Rotori

Rotori is the plural form of rotor in several languages, including Italian, and is encountered in technical writing referring to multiple rotating parts. The term denotes components designed to spin within a system to transmit or convert energy.

In electrical machines, rotori rotate inside a stator to convert electrical energy to mechanical energy, or vice versa. Common rotor types include the wound rotor, where windings slip rings allow external control, and the squirrel-cage rotor, formed by conductive bars shorted at ends. The rotor's magnetic field interacts with the stator's field to produce torque and rotation. Rotor design influences starting torque, efficiency, and thermal performance. In generators, the rotor carries the magnetizing field.

In turbomachinery, rotori include the turbine rotor or compressor rotor, assemblies of blades on a shaft that extract or impart energy to a working fluid. In rotorcraft, such as helicopters, the rotor assembly provides lift and propulsion via rotating blades and a hub.

Rotors are subject to dynamic stresses, vibrations, and resonance. Rotor faults include cracks, imbalance, bearing wear, and blade damage. Precision manufacturing, balancing, and condition monitoring are essential for safe operation.

Etymology: from Latin rotāre “to turn”; plural form rotori as used in Italian and some technical texts. See also rotor.