Rubber part characterisation for rotordynamics analysis.
Abstract
This paper presents a method to determine stiffness dynamic characteristic of rubber parts which are used for
vibration isolation. The study was motivated by the need of such characteristics to model vibroflot’s dynamic
behaviour. Vibroflots are used by ground improvement companies to deeply densify sandy soils by vibrations
in order to make stable future infrastructures. A classical vibroflot is a slender structure hung from a crane
with several extension tubes and cables. The vibroflot is composed of a non-rotating tube casing in contact
with the soil, containing a mass unbalanced rotor mounted on rolling bearings driven by an asynchronous
electrical motor that produces orbital vibration and therefore the soil compaction. In order to avoid the
vibrations to propagate to the extension tubes two big rubber coupling parts are used.
The method presented here is based on five steps. The first step aims at determining material properties and at
presenting the hyper-elastic and viscoelastic models used. Then real dynamic tests are carried out on one type
of rubber coupling, at different frequencies and dynamic amplitudes, using a hydraulic shaker capable to
develop a force up to 62 kN.
Then Finite Elements simulations are conducted to validate material models and parameters on the first
geometry. Once the results are satisfactory, simulations are made on the second rubber coupling made of the
same material.
Finally, both rubber parts stiffness properties are known for different sets of parameters and can be introduced
into the global Finite Elements multi-rotors model for investigating operational runs.
Origin | Files produced by the author(s) |
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