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Experiment #1: Whirling of Shafts

1) The document describes an experiment to demonstrate the whirling of shafts at different rotational speeds and modes using a test apparatus. 2) As a shaft's rotational speed increases and reaches its natural frequencies, it will start to vibrate transversely in different whirl modes, with nodes appearing between each whirl. 3) The experiment aims to observe the first and second whirl modes of an unloaded shaft with fixed ends and compare the measured whirl speeds to theoretical calculations.

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Jibran Ansari
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578 views7 pages

Experiment #1: Whirling of Shafts

1) The document describes an experiment to demonstrate the whirling of shafts at different rotational speeds and modes using a test apparatus. 2) As a shaft's rotational speed increases and reaches its natural frequencies, it will start to vibrate transversely in different whirl modes, with nodes appearing between each whirl. 3) The experiment aims to observe the first and second whirl modes of an unloaded shaft with fixed ends and compare the measured whirl speeds to theoretical calculations.

Uploaded by

Jibran Ansari
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Experiment #1:

Whirling of Shafts

Objectives
To give a simple demonstration of using the theory and comparing it with the results
from an experiment of first and second mode whirling of an unloaded shaft with fixed ends.

Theory
Vibrations, Whirls and Critical Speed of Whirling

As a shaft rotational speed reaches its first natural frequency of vibration, it starts to
resonate (vibrate transversely), creating a single or first mode whirl (see Fig. 1). This is
often called the Critical Speed of Whirling. Without restraint, the amplitude or deflection
of the whirl is theoretically unlimited. The only restraint to the whirl deflection is the
elastic properties of the shaft (its stiffness). From this, you can find the natural frequency
from the properties of the shaft.

Figure 1: Shaft Deflection against Speed

As the shaft speed increases, it will reach a second mode whirl at a higher
frequency. As the whirls develop, a stable node appears between each whirl. Higher
speeds give more whirl modes and nodes.

Second Moment of Area:


The second moment of area for either axis of a symmetrical circular cross-section
beam or shaft is:

Unloaded Shaft Deflection Formulae

In 1894, S Dunkerley published his research on the whirling and vibration shafts. It
shows the equations for calculation of vibrations in a transverse beam also work for
whirling shafts, if you ignore the energy lost as the shaft changes shape.

The fundamental vibration frequency for a beam or shaft is then:

The equations for the shaft deflection (ds) are variations of the deflection equations
for beams with different fixings or end conditions. The shaft properties and its fixing
condition affect the shaft deflection.

To simply the calculations and give a more accurate answer, you can use
fundamental vibration equations 2 with the whirl speed constants shown in the table to find
the first and second mode whirl speeds;

For the first mode whirl speed:

For the second mode whirl speed:

Apparatus

Figure 2: The Whirling of Shafts Apparatus

The main unit has a solid frame that holds a variable speed motor that rotates a test
specimen (shaft). At the driven end, the motor turns a kinematic coupling and a chuck that
holds one end the specimen shaft. Supplied with the equipment is an extra bearing that fits
on the kinematic coupling assembly, around the chuck. With the extra bearing fitted, this
end can only rotate axially, giving a fixed end condition. Without the extra bearing, the
chuck can rotate axially while allowing some angular displacement, giving a free end
condition. A speed sensor on the motor shaft records a signal each time the shaft rotates and
sends the signal to the Control and Instrumentation Unit.

At the non driven or tail end of the machine, an adjustable sliding bearing
assembly contains a self-aligning bearing. This bearing holds the tail end of the specimen
shaft. The sliding bearing allows for the change in shaft length as it deflects, removing any
end-thrust. The self-aligning bearing gives a second free ends condition. Supplied with
the equipment is an extra smaller bearing that fits around the sliding bearing to give a
second fixed end with axial rotation only.
Supplied with the equipment are several specimen shafts of different lengths and
diameters. The tail end bearing assembly can move along the frame to allow tests on the
different length shafts.
With some shafts, the whirling becomes large, so two movable nylon bushes
prevent large amplitudes from permanently bending the shaft. A transparent safety guard
surrounds the moving parts for extra protection. The safety guard includes a magnetic
interlock, so you cannot use the motor without the guard fitted.
An adjustable plate with a cord helps to dampen the whirling in some experiments.
This helps you to increase the speed and push past the first whirl, or fundamental
frequency, up to the second whirl. The cord helps prevents large shaft deflections which
could permanently bend the shaft. It also helps to stop the shaft rubbing against the nylon
bushes during some experiments.

Specimens
There are four different specimens (shafts). The 3mm and 6 mm diameter specimens
are similar, but the 7 mm diameter has a different tail end and is only for use with the added
weights (loads).

Procedure
1. Create a blank results table, similar to Table 1.Find theoretical values to predict the first
and second mode whirl speeds for a fixed-fixed end condition (in rev.min-1).
Experiment 1 - Basic Whirling Demonstration (unloaded shaft)
3 mm x 900 mm shaft
Fixed-Fixed ends
First Mode Whirl
speed N1 (rev.min-1)

Second Mode Whirl


speed N2 (rev.min-1)

Whirl Speed Ratio


(N2/N1)

Theoretical
Actual

Table 1 Blank Results Table

2. Move the cord plate to exactly half way along the shaft and slide the nylon bushes to
approximately 200 mm and 700 mm along the shaft (from the driven end). You do not
need to fit the cord yet.
3. Fit the safety guard.
4. If you have the optional stroboscope, darken the room as much as possible, but have
enough light to see the controls of the Control and Instrumentation Unit.
5. Start the motor and increase its speed slowly until you see the first mode whirl. It must
be stable.

6. Record the speed of the first mode whirl and take a snapshot of the deflected shape.
7. Reduce the speed, remove the safety guard and fit the cord.
8. Now increase the speed carefully, passing through the first mode whirl speed until you
see the second mode whirl. The middle (node) of the shaft whirls should be perfectly
stable.

Data Analysis
1. Calculate the whirl speed ratios to complete your table.
2. Compare your results with the theoretical results to prove that theory can give a reliable
prediction of whirl speeds.
3. Identify any possible causes of error? Hint - think about the shaft length, diameter and
end conditions.

Discussion and Conclusions


Write a concise account of the experiment and the results obtained.

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