Rotordynamics is a specialized branch of applied mechanics that studies the behaviors of rotating structures. This rotating structure, or "rotor system," is typically composed of rotors, stators, and bearings. For a simple rotor system, the rotor component rotates about an axis that is stabilized by a bearing that is supported by a stator. This structure can be as simple as computer disk or as complicated as a jet engine.

The Mechanical Rotordynamics Analysis helps to direct you when selecting properties such as rotor stiffness and geometry, bearing stiffness, damping, and stator properties for a rotor system based on a given rotating speed. For example, to effectively study a system’s vibratory characteristics, you can use a Campbell diagram. A Campbell diagram enables you to determine critical speeds (for different rotating modes), such as the rate at which the rotating structure experiences resonance (peak response) to avoid possible catastrophic failure. Or, a Rotordynamic Analysis can be used to determine safe operational ranges for a rotor system.

In the Mechanical documentation, see the Rotordynamics Controls section for more information, and in the Mechanical APDL documentation, the Rotordynamic Analysis Guide.

Refer to the following areas of the documentation for additional and associated information for Rotordynamics: