Jorgen Lund: A Perspective on His Contributions to Modern Rotor Bearing Dynamics

Abstract This paper presents a perspective on the work of Dr. J. W. Lund, in the field of rotor-bearing dynamics. Dr. Lund died on November 16, 2000 — indisputably the father of modern rotor-dynamic analysis. The perspective is somewhat personalized, and supplemented by personal knowledge, coming from someone who has known Dr. Lund for over 30 years, who has benefited from the insights of Dr. Lund, and whose career has been measurably advanced as a result of Dr. Lund’s personal and public contributions. The paper traces what the author considers to be the most influential work of Dr. Lund, both in published journals, in the software which has shaped the design and problem solution for modern turbomachinery, and in data published in various manuals, government reports, and course notes. It addresses, in particular, his work in oil bearings, gas bearings, unbalance response of flexible rotors, stability of flexible rotors, squeeze-film dampers, rotor balancing, and modal testing of rotors. It provides a road map for those who would revisit the knowledge base, which has shaped the design of high performance turbomachinery for industrial applications. It shows how the work of Dr. Lund has permeated the practice of today’s suppliers of turbomachinery, the users of turbomachinery, and the consultants to the industry. Some of the publications addressed specifically by the paper are the report volumes on rotor-dynamics prepared under contract by MTI, authored by Dr. Lund, and sponsored by the U.S. Air Force in the mid-1960’s, the RPI-MTI short course notes on gas bearings, software documentation, and major papers.