Understanding Rotational Stability of Long Axles: Theory and Analysis

[Kajdosan]

Does anyone know the theory behind rotational stability of a (long, thin) axle? I would like to know the maximum allowable rotational speed of a 5 meter long axle. I suppose its something in line with the theory of column stability, but I can't find anything about it.

I have made a FEM analysis in Solidworks, but I have no idea how its computed and whether its reliable. So I would like a verify it with an analytic calculation to compare.

Can anyone guide me in the right direction I would appreciate it very much.

Thanks

Kaj

 

[AlephZero]

The key words are "shaft whirling" and "critical speeds".

If your software can analyze this, there will almost certainly be a special solution procedure for it. Any results that you might get from a non-rotating buckling analysis will be meaningless.