Nonlinear behavior analysis of geared rotor bearing system featuring confluence transmission

In this paper, the nonlinear vibration characteristics of geared rotor bearing system and the interactions among gears, shafts, and plain journal bearings were studied. First, with the consideration of backlash, transmission error, time-varying mesh stiffness, and layout parameters, the dynamic model of geared rotor bearing system featuring confluence transmission was proposed. The nonlinear oil-film forces were computed with the Reynolds equation for finite-length journal bearings. Second, the responses of meshing vibration and bearing vibration were discussed. The numerical results revealed that the system exhibited a diverse range of periodic, sub-harmonic, and chaotic behaviors. Under different ranges of rolling frequency, the system got into chaos state through different roads. Moreover, in lower frequency, meshing vibration showed coexist of different periodic motions. Lastly, couplings of nonlinear oil-film force and nonlinear gear mesh force were discussed through a range of rolling frequencies. Gear-bearing dynamic interactions were demonstrated through the analysis of dynamic gear loads and dynamic bearing loads, and the coupling effect behaved different when rolling frequency changed.