends at different critical speeds is crucial for placing bearings and balancing.
A complete rotordynamic assessment must account for both lateral and torsional degrees of freedom, as they can couple—especially in systems with gears, bolted joints, or large overhung masses.