Sabp G 019

Best Practice
SABP-G-019 18 October 2010

Rotordynamic Design Review – Lateral Analysis
Document Responsibility: Consulting Services Department
Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Table of Contents
1 Introduction.................................................... 2
2 Model Requirements..................................... 4
3 Undamped Analysis....................................... 4
4 Unbalance Response Analysis...................... 5
5 Analysis Overview......................................... 6
6 Stability Analysis............................................ 7
Appendix-I: Rotor Dynamics Review Process... 10

Appendix-II: Rotor Modeling.............................. 11
Appendix-III: Undamped Analysis...................... 12
Appendix-IV: Unbalance Weights Location........ 13
Appendix-V: Unbalance Response.................... 14
Appendix-VI: Compressor Stability Analysis...... 15
Acknowledgement............................................. 18
Previous Issue: New Next Planned Update: TBD

Page 1 of 18
Primary contact: Hussain, Khaleel Ma'Atug on 966-3-8760101
Copyright©Saudi Aramco 2010. All rights reserved.

Document Responsibility: Consulting Services Department SABP-G-019
Issue Date: 18 October 2010
Next Planned Update: TBD Rotordynamic Design Review – Lateral Analysis
1 Introduction
1.1 Purpose
Accurate prediction of critical speeds’ frequencies and vibration severity can be

a challenging task since it requires a detailed and precise modeling of the
equipment and its support. Failing to include important parameters in the
equipment model such as support stiffness or half coupling mass and inertia can
result in dramatic change in the predicted critical speeds’ frequencies and the
rotor response. More than 50% of rotordynamic analysis reports submitted to
CSD for review have major concerns in the analysis methodology and
assumption.
This Best Practice is to provide responsible engineers with a set of guidelines

outlining the required approach to evaluate main elements in lateral analysis of
rotating machinery proposed design. This document is not a replacement for
specific standard, it is meant to highlight important elements that may be
overlooked during vendor rotordynamic reports review.
1.2 Scope of Work
Saudi Aramco standards require conducting lateral analysis for major critical
equipments. It is imperative to calculate the natural frequencies that may be
excited and identify the possible excitation forces frequency and magnitudes.
The guidelines offered in this best practice are based on collective experience in
the field of dynamic analysis. This best practice is outlined to offer rotating
equipment engineers the proper tools and guidelines to review the rotordynamic
packages adequately.
This best practice will provide an understanding to the types of analysis that
should be performed. Typical analyses are also presented to explain the
guideline and their interpretations. The major lateral analysis design parameters
that need to be reviewed typically include:
 Undamped critical speed analysis which includes critical speed map, natural
frequencies and mode shapes.
 Damped unbalance response analysis which includes bearing and seal
hydrodynamic parameters and foundation/pedestal effect.
 Rotor stability analysis.
Page 2 of 18
1.3 Disclaimer
The use of this Best Practice does not relieve the engineer from his
responsibility or duty to confirm and verify the accuracy of any information
presented herein. The use of this information or material does not guarantee
results that will satisfy any applicable requirements of Saudi Aramco Standards.
CSD assumes no responsibility or liability whatsoever for the misuse of the
information in this document. This Best practice is intended as guidelines and
shall not be considered as replacement for the Mandatory Saudi Aramco
Engineering Requirements. Saudi Aramco® is a registered trademark of the
Saudi Arabian Oil Company. Copyright, Saudi Aramco, 2010.
1.4 Conflicts with Mandatory Standards
In the event of a conflict between this Best Practice and other Mandatory Saudi
Aramco Engineering Requirement, the Mandatory Saudi Aramco Engineering
Requirement shall govern.
1.5 References
This Best Practice is based on the latest edition of the references below, unless
otherwise noted:
 Industry Codes and Standards
American Petroleum Institute

API 610 Centrifugal Pumps
API 612 Steam Turbines
API 613 Special Purpose Gear Units
API 617 Axial and Centrifugal Compressors
API 684 Tutorial….)
 Other Documents
1. Wachel, J. C., Atkin, K. E. and Tison, J. D., “Improved Reliability
Through The Use of Design Audits,” Proceeding of the Twenty-Fourth
Turbomachinery Symposium, The Turbomachinery Laboratory, Texas
A&M University, College Station, Texas (1996).
2. Macher, D. William., “An End-User Guide to Centrifugal Pump
RotorDynamics”, Proceedings of the Twenty-Third International Pump
Users Symposium, The Turbomachinery Laboratory, Texas A&M
University, College Station, Texas (2007)
Page 3 of 18
3. Nicholas, J.C., and Barrett, L.E., “The Effect of Bearing Support

Flexibility on Critical Speed Prediction”. ASLE Transaction, 29(3),
(July 1986).
2 Model Requirements
The rotordyanmic analysis report review process is summarized in Appendix-I.

