A description is given of a multi-body dynamics rig for testing a novel rotor fluid film bearing system. The design included a composite rotor supported on a stationary central shaft, with loading applied by non-contacting electromagnets. The shaft included hydrostatic bearing pockets and continuously adjustable hydrodynamic bearing segments. A technique is described for deriving displacement coefficients for both types of bearing. Observations are given on the use of the rig and test techniques, along with some results, and on implications of the results regarding the bearing system.
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