The Effect of Taylor Vortex Flow on the Radial Forces in an Annulus Having Variable Eccentricity and Axial Flow

Results are presented in dimensionless form as obtained in an experimental study of the resultant radial force variation in an eccentric annulus formed by a stationary outer cylinder and a rotating inner cylinder, through which an axial flow of oil may be pumped. Two eccentricity ratios, 0.5 and 0.9, and three axial Reynolds numbers for the flow of the fluid in the annulus, 0, 25, and 50, are considered. It is shown that the onset of Taylor vortex flow has a marked effect on the magnitude and direction of the resultant radial force. The resultant forces and attitude angles are compared with those derived from Sommerfeld’s journal bearing theory. Comparisons are also made between critical Taylor numbers for the present investigation and those available in the literature.