To model and understand the physics of partial rub, a nonlinear rotor model is sought by applying a nonlinear parameter identification technique to the experimental data. The results show that the nonlinear terms of damping and stiffness should be included to model partial rotor rub. Especially, the impact and friction during the contact between rotor and stator are tried to explain with a nonlinear model on the basis of experimental data. The estimated nonlinear model shows good agreements between the numerical and the experimental results in its orbit. Also, the estimated nonlinear model could explain the backward whirling orbit and jump phenomenon, which are the typical phenomena of partial rub.