Bump Foil Damping Using A Simplified Model Swanson, E.E., 2006 ASME Journal of Tribology Abstract Foil bearings are a key enabling technology for advanced and oil-free rotating machinery. In certain applications, they provide a level of performance that is difficult or impossible to match with other technologies. A number of reasonably successful analytical techniques to…

Barber-Nichols’ founders, Bob Barber and Ken Nichols cut the cake at the company’s 40th-anniversary celebration. Barber and Nichols met while both were employed at Hamilton Sundstrand, decided to go into business for themselves in 1966, and specialized in turbine engineering. Since that time, the company has grown to 61 employees, has fully integrated engineering and…

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,…