FVA Workbench 10 is a specialized software environment for Fluid Film Bearing Analysis. It is an engineering tool used primarily by mechanical engineers, rotordynamicists, and bearing designers to model, simulate, and analyze the performance of hydrodynamic and hydrostatic bearings.

Core Purpose:
To predict the static and dynamic characteristics of fluid-lubricated bearings, which are critical components for the stability, vibration behavior, and longevity of rotating machinery like turbines, compressors, pumps, and generators.

Key Modules & Analytical Capabilities:

1. Bearing Geometry Definition

  • Pre-defined Bearing Types: Model standard geometries including plain cylindrical, lemon-bore, tilting-pad, and multi-lobe bearings.

  • Advanced Custom Geometry: Define complex, non-standard bearing profiles with precise control over clearances, preloads, and pivot offsets.

  • Thermal Modeling: Specify boundary conditions for heat flow, including oil temperature, wall adiabacity, and heat transfer coefficients.

2. Static Performance Analysis

  • Load Capacity Calculation: Determine the bearing’s ability to support a load under specific operating conditions (speed, viscosity).

  • Eccentricity & Attitude Angle: Calculate the journal position within the bearing clearance and its orientation relative to the load vector.

  • Power Loss & Friction: Predict mechanical losses due to fluid shear, a critical factor for efficiency and lube oil system design.

  • Flow Rate Analysis: Compute the required lubricant flow rate to maintain a sufficient oil film and for cooling.

3. Dynamic Coefficients & Rotordynamics

  • Linearized Stiffness & Damping Coefficients: Calculate the eight key linearized coefficients (Kxx, Kxy, Kyx, Kyy, Cxx, Cxy, Cyx, Cyy) that describe the bearing’s dynamic reaction to small journal motions.

  • Stability Prediction: Use the calculated dynamic coefficients to assess the risk of oil whirl/whip and other self-excited vibrations in a rotor system.

  • Critical Speed Analysis: Provide essential bearing data (stiffness and damping) for system-level rotordynamic models to predict critical speeds and mode shapes.

4. Advanced Simulation Features

  • Multi-Physics Coupling: Account for thermal and elastic deformations of the bearing pads and structure (Thermo-Elasto-Hydrodynamic or TEHD analysis).

  • Two-Phase Flow (Cavitation): Model the formation and collapse of vapor/gas in the oil film using advanced cavitation algorithms (e.g., Jakobsson-Floberg-Olsson model).

  • Transient Analysis: Simulate the dynamic response of the journal to time-varying loads or other transient operational conditions.