Soil influence on unbalance response and stability of a simple rotor-foundation system

The equations of motion are set up for a simple rotor (Jeffcott or Laval rotor) on a rigid foundation mass resting on an elastic half space (soil). The unbalance response and the stability limit against self-excited vibrations caused by the internal damping of the rotating shaft are calculated. The numerical results presented as response diagrams and stability graphs show that the damping effect of the soil on the system, due to radiation of energy, may have a very positive influence on the smooth running of the rotors.