Thermal Characteristics and Dynamic Behavior of Auxiliary Bearings in a Vertical Magnetic Suspension System

Auxiliary bearings in vertical magnetic suspension systems can suffer thermal damage and impact-induced failure during rotor drop events caused by instability. This study aims to clarify the coupled effects of collision, frictional heating, and transient heat transfer on auxiliary bearing response. Dynamic, thermodynamic, and finite element models were established to analyze impact behavior, frictional heating, and temperature-field evolution, and were validated using rotor-drop measurements of impact force, rotor displacement, and outer-ring temperature together with post-test damage observations. The results show that severe impact and friction rapidly convert rotor kinetic energy into thermal energy, producing a non-uniform temperature field in the auxiliary bearings. The highest temperature occurs in the inner ring, followed by the rolling elements and outer ring, with peak temperatures of 169.59 °C, 154.66 °C, and 94.79 °C, respectively. Owing to gravity, gyroscopic motion, and rotor inclination during drop, the upper auxiliary bearing experiences greater impact loads, a faster speed increase, and a higher peak temperature rise than the lower bearing. Experimental evidence, including thermal discoloration, wear positions, and component damage, agrees with the simulated high-temperature regions. These results support thermal-shock-resistant design, structural optimization, and operational safety assessment of auxiliary bearings.