Search Results (56)

A concentric double-flange butterfly valve (DN-500, PN-10) was analyzed to examine its dynamic behavior and internal fluid flow across multiple opening angles. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was employed to determine natural frequencies, mode shapes, and effective mass participation factors (EMPFs) for valve positions at 30°, 60°, and 90°. The valve geometry was discretized using a curvature-based mesh with linear elastic isotropic properties for 1023 carbon steel. Lower-order vibration modes produced global deformations primarily along the valve disk, while higher-order modes showed localized displacement near the shaft–bearing interface, indicating coupled torsional and translational dynamics. The highest EMPF in the X-direction occurred at 1153.1 Hz with 0.2631 kg, while the Y-direction showed moderate contributions peaking at 0.1239 kg at 392.06 Hz. The Z-direction demonstrated lower influence, with a maximum EMPF of 0.1218 kg. Modes 3 and 4 were critical for potential resonance zones due to significant mass contributions and directional sensitivity. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation analyzed flow behavior, pressure drops, and turbulence under varying valve openings. At a lower opening angle, significant flow separation, recirculation zones, and high turbulence were observed. At 90°, the flow became more streamlined, resulting in a reduction in pressure losses and stabilizing velocity profiles. Full article

Rotating machinery is essential in various industrial fields, and growing demands for high performance under harsh operating conditions have heightened interest in fault diagnosis and prognostic technologies. However, a major challenge in fault diagnosis research lies in the scarcity of data, primarily due to the inability to deliberately introduce faults into machines during actual operation. In this study, a physical model is proposed to realistically simulate the system behavior of a ship’s turbo-rotating machinery by coupling the torsional and lateral vibrations of the rotor. While previous studies employed simplified single-shaft models, the proposed model adopted gear mesh interactions to reflect the coupling behavior between shafts. Furthermore, the time-domain response of the system is analyzed through state-space transformation. The proposed model was applied to simulate imbalance and gear teeth damage conditions that may occur in marine turbo-rotating systems and the results were compared with those under normal operating conditions. The analysis confirmed that the model effectively reproduces fault-induced dynamic characteristics. By enabling rapid implementation of various fault conditions and efficient data acquisition data, the proposed model is expected to contribute to enhancing the reliability of fault diagnosis and prognostic research. Full article

The series–parallel hybrid powertrain combines the advantages of both series and parallel configurations, offering optimal power performance and fuel efficiency. However, the presence of multiple excitation sources significantly complicates the torsional vibration behavior during engine startup. To accurately identify and analyze the torsional vibration characteristics induced by shaft resonance in this process, a torsional vibration feature identification algorithm based on disturbance observation and parameter partition learning is proposed. A simplified model of the drivetrain shaft system is first established, and an extended state Kalman filter (ESKF) is designed to accurately estimate the torque of the torsional damper. The inclusion of extended disturbance states enhances the model’s robustness against system uncertainties. Subsequently, continuous wavelet transform (CWT) is employed to identify the resonance characteristics in the torsional vibration process from the torque signal. Combined with the parameter partition learning strategy, resonance frequencies are utilized to infer key system parameters. The results demonstrate that, under a 20% perturbation of structural parameters, the observer model with fixed parameters yields a root mean square error (RMSE) of 10.16 N·m for the torsional damper torque. In contrast, incorporating the parameter self-learning algorithm reduces the RMSE to 2.36 N·m, representing an 85.2% improvement in estimation accuracy. Using the Morlet wavelet with a frequency resolution parameter (VPO) of 15 at a 50 Hz sampling rate, the identified resonance frequency was 14.698 Hz, showing a 1.1% deviation from the actual natural frequency of 14.53 Hz. Full article

This article discusses speed control methods for electric motor drives with elastic mechanical coupling causing torsional vibrations, which negatively affect the operation of the system. Model Predictive Control (MPC) is often presented as an effective solution; however, it is notoriously difficult to implement in real-time due to the high computational complexity of the controller. In this paper, a simplified predictive control approach in the form of Analytical MPC (aMPC) is proposed for the speed control of a two-mass motor drive. In contrast to conventional MPC, which requires complex online optimisation, aMPC derives an explicit control law analytically under simplifying assumptions, greatly reducing the computational load. The effect of the controller parameters on the drive performance is investigated and a multi-objective performance function for automatic tuning is proposed. The aMPC structure is compared with conventional State Feedback Control (SFC), including a system robustness test of both approaches. Based on simulation studies and experimental verification, the proposed structure is shown to ensure high dynamics in drive control, with smoother torque control and superior robustness for higher-load inertia ratios than SFC. Full article

Power-split hybrid electric vehicles (power-split-HEVs) exhibit significant engine torque fluctuations due to their mechanical coupling with the driveline, leading to pronounced torsional vibration issues in the drive shaft. This study investigates an active torsional vibration suppression strategy based on drive motor control. First, a dynamic model of the power-split-HEV driveline is established, and its intrinsic characteristics are analyzed. Subsequently, an engine excitation torque model is developed to identify the dominant response orders, while a vehicle dynamics model is constructed to elucidate the torsional vibration mechanisms in both hybrid and pure electric driving modes. Next, a torsional vibration feedback control framework is proposed, utilizing the electric motor as a secondary-channel torque disturbance compensator. Furthermore, a novel frequency-decoupled dual-loop control framework is proposed, with rigorous derivation of the sufficient conditions for decoupling. Based on this framework, two distinct vibration suppression algorithms are developed for the secondary-loop controller, each tailored for specific operational modes. Finally, the proposed algorithms are validated through simulation and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing. The results demonstrate a torque fluctuation suppression ratio of up to 72.2%, confirming that the active suppression algorithm effectively mitigates driveline torsional vibration induced by engine harmonic torque disturbances. Full article

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) mandates a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from 2008 levels by at least 40% by 2030, prompting the widespread adoption of slow steaming and engine de-rating strategies. This study investigates the fatigue life of marine propulsion shafts under slow steaming conditions, focusing on the interplay between torsional and bending vibrations. A finite element (FE) model of a low-speed two-stroke propulsion system is developed, incorporating torsional and lateral excitation sources from both the engine and propeller. Vibrational stresses are computed for multiple operating conditions, and fatigue life is assessed using both the conventional Det Norske Veritas (DNV) methodology and a proposed biaxial stress approach. Results indicate that while torsional vibrations remain the primary fatigue driver, bending-induced stresses contribute marginally to the overall fatigue life. The proposed methodology refines high-cycle fatigue (HCF) assessment by incorporating a corrected S-N curve and equivalent von Mises stress criteria. Comparisons with classification society standards demonstrate that existing guidelines remain valid for most cases, though further studies on extreme alignment deviations and dynamic bending effects are recommended. This study enhances understanding of fatigue mechanisms in marine shafting and proposes a refined methodology for improved fatigue life prediction. Full article

This paper investigates how the torsional load affects two vibration-based unbalance fault indicators. This investigation is important for unbalance fault diagnosis in