Luis San Andres
Professor
Office: 118 Mechanical Engineering Office Building
Phone: 979-862-4744 Fax: 979-845-3081
Email: lsanandres@tamu.edu
Research Web Page
Interest Areas
Analysis, design and testing of fluid film bearings and gas bearings and seals for oil-free turbomachinery
Rotordynamics of Turbomachinery, Structural Vibrations, Computational Mechanics
Education
Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, 1985. Texas A&M University
M.S. Mechanical Engineering, 1982. University of Pittsburgh
B.S. Mechanical Engineering, 1980, Summa Cum Laude, Escuela Politécnica Nacional, Ecuador.
Background
Dr. Luis San Andrés leads the Tribology Group at the TAMU Rotordynamics Laboratory and has conducted independent research in fluid film bearings, squeeze film dampers and seals for turbomachinery since 1990.
Luis San Andrés has made enduring contributions to the technology development of hybrid fluid film bearings for applications in primary power space turbopumps. His research includes the analysis and experimental validation of hybrid thrust bearings and two-phase fluid seals for cryogenic applications. In recent years, NSF has awarded him grants for the analytical modeling and experimental validation of fluid film bearings operating with air entrainment and also to develop the scientific basis and engineering design of gas bearings for oil-free turbomachinery.
Research
The objectives of the research at the Tribology Group are:
1. To provide advanced education to students in the fields of fluid film lubrication and rotordynamics. The Group research addresses current needs in the automotive and aerospace turbomachinery industries and develops novel bearing applications for oil-free rotating machinery operating under stringent environmental conditions.
2. To develop advanced analytical and computational tools for the design of process fluid film bearings. The trends in turbomachinery demand the largest output power to weight ratios and require compact rotors and components able to operate at increased speeds, temperatures and pressure differentials. The Group's research on innovative process fluid film bearing applications, gas damper seals and gas buffer noncontacting seals support the rapid development of high performance and oil-free turbomachinery.
3. To procure experimental measurements of the static and dynamic forced performance of bearings and seals. His experimental research program in squeeze film dampers has an outstanding international reputation. The Group has developed first-rated test facilities to perform measurements and parameter identification in gas annular and labyrinth seals and lubricated tilting pad bearings for industrial compressors, floating ring journal bearings for automotive turbochargers, and squeeze film dampers for air-breathing gas turbine engines.
Distinctions
* Dresser Industries Professorship, Dwight Look College of Engineering, Texas A&M University , 1999
* Outstanding Graduate Teaching Award, Mechanical Engineering Department, Texas A&M University , 1998
* Plank Co. Faculty Fellow, Dwight Look College of Engineering, Texas A&M University , 1997
* Senior TEES Fellow, Texas Engineering Experiment Station, Texas A&M University System, 1996
* Ralph Teetor Educational Award, SAE Engineering Society for Advanced Mobility, 1995
* TEES Fellow, Texas Engineering Experiment Station, Texas A&M University System, 1993, 1995
* Applied Science Award, (OAS) Organization of American States, 1989
Patents
Mohamed, Z., and San Andrés, L, "Foil Bearing,” May 21, 1996 , U.S. Patent # 5,518,320, Texas A&M University System |
San Andrés, L., "Two-Pad Axially Grooved Hydrostatic Bearing," July 18, 1995 , U.S. Patent # 5,433,528, Texas A&M University System. |
Vance J., and San Andrés, L., "Aircraft Engine Rotor Squeeze Film Damper", July 1986, U.S. Patent # 5067825. |
Recent Journal Publications
Zhu, S. and L., San Andrés, 2004, “Rotordynamic Performance of Flexure Pivot Hydrostatic Gas Bearings for Oil-Free Turbomachinery,” ASME Paper GT 2004-53621 |
Rubio, D., and L., San Andrés, 2004, “Bump-Type Foil Bearing Structural Stiffness: Experiments and Predictions”, ASME Paper GT 2004-53611 |
Wilde, D.A., and San Andrés, L., 2003, “Comparison of Rotordynamic Analysis Predictions with the Test Response of Simple Gas Hybrid Bearings for Oil Free Turbomachinery,” ASME Paper No. GT2003-38859 |
Wilde, D.A., and San Andrés, L., 2003, “Experimental Response of Simple Gas Hybrid Bearings for Oil-Free Turbomachinery,” ASME Paper GT 2003-38833 |
De Santiago, O., and L., San Andrés, 2003, “Field Methods For Identification of Bearing Support Parameters. Part I-Identification from Transient Rotor Dynamic Response Due to Impacts”, ASME Paper GT 2003-38583 |
San Andrés, L., and S. Diaz, 2003, “Flow Visualization and Forces from a Squeeze Film Damper with Natural Air Entrainment,” ASME Journal of Tribology, Vol. 125, 2, pp. 325-333 (ASME Paper 2002-TRIB-81). |
Soulas, T., and L. San Andrés, 2003, “Performance of Damaged Hydrostatic Bearings: Predictions vs. Experiments,” ASME Journal of Tribology, Vol. 125, 2, pp. 451-457 (ASME Paper 2002-TRIB-17). |
San Andrés, L., and D. Wilde, 2001, “Finite Element Analysis of Gas Bearings for Oil-Free Turbomachinery,” Revue Européenne des Eléments Finis, Vol. 10 (6/7), pp. 769-790 |
San Andrés, L., 2002, “Force and Moment Coefficients for Misaligned Hybrid Thrust Bearings,” ASME Journal of Tribology, Vol. 124 (1), pp. 212-219 |
Diaz, S., and L. San Andrés, 2002, “Pressure Measurements and Flow Visualization in a Squeeze Film Damper Operating with a Bubbly Mixture,” ASME Journal of Tribology, Vol. 124, 4, pp. 346-350 |