The following are the main items that need to be included in the submitted lateral
analysis report (Appendix-II):
 The main relevant equipment specification: Horsepower, operating speed range,
calculated rotor weight, journal overhung weight, residual unbalance and
verification unbalance.
 Bearing stiffness and damping, as function of design (tilting pad, pressure dam,
cylindrical), speed, load, inlet oil temperatures for assembled, minimum and
maximum clearances.
 For steam turbine, asymmetrical loading caused by partial arc admission must be
considered.
 For gear set, the bearing stiffness and damping calculations should be performed at
10%, 50% and 100% load at maximum continuous speed.
 The rotor analytical model which is mass-stiffness computer model, details are
presented in Appendix-II.
 Where support stiffness is less than 3.5 times the oil-film stiffness, the bearing support
structure stiffness need to be approximated based on data obtained from modular
finite element analysis. When estimating the second critical speed, the support
stiffness can significantly impact the model prediction especially for steam turbines.
 The location of the bearings and radial vibration probes need to be indicated on the
models. For compressors, the internal labyrinth seals and balance piston along with
relevant clearances need to be specified. For pumps, the wear rings, balance sleeve
and center bushing locations should also be included in the model as bearings.
3 Undamped Analysis
This part of the analysis considers the undamped shaft with following assumptions:
 Critical speeds and their corresponding mode shapes for specified speed range,
based on relevant standard.
 Critical speed map which is a logarithmic plot of the undamped lateral critical
speeds vs support stiffness. It is constructed with bearings stiffness superimposed
Page 4 of 18
on the graph along with speed range, see Appendix-III.

 Include at least the first four modes in the undamped analysis.
 Analyze any mode located within 15% from a potential exciting frequency such as
twice the running speed, twice the electrical line frequency, gear mesh frequency,
and vane passing frequency.
4 Unbalance Response Analysis
This damped analysis includes bearing lubricant-film stiffness and damping values
accounting for changes due to speed, load, oil temperatures, maximum to minimum
clearances.
It is important to calculate how much the rotor-bearing system will respond to an

unbalance. In another words, what level of unbalance will produce unacceptable levels
of vibration? The following are the main items to be considered:
 The unbalance weights need to be placed at the locations that affect the particular
mode most, values and locations are shown in Appendix-IV.
 Response analysis (Bode plots) at the vibration probe locations resulting from the
unbalance located at the most sensitive location as shown by the mode shape from
the undamped analysis. Appendix-V shows typical Bode plot showing amplitude
and phase angle.
 The unbalance response analysis needs to be conducted for nominal bearing
clearances and oil inlet temperature. Additional analysis should be provided for:
1. Maximum stiffness condition (minimum clearance and minimum oil inlet
temperature),
2. Minimum stiffness condition (maximum clearances and maximum oil inlet
temperature).
 Damped mode shapes, the plot of deflected rotor shape for each critical speed
resulting from the unbalances, showing the major-axis amplitude at the centerlines
of each bearing, the locations of each radial probe and at each seal.
 The minimum equipment design internal diametral running clearances need to be
stated and compared to the predicted vibration amplitude.
 Additional unbalanced rotor response case needs to be included for model
verification. The verification test to be performed at the OEM. The location of the
unbalance weight is specified by the vendor; often times unbalance is placed at the
coupling. The acceptance criteria for the unbalance verification test are mentioned
Page 5 of 18
in the relevant standard. If the equipment fails to meet these acceptance criteria, the
vendor shall review and modify the rotor model.
 Results summary describing the critical speeds locations, amplification factor and
separation margins for minimum and maximum stiffness conditions.
5 Analysis Overview
The analysis results evaluation depends on the specific rotating machine, therefore it is
best to refer to the relevant standard version. The criteria presented in this section are
only for general overview, specific relevant standard version shall be used to cover
more specific details review.
 Compressor & Steam Turbine Analysis
 Separation Margins
a. If the Amplification Factor (AF) at any critical speed is less than 2.5, no
Separation Margin (SM) is required.
b. If the AF  2.5 , for critical speed below minimum speed, the SM should
not be less than 16 or SM  17 [1  (1/( AF  1.5)] whichever is less.
c. If the AF  2.5 , for critical speed above the maximum continuous, the
SM should not be less than 26 or SM  10  17 [1  (1/( AF  1.5)]
whichever is less.
 Major-axis unbalance rotor response amplitudes, from zero to trip speed shall
not exceed 75% of the minimum design diametral running clearances throughout
the machine. For machines with abradable seals, the response amplitude to the
running clearance needs to be justified by the vendor.
 As a rule of thumb, amplification factor should not be more than 10.0 for critical
below running speed.
 Pump Analysis
 As per API 610, dynamic analysis is required for non stiff rotors, where stiff
rotor is defined as a rotor with its first dry critical speed is above the pump’s
maximum continuous speed by:
1. 20 % for wet running rotor.
2. 30 % for rotors designed to run dry.
 Pump analysis needs to take into account stiffness and damping for the average
bearings clearance and oil temperature only, no need to consider minimum and
Page 6 of 18
maximum bearing clearances. The effect of internal pump clearances needs to

