Non-linear dynamic behaviour of rotor—bearing system trained by bevel gears

The vibrations of parallel geared rotor—bearing system have been intensively discussed; however, little attention has been paid to the dynamic analysis of angled bevel-geared system supported on journals. In the present work, the non-linear dynamics of a bevel-geared rotor system on oil film bearings is studied. First, the dynamic model is developed under some assumptions, such as rigid rotors, short-bearings, small teeth errors, and so forth. Then, the non-linear dynamic behaviours of both the balanced and unbalanced rotor system are analysed, respectively, in which the equilibrium points, limit cycles, their stability, and bifurcations are paid more attention. Numerical results show that in the bevel-geared rotor system under the action of non-linear oil film forces there exists a series of complex non-linear dynamic phenomena of rotor orbits, such as Hopf bifurcation, torus-doubling bifurcation, and jump phenomenon. All these features can help us to understand the dynamic characteristics of bevel-geared rotor—bearing system at design stage and during running period. Finally, some concerned problems during the investigation are also present.