This grant is a unilateral action and is being funded with the remaining funds from the Structural Systems program. The balance of the requested amount will be given in FY 90. This project studies the dynamic response of rotating machines such as motors, generators, pumps, and turbines subjected to seismic loads. The proper functioning of such machines is critical for the safety operation of an industrial facility. Because of the presence of gyroscopic effects and special characteristics of their bearings, the analysis of these machines for earthquake induced ground excitation is a very challenging analytical problem. The complexity of the problem is further increased by the dynamic interaction between the machine and its support structure and other attachments such as piping. A response spectrum approach will be used to calculate the design response of these systems, explicitly including the special characteristics of the system and ground motion. This study will lead to the development of rational determination of design responses of rotating machines and the design forces in the structures of machine foundations. In practice, it will help the designers of rotating machines to evaluate the performance and prevent the malfunction of these systems during a strong ground shaking.
