Effects of Vapor Cavitation and Fluid Inertia on the Force Coefficients of a Squeeze Film Damper Part II—Experimental Comparisons

A solution of a cavitated long squeeze film damper executing circular centered orbits, which is obtained from the Swift-Stieber cavitation conditions, is modified considering side leakage of end seals. The cavitated pressure profiles and force coefficients for orbit radii equal to ε=0.47 and 0.76 are measured from a squeeze film damper test rig, and compared with the analysis. The Swift-Stieber conditions and leakage factor used can improve the prediction of cavitation effects and end leakage effects on the performance of a squeeze film dampe.