A nonlinear model of a low pressure cylinder-generator rotor system is presented to study sub-synchronous resonance and combined resonance. Analytical results are obtained by an averaging method. Transition sets and bifurcation diagrams are obtained based on the singularity theory for the two-state variable system. The bifurcation characteristics are analyzed to provide a basis for the optimal design and fault diagnosis of the rotor system. Finally, the theoretical results are verified with the numerical results.