consider:
1. New internal clearances, for water and service liquid.
2. 2x new internal clearances for service liquid only.
 For all cases the results need to be within the “acceptable” region shown on
Figure I.1 of API 610, otherwise unbalance response analysis is required where
the maximum displacement shall not exceed 35 % of the diametral running
clearance. In this case, unbalance verification test is also recommended.
 Motor Analysis
 As per API-541, the separation margin should not be less than 15% from any
significant exciting frequencies. These exciting frequencies include but not
limited to: 1 x RPM, 1 x line frequency, 2 x RPM or 2 x line frequency.
 The unbalance weight shall be in accordance to API 541 Paragraph 2.4.6.2.3 and
shall be placed at the locations that have been analytically determined to affect
the particular mode most adversely. Major-axis unbalance rotor response
amplitudes shall not exceed 55% of bearings or seal minimum clearances at the
operating speed region or within the separation margin. The response shall not
exceed 75% of the minimum bearing or seal clearances elsewhere and shall not
exceed the alarm set points at probe locations from 0 to full speed.
 An unbalance verification test is also recommended for analysis accuracy
verification.
 Gear Analysis
API 613 specifies that the critical speeds should not be less than 20% above
operating speed. It is sometimes difficult to meet these criteria for the entire
operating load range; however, it is mandatory for the normal load at the operating
range. However, the response needs to be always below the acceptable values.
6 Stability Analysis
6.1 Compressor Stability Analysis
As a rule of thumb, the log dec should be greater than 0.1 for each clearance
case when all destabilizing forces have been taken into account. However,
API 617 classifies stability analysis as follow:
 Level I analysis is used to provide an initial screening to identify rotors that
do not require a more detailed study. Passing level I criteria indicates a
stable machine, where failing to pass level-I only means other justifications
Page 7 of 18
are required. The method is outlined in API Standard and summarized in

Appendix-VI.
 The Level-II analysis is required where the dynamic effects of all sources
those contribute to the overall stability need to be included; these sources
may include: Labyrinth seals, balance piston and impellers.
The analysis method is purely left up to the vendor. However, the calculation
should be at the extreme limits of clearance and oil inlet temperature to produce
minimum log decrement. Details of the screening criterion are presented in API
standards and summarized in Appendix-VI.
If this level cannot be achieved, vendor historical data for successfully operated
machines may be used. Vendor can demonstrate that his stability analysis
methods and acceptance criteria predict a stable rotor. There are two alternative
methods that are presented in the literature:
1. Fulton Curve: It is a plot of flex ratio vs. average gas density

flowing through the machine, see Appendix-VI.
2. Kirk and Donald Diagram: It is plot of flex ration vs. .

Data below the line is considered acceptable, see Appendix-VI.
6.2 Pumps Stability
API 610 requires adequate damping ratio to suppress rotor instability for all
natural frequencies in the range of 0.4-0.8 times the running speed. However, if
the designer cannot meet the required damping ratio at this range, stability
analysis is required especially if the rotor is supported by plain journal bearings.
6.3 Gears Stability
API 613 requires this analysis to be performed when:

