Data for a publication - An Advanced Approach for the Analysis of the Rotor Dynamics of a Ball Bearing Turbocharger †

Turbochargers operate under highly transient conditions, which impose significant me chanical and thermal loads on their rotating components. When supported by ball bearings combined with squeeze film dampers, the rotor system exhibits complex nonlinear dynam ics that can critically affect bearing performance and service life. This study investigates the dynamic behaviour of ball-bearing-supported turbocharger rotors, focusing on lubrication conditions that reflect transient operating conditions. A high-fidelity computational model was developed to simulate multibody rotor dynamics, incorporating finite element-based f lexible bodies and elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) submodels to represent the con tacts within the ball bearings. Validation of the simulation results against experimental data revealed that rotor vibrations significantly influence EHL contact, potentially leading to raceway damage. Additionally, differences in bearing loading between the inner and outer raceways, as well as between the compressor and turbine side bearings, were observed due to bearing clearance effects.