Restricted accessResearch articleFirst published online 2026
Nonlinear dynamic characteristics of a novel hermetic squeeze film damper for gas-lubricated journal bearings: Numerical and experimental investigations
This study presents an innovative hermetic squeeze film damper (HSFD), designed to provide superior damping in high-power equipment bearing systems. A comprehensive investigation is conducted to elucidate its nonlinear dynamic characteristics. A theoretical model incorporating the laminar entrance effect in the fluid annulus clearance is developed and validated through experimental excitation tests. The hysteretic behavior of the pressure differential force is systematically examined across key parameters, including annulus geometry, fluid film thickness, excitation frequency, and silicone oil properties, and the evolutionary mechanisms of the resulting nonlinear elastic and damping forces are revealed. Results show that considering the laminar entrance effect significantly enhances the pressure differential and elastic forces. Furthermore, the nonlinear elastic and damping forces exhibit clearly distinct and parameter-dependent variation trends.
JiangTJiangK. Numerical analysis of a hydrodynamic air bearing with electromagnetic assistance. Proc Inst Mech Eng Part J2023; 237: 1327–1341.
2.
RenTFengMZhangJ. Dynamic analysis of a high-speed micro compressor supported by spiral-grooved hydrodynamic air bearing. Proc Inst Mech Eng Part J2025; 239: 467–479.
3.
ZhangP. Stability of orifice-compensated air bearing with rectangular shape considering air film thickness. Proc Inst Mech Eng Part J2024; 238: 1008–1020.
4.
ZhengYChenSLaiT, et al.Numerical and experimental study on the dynamic characteristics of the foil journal bearing with double-layer protuberant support. J Adv Mech Des Syst Manuf2016; 10: JAMDSM0027–JAMDSM0027.
5.
ZhaoQYanSQiangM, et al.Thermal analysis and optimization of bionic cooling channels of gas foil thrust bearings. Proc Inst Mech Eng Part J2024; 238: 193–210.
6.
JiaCPangHMaW, et al.Analysis of dynamic characteristics and stability prediction of gas bearings. Ind Lubr Tribol2017; 69: 123–130.
7.
ZhengLWZhangXHPengN, et al.Stability analysis on gas-lubricated bearing for high speed cryogenic turbo-expander. IOP Conf Ser: Mater Sci Eng2021; 1240: 012061.
8.
ErtasBDelgadoA. Hermetically sealed squeeze film damper for operation in oil-free environments. J Eng Gas Turbines Power2019; 141: 022503.
9.
DelgadoAErtasB. Dynamic characterization of a novel externally pressurized compliantly damped gas-lubricated bearing with hermetically sealed squeeze film damper modules. J Eng Gas Turbines Power2019; 141: 021028.
10.
HouCY. Behavior explanation and a new model for nonlinear viscous fluid dampers with a simple annular orifice. Arch Appl Mech2012; 82: 1–12.
11.
RasABoumechraN. Study of nonlinear fluid viscous dampers behaviour in seismic steel structures design. Arab J Sci Eng2014; 39: 8635–8648.
12.
XuWWangYGuoH, et al.Theoretical and experimental investigation on the seismic performance of a novel variable-damping viscous fluid damper. J Build Eng2022; 53: 104537.
13.
FahiminiaMShishegaranA. Evaluation of a developed bypass viscous damper performance. Front Struct Civ Eng2020; 14: 773–791.
14.
ShiWQianCChenZ, et al.Modeling and dynamic properties of a four-parameter Zener model vibration isolator. Shock Vib2016; 2016: 5081812.
15.
JiaoXZhangJLiW, et al.A reduced-order model of the three-parameter fluid viscous damper with consideration of fluid compressibility and bellows volume deformation. Nonlinear Dyn2023; 111: 7027–7053.
16.
ErtasBGaryK. Frequency dependency of dynamic force coefficients for hermetic squeeze film dampers utilizing fluid-bounding flexible structures. J Sound Vib2023; 551: 117612.
17.
JiaoXZhaoYMaW. Nonlinear dynamic characteristics of a micro-vibration fluid viscous damper. Nonlinear Dyn2018; 92: 1167–1184.
18.
GoodwinMJDongDYuH, et al.Theoretical and experimental investigation of the effect of oil aeration on the load-carrying capacity of a hydrodynamic journal bearing. Proc Inst Mech Eng Part J2007; 221: 779–786.
19.
ShiSHeZZengD, et al.Identification and modeling of a servo pump-controlled hydraulic system. IEEE/ASME Trans Mechatron2025; 30: 2551–2561.
20.
FengKWangJLiH, et al.Theoretical and experimental investigation of porous tilting pad gas bearings with hermetic squeeze film dampers based on multilayer diaphragm structure. Tribol Trans2023; 66: 746–759.
21.
ErtasBDelgadoA. Compliant hybrid gas bearing using modular hermetically sealed squeeze film dampers. J Eng Gas Turbines Power2019; 141: 022504.
22.
DongXMLiPYYanMS, et al.Characteristic analysis under small-stroke and medium-high frequency of magneto-rheological damper with pressure controlled mechanism. Smart Mater Struct2022; 31: 045011.
23.
ShengJ. Hydraulic fluid mechanics. Beijing: Mechanical Industry Press, 1980, pp.200–202 (in Chinese).
24.
AlexandridisAAGoldaszJP. Simplified model of the dynamics of magneto-rheological dampers. Mech/AGH Univ Sci Technol2005; 24: 47–53.
25.
ErtasBHLuoH. Nonlinear dynamic characterization of oil-free wire mesh dampers. ASME J Eng Gas Turbines Power2008; 130: 032503.
26.
TimoshenkoSWoinowsky-KriegerS. Theory of plates and shells. 2nd ed.New York: McGraw-Hill, 1959.
