Barber-Nichols was awarded a confidential contract for two LNG Vapor Return Compressors to be installed at one billion cubic foot/day import terminal and regasification plant. Commercial operations will commence in 2008, will improve natural gas supplies in the Southwestern United States, and will bolster the regional economy. Additionally, project managers are working extensively with regional…

A Practical Review Of Rotating Machinery Critical Speeds And Modes Swanson, E.E., Powell, C.D., Weissman, S., 2005 Sound and Vibration, May, pp. 10-17. Abstract The goal of this article is to present a practical understanding of terminology and behavior based in visualizing how a shaft vibrates, and examining issues that affect vibration. It is hoped…

Fixed-Geometry, Hydrodynamic Bearing With Enhanced Stability Characteristics Swanson, E.E., 2005 Tribology Transactions, 48, pp. 82-92. Abstract This article presents the results of a successful bearing optimization study aimed at identifying a fixed-geometry, hydrodynamic journal bearing that does not suffer from the low load instability typical of this class of bearings. This goal was met through…

Michael Costas, RS-68 Program Manager, and Brant Julian, SM&P Senior Manager with Rocketdyne Propulsion and Power’s Expendable Propulsion Programs recognized Barber-Nichols Inc. (BNI) for work well done on the RS-68 Engine.  The RS-68 powers America’s newest space launch vehicle, the Delta IV. BNI uses a high-quality Electrochemical Machining process to produce the engine’s turbopump nozzle rings. During…

In a U.S. House of Representatives special orders proceeding, Colorado Congressman Bob Beauprez recognized Barber-Nichols Inc. (BNI) for its work with the United States Navy and the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. The U.S. Navy is developing a defensive countermeasure known as the Anti-Torpedo Torpedo (ATT) to protect its surface ships from torpedo…

NASA’s Kennedy Space Center recognizes Barber-Nichols Inc. (BNI) in its recently released Annual 2004 Research and Technology Report.  This report highlights research and technology and how it supports NASA’s overall goals to increase safety, reduce the cost of space access, and rapidly expand commercial markets by infusing spaceport technology into all facets of current and future…

Testing Of A Centrifugal Blood Pump With A High Efficiency Hybrid Magnetic Bearing Locke, D., Swanson, E., Walton, J., Willis, J.P., Heshmat, H., 2003 ASAIO Journal, 49, pp. 737-743. Abstract The purpose of this article is to present test results for a second generation, high efficiency, nonpulsatile centrifugal blood pump that is being developed for…

Swanson, E.E., Heshmat, H., Shin, J.S., 2002 ASME paper GT-2002-30579. Abstract The demand for high power density, reliable, low maintenance, oil-free turbomachinery imposes significant demands on the bearing system.  The full benefits of high speed, permanent magnet driven machines, for example are realized at speeds exceeding the capabilities of rolling element bearings.  The high speeds,…

Performance Of A Foil-Magnetic Hybrid Bearing Swanson, E.E., Heshmat, H., Walton, J.F. II, 2002 ASME Journal of Engineering for Gas Turbine and Power, 124, 2002, pp. 375-382. Abstract To meet the advanced bearing needs of modern turbomachinery, a hybrid foil-magnetic hybrid bearing system was designed, fabricated and tested in a test rig designed to simulate…

Oil-Free Foil Bearings As A Reliable, High Performance Backup Bearing For Active Magnetic Bearings Swanson, E.E., Heshmat, H., 2002 ASME Paper GT-2002-30291. Abstract Gas turbine engines and other high speed rotating machinery supported by magnetic bearings require some form of backup bearing to ensure reliable and safe operation. To date, this backup capability has been…