 The bull gear rotor supported on fixed geometry bearing and is running
above its first critical speed.
 The pinion rotor is running at 2-2.5 times the bull rotor.
6.4 Motors Stability
API 541 does not require stability analysis. However, API 684 recommends this
analysis when stability is doubted. Therefore, motor stability analysis is
recommended when the rotor runs at 2-2.5 times the first critical speed and is
supported by fixed geometry bearings.
Page 8 of 18
Revision Summary
18 October 2010 New Saudi Aramco Best Practice.
Page 9 of 18
Appendix–I: Rotor Dynamics Review Process
Page 10 of 18
Appendix–II: Rotor Modeling
The first step in the analysis is rotor masses stiffness model. The rotor shaft is divided into
sections and each is assigned a number. The rotating elements are added to the relevant section
as added masse, polar and transverse moment of inertias. Polar and transverse moment of
inertias can have significant effect for overhung parts, therefore, it is very important to ensure
half coupling mass and inertia is included to the model.
If the support and pedestal stiffnesses are high compared to the bearing stiffnesses, the critical
speeds and the rotor response will not greatly be affected. Where support stiffness is less than
3.5 times the oil-film stiffness, the bearing support structure stiffness need to be approximated
based on data obtained from modal finite element analysis or actual test. Other basis for these
values needs to be stated in the report. In general, the pedestal stiffnesses may range
from lb/in. Electric motors and forced draft fans often times have
pedestal and foundation stiffnesses that are lower than typical bearing stiffnesses,
therefore it is important to pay close attention to the support stiffnesses assumptions.
Original Rotor Discrete Model
SAMPLE OF ROTOR INPUT DATA:

Mass Elastic Shear
Density Modulus Modulus
(Lbf-s^2/in^4) (Lbf/in^2) (Lbf/in^2)
1 .73290E-03 0.29000E+08 0.11500E+08
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Elem. Left End Inner Outer Inner Outer
Loc Length Diameter Diameter Diameter Diameter
(in) (in) (in)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 .000 4.5000 .0000 5.7500 .0000 5.7500
2 4.500 4.5000 .0000 5.7500 .0000 5.7500
3 9.000 6.0320 .0000 6.2950 .0000 6.2950

. ……. ………. …….. ……… ……. ………
Page 11 of 18
Appendix–III: Undamped Analysis
Mode Shapes
Mode shapes are useful to determine placement of unbalance weights and proximity probes
amplitudes in relation to the other locations along the rotor.
1st Critical speed = 2500 rpm 2nd Critical speed = 8500 rpm
Critical Speed Map

The critical speed map helps in identifying the location of criticals with respect to equipment
operating speed, the intersection between the bearing stiffness curves and the mode curves
represent the critical speeds locations. The critical speed map can be evaluated as follow:
1. The undamped lateral critical speeds should not be in the vicinity of operating range.
2. Within the (rigid support region), bearing damping may not be effective which may result
in high unbalance response or an instability condition.
3. In the (flexible support region), the critical speeds can be greatly sensitive to bearing
tolerances.
Therefore, the optimum support stiffness will be somewhere in the middle of the map.
Page 12 of 18
Appendix–IV: Unbalance Weights Location
The modes’ shape illustrates the unbalance location required to excite that mode. For example,
to excite the translatory mode, the unbalance weight shall be located at the rotor mid span while
to excite the conical modes, two unbalance weights shall be located 180 out of phase at the
rotor quarter spans.
The unbalance magnitude should be sufficient to raise the displacement at the probes to the value
mils pk-pk. The amount of unbalance needs to be no less than U shown below.
1. For the translator modes, the unbalance shall be based on the sum of the journal static
loads, applied at maximum displacement.
4 (W1  W2 )
U n
N
2. For conical modes, an unbalance shall be added at the location of maximum displacement
nearest to each journal bearing. These unbalances shall be 180 degrees out of phase.
4W1 4W2
U1  n U1  n
2N 2N
Where W1 & W2 the bearings loads in LB and N are is the maximum continuous speed (RPM).
For the value of n, refer to the specific relevant standard.
Page 13 of 18
Appendix–V: Unbalance Response
The main products of the unbalance response analysis are the Bode plots, critical speed locations
including their amplification factors and separation margin. These unbalance response curves are
presented as major axis plots.
Note: The actual critical speed locations caused by unbalance are influenced by:
1. Bearing direct and cross coupled stiffness and damping.
4. Unbalance location.
3. Measurement location.
4. Support stiffness.
Page 14 of 18
Appendix–VI: Compressor Stability Analysis
Rotor instability occurs when destabilizing forces are greater than stabilizing forces acting on
the rotor. The following are the sources of instability in rotating machinery:
 Bearing related instability which is caused by the cross coupling from the bearing oil film,
it occurs in a fixed geometry type of bearing and where the rotor speed is approximately
two times its first critical. The solution of this type of instability requires change in the
bearing design to pressure dam, elliptical or tilting pad bearings.
 Aerodynamic effects which can be contributed by impellers, balance piston and labyrinth
seals. This effect is greatly influenced by increase in horsepower, discharge pressure,
molecular weight and pressure ration.
 Self excited instability where the rotor motion generates a force excites 1st critical, e.g.,
rotor internal friction. This type of instability may not be predicted by the available
analysis.
A stability analysis is performed on all compressors where continuous speed is above the first
critical speed. The stability is predicted at design operating condition and log dec calculated as
a function of aerodynamic loading at rated inlet and discharge conditions. The model should
include rotor, bearings and seals. API 617 requires two levels of stability analysis checks:
1. Level I analysis is used to provide an initial screening to identify rotors that do not require
a more detailed study.
All components shall be analyzed using the mean values of oil inlet temperature and the
extremes of the operating limits for clearance to produce the minimum log decrement.
For centrifugal compressors, the anticipated cross coupling per stage, q A , present in the
rotor is defined by:
Dc  impeller diameter (in)
3  63  HP  d
H c  Impeller width in 
n
qA   Q A   q Ai
Dc  H c  N  s i 1
HP  Stage horse power
N  RPM
 d  Disch. density
 s  Suc. density
Q A  Total stiffness
n  Number of stages
Page 15 of 18
The applied cross coupling Q A will be the sum of the cross coupling applied to each
impeller or stage.
Stability Analysis Screening Criteria:
A plot of the calculated log decrement,  A , for the first forward mode shall be prepared for
the minimum and maximum component clearances. Each curve shall contain a minimum
of five calculated stability points.
1. Q0 / Q A  2.0
2.  A  0.1
3. 2.0  Q0 / Q A  10 and
CSR is in Region B
The amount of applied cross coupling required to produce a zero log dec., Q0 , should be
no less than 2 xQA
Q0 and  A are identified as the minimum values from either component clearance curves.
Level II analysis is required if:
max speed
CSR 
1st crtical speed
Page 16 of 18
2. The Level-II analysis include the dynamic effects of all sources that contribute to the
overall stability, these sources may include labyrinth seals, balance piston and impellers.
3. Historical Record Stability Criteria
a) Fulton Stability Diagram (Sample)
b) Kirk and Donald Stability Diagram (Sample)
Page 17 of 18
Acknowledgement:
CSD acknowledge the following engineers for their support and active participation in
producing this best practice:
1. B. K. Al-Jughaiman, Rotating Equipment Engineer
2. S. H. Al-Dossary, Vibration Engineer
3. F. I. Al Salem, Engineering Assistant
Page 18 of 18

