This paper describes an experimental investigation into the dynamic ch
aracteristics of corrugated foil (bump foil) strips used in compliant
surface foil journal bearings and dampers. In the experimental method
described herein, a test facility with a journal supported by a compli
ant foil journal bearing was built. The nonrotating journal was driven
by two shakers which were used to simulate dynamic forces acting on b
ump foil strips. The dynamic structural stiffness and equivalent visco
us damping coefficients are calculated based on the experimental measu
rements for a wide range of operating conditions. The results are comp
ared to the analytical predictions obtained by a theoretical model dev
eloped earlier.