Hi, I´m a senior year Mechanical Engineering Student, I´m writing this post because I need some advice from engineers with experience in rotordynamics for my internship project. Summarizing, the subject of the project is about studying the impact of inverting rotation of an axial Steam Turbine model 503T (two stages, non-condensing) manufactured by Dresser-Rand and how this change will impact the performance and life of the mechanical components of the turbine.

At this moment the turbine is at the workshop and repair duties are being made to allow the turbine to rotate counter wise. However I figured out that forces and moments will change of direction after the reparation. Since the stresses distribution will change I´m doubtful about whether this could affect the dynamic behaviour of hydrodynamic bearings (say oil film thickness, damping, etc.) , foundations and other components of the turbine and therefore vibration amplitudes.

I will really appreciate your comments about this issue, since I have limited understanding of rotordynamics. Thanks in advance.

PS: The turbine shaft is supported by two radial sleeve bearings which and one thrust ball bearing.