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Best Practice

SABP-G-019 18 October 2010

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Appendix-I: Rotor Dynamics Review Process... 10

Previous Issue: New Next Planned Update: TBD

Copyright©Saudi Aramco 2010. All rights reserved.

Accurate prediction of critical speeds’ frequencies and vibration severity can be

This Best Practice is to provide responsible engineers with a set of guidelines

1.2 Scope of Work

1.4 Conflicts with Mandatory Standards

 Industry Codes and Standards

American Petroleum Institute

3. Nicholas, J.C., and Barrett, L.E., “The Effect of Bearing Support

The rotordyanmic analysis report review process is summarized in Appendix-I.

on the graph along with speed range, see Appendix-III.

4 Unbalance Response Analysis

It is important to calculate how much the rotor-bearing system will respond to an

maximum bearing clearances. The effect of internal pump clearances needs to

6.1 Compressor Stability Analysis

are required. The method is outlined in API Standard and summarized in

1. Fulton Curve: It is a plot of flex ratio vs. average gas density

2. Kirk and Donald Diagram: It is plot of flex ration vs. .

6.2 Pumps Stability

6.3 Gears Stability

API 613 requires this analysis to be performed when:

6.4 Motors Stability

Appendix–I: Rotor Dynamics Review Process

Appendix–II: Rotor Modeling

Original Rotor Discrete Model

SAMPLE OF ROTOR INPUT DATA:

1 .73290E-03 0.29000E+08 0.11500E+08

2 4.500 4.5000 .0000 5.7500 .0000 5.7500

3 9.000 6.0320 .0000 6.2950 .0000 6.2950

Appendix–III: Undamped Analysis

Critical Speed Map

Appendix–IV: Unbalance Weights Location

For the value of n, refer to the specific relevant standard.

Appendix–V: Unbalance Response

Appendix–VI: Compressor Stability Analysis

Stability Analysis Screening Criteria:

a) Fulton Stability Diagram (Sample)

b) Kirk and Donald Stability Diagram (Sample)

1. B. K. Al-Jughaiman, Rotating Equipment Engineer

2. S. H. Al-Dossary, Vibration Engineer

3. F. I. Al Salem, Engineering Assistant

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