Abstract
This study is dedicated to evaluate the stability of an automatic ball-type balance system (ABS) installed in Optical Disk Drives (ODD). There have been researchers devoted to study the performance of ABS by investigating the dynamics of the system, but few consider the motions in torsional direction of ODD foundation. To solve this problem, a mathematical model including the foundation is established. The method of multiple scales is then utilized to find all possible steady-state solutions and perform related stability analysis. The obtained results are used to predict the level of residual vibrations and then the performance of the ABS can be evaluated. Numerical simulations are conducted to verify the theoretical results. It is obtained from both analytical and numerical results that the spindle speed of the motor ought to be operated above primary translational and secondary torsional resonances to stabilize the desired steady-state solutions for a substantial reduction in radial vibration.