Abstract: The compressor shaft in a gas turbine engine is supported on a bearing having four independently hydraulically pressurized cells. The pressure in the cells is controlled by a signal processor based on engine operating parameters, including stall margin and blade tip to compressor case clearance.

Abstract: A relatively less complex segmented spring mounted under the bearing and damper or the same configuration segmented spring mounted on either side of the bearing and damper serves to center the shaft of a rotor of a gas turbine engine and is characterized as being simple, occupying minimum space, but being capable of maintaining an adequate fatigue stress margin.

Abstract: A film squeeze damper for a thrust bearing includes a plurality of curved beam segments each having a fluid chamber adjacent the support housing and mounted end to end to surround the thrust bearing. Side mounted nibs transmit the thrust load from a radial dependent member of the outer race to the support housing through each segment. This permits unrestrained radial damping of vibratory energy occasioned by the unbalance in the supported shaft. A mechanical stop is provided by the design to limit radial deflection of the segment during a high rotor unbalance.

Abstract: A bearing support structure capable of reliable operation in a rotary machine is disclosed. Various construction details which enable the damping of vibratory energy are discussed. Fluid damping and spring damping apparatus are combined in forming an effective structure for damping synchronous and non-synchronous vibratory energy. The system is built around a plurality of arcuate beams which effect spring damping, and which collaterally form chambers for the containment of a fluid damping medium.