Nonlinear dynamic force transmissibility of a flywheel rotor supported by angular contact ball bearings

The dynamic force transmissibility (DFT) of aerospace flywheel rotor system (FRS) supported by angular contact ball bearings (ACBBs) is examined in this paper. The influence of combined loads and contact angle variation is considered in the Sjovall formula to accurately solve the load distribution and nonlinear stiffness of ACBB. Subsequently, the lateral vibration model of FRS is established by considering the nonlinear stiffness characteristics of ACBB. The DFT of the system is solved via harmonic balance method and arc length continuation, and the stability of the results is determined. Numerical integration and dynamic tests are utilized to verify the accuracy of harmonic balance results. Based on the proposed model, the effects of rotor unbalance excitation, axial preload, and rotor damping on the DFT of the system are discussed. The soft-stiff transition phenomenon is observed in terms of the varying supporting stiffness of ACBB wherein deformation is measured under axial preload. The value of rotor unbalanced mass determines the nonlinear characteristics of FRS. The results provide an important reference for dynamic performance evaluation and vibration isolation device design of aerospace FRS.