THE STABILITY BEHAVIOR OF A NONCONSERVATIVE SPINNING TIMOSHENKO SHAFTWITH AN OVERHUNG DISK

The stability behavior of a spinning Timoshenko shaft with an overhung disk subjected to a follower force is analytically studied. The succi nct expression of frequency (whirl speed) equations for hinged-hinged- free and clamped-hinged-free rotors are given. By using the numerical technique, the critical follower loads are sought. Numerical results r eveal that the instability mechanisms are complex due to the presence of the spin speed, the overhung disk and the location of the intermedi ate support. Fifteen different types of instability mechanisms are pre sented. The critical load jump is possible when the instability mechan ism changes from one to another. Furthermore, in some special cases, t he critical follower loads are almost zero; therefore, such a rotor co mbination is extremely unstable and should be avoided for design purpo ses. (C) 1997 Academic Press Limited.