The dynamics of machines and bearings are closely linked. No rotating machine can run without bearings, a key element for correct and efficient operation. When designing rotating machines, it is essential to know the static and dynamic performance of the bearings. These qualities allow us to predict the behaviour of the rotor at very high speeds, which is essential to ensure the stability and safety of the entire designed system.

Special applications are our speciality. Among our most important projects is the development of air-lubricated bearings for electric turbochargers that supply air to the fuel cells of hydrogen-powered electric vehicles. Another important area of our research is fuel-lubricated bearings for the fuel pumps of next-generation rocket engines. We design these and many other solutions in close collaboration with our industrial partners to ensure their practical applicability and high reliability.

Our group focuses on applied research and development, contributing to the advancement of rotating machinery and bearings not only in the Czech Republic but also internationally. Our goal is to provide innovative and effective solutions that support technological development and increase the competitiveness of the industry.

Our research group offers comprehensive services in the field of rotor system dynamics and other computational analyses. We specialize in computational modelling, shape optimization and structural calculations. With our experience and expertise, we can design customized solutions to meet your specific requirements.

• Modelling of Rotor System Dynamics: Our computational models cover a wide range of dynamic analyses essential for the proper functioning and long service life of rotating machinery.

• Computational Modeling and Shape Optimization: Using advanced computational modelling, we optimize component shapes to ensure maximum efficiency and performance.

• Structural Calculations: We conduct detailed strength analyses to ensure that your equipment is safe and reliable under demanding operating conditions.

• Design of Special Bearings: We design high-speed bearings lubricated by liquids or gases, tailored to the specific applications and requirements of our customers.

• Design of Rotating Machines and Electric Drives: In addition to bearings, we also offer the design of entire rotating machines, including their electric drives, ensuring perfect integration and functionality.

• Design of Testing Equipment: We develop testing devices for measuring the static and dynamic performance of bearings, which are crucial for verifying their functionality and reliability.

• Vibration Measurement of Rotating Machines: We perform vibration measurements that help identify and resolve potential issues before they lead to failures.

• Bearing Durability Tests: We offer various bearing durability tests, including impact tests and tests induced by external vibrations, to ensure their long-term reliability.

Projects
MPO FV40386 Research of an electrically powered fuel pump for the next-generation rocket engines

TAČR CK02000051 Research of the electric micro-turbocharger used for the supply of clean air to hydrogen fuel cell systems

TAČR FW03010647 Research of electrically powered air compressor for clean applications in new-generation power units

TAČR TK04030262 Gas-lubricated aerodynamic bearings for hydrogen and other high-speed applications

Publications

POKORNÝ, J.; NÁVRAT, T.; VAJDÁK, M.; OTEVŘEL, M.; KOZÁK, J. Experimental validation of the operation of tilting-pad journal bearing lubricated by high-test peroxide under excessive vibrations and reduced flow of the lubricant. WEAR, 2023, roč. 523, č. 6, ISSN: 0043-1648.

POKORNÝ, J.; NÁVRAT, T.; VAJDÁK, M. Wear Measurement of the Water-Lubricated Tilting-Pad Journal Bearing: Comparison of PEEK and CuBe materials. In Proceedings of 38th Danubia-Adria Symposium on Advances in Experimental Mechanics. Poros: Greek Society of Experimental Mechanics of Materials, 2022. ISBN: 978-618-86278-0-2.

POKORNÝ, J.; NÁVRAT, T.; VAJDÁK, M. Measured and Calculated Stiffness and Damping Coefficients of Water-Lubricated Tilting-Pad Journal Bearing. In Experimental stress analysis 2022, Book of full papers. First edition. Praha: Czech Technical University, 2022.

POKORNÝ, J.; NÁVRAT, T. Calculation of stiffness and damping coefficients of hydrodynamic lemon-bore journal bearings. Proceedings of Computational mechanics 2021. Plzeň: University of West Bohemia, 2021. s. 192-195. ISBN: 978-80-261-1059-0.

POKORNÝ, J. An efficient method for establishing the static equilibrium position of the hydrodynamic tilting-pad journal bearings. TRIBOLOGY INTERNATIONAL, 2021, roč. 153, č. 1, s. 1-14. ISSN: 1879-2464.

POKORNÝ, J.; NÁVRAT, T. Measured and Calculated Static Equilibrium Position of Water-Lubricated Tilting-Pad Journal Bearing. In Experimental stress analysis 2021, Book of full papers. First edition. Praha: Czech Technical University, 2021. s. 186-192. ISBN: 978-80-01-06885-4.

POKORNÝ, J. Calculation of Static Equilibrium Position of Hydrodynamic Journal Bearings. In ENGINEERING MECHANICS 2019. Prague: Institute of Thermomechanics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 2019. s. 291-294. ISBN: 978-80-87012-71-0.

Laboratory Equipment

The laboratory has devices for the research of bearings:

• Device for experimental research of hydrodynamic bearings using low-viscosity lubricants and other media of various chemical compositions

• Device for measuring high-speed bearings lubricated by liquids and gases

Measuring systems with sensors, and data acquisition systems for measuring deformation, force, velocity, and acceleration are available not only for the above-mentioned devices. Furthermore, kits for experimental modal analysis, operational modal analysis and analysis of operational modes of oscillations, vibrodiagnostics and sample preparation are available:

Sensors:

• Force

• Torque

• Relative position (inductive based on eddy currents and capacitive)

• Rotational speed

• Displacement

• Acceleration

• Velocity

• Pressure

• Temperature

• Flow rate

• Acoustic noise (microphones)

• Acoustic intensity

• Deformation (strain gauges)

Dynamic exciters:

• Vibration devices RMS, SW 1507, TGA 1500

• Impact hammers

• Shakers

Data acquisition systems:

• QuantumX MX 840B (3x) – dynamic data acquisition system, 8 channels for a wide range of sensors

• QuantumX MX 1615B, tensometric data acquisition system, 16 channels

• Pulse Lan XI – 13 channels for a wide range of sensors, 2 channels for output variables

• MGC plus – dynamic data acquisition system, 32-channel tensometric, 8-channel induction input, 4-channel thermocouples, CanBUS

• Micro-Epsilon multiNCDT series 500 – 6 channels, including the corresponding measuring cards

• Micro-Epsilon eddyNCDT 3300, 4 channels

• Micro-Epsilon capaNCDT 6222, 2 channels

• National Instruments NI USB-6251, 16 channels

• National Instruments NI USB-6351, 16 channels

• National Instruments NI cDAQ 9178, 8 slots, including the corresponding measuring cards

• National Instruments NI cDAQ 9174, 4 slots, including the corresponding measuring cards

More information
https://www.dynlab.tech/

Contact person
Ing. Jan Pokorný, Ph.D.