Can someone help? Is a rotor designed to be evenly distributed beam load with all of its weight acting at the center of the rotor for statics. I would like to begin to calculate bearing reactions for a particular turbine rotor. I am not familiar with rotor design and mass distribution for calculating steady state radial bearing loads. Thank you all.

Do a rotor model (mass-elastic), put it on simple supports (approximated by stiff bearings), and you should be able to calculate the loads at the bearing locations for a horizontal rotor. Of course apply gravity loading to the rotor.

You can come up with rotor sag also.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: William_C._Foiles,

Idealistically yes; realistically no, although it can or could be evenly distributed. Sometimes there's a selection of different bearings from one end to the other not only for expansion or physical properties or load from belts.

For a turbine rotor you may find one end much heavier that the other; possibly different diameters. But bearing reactions from various factors w/torsion, etc... Good luck.

I would not think a do-it-yourself rotor design class is the place to start unless you have time and money. Or, I could be wrong. But, it may be best to draw on others experiences and/or educational materials.

However, as Bill stated you can do what you are able to do with the help he's given you. Sorry I'm of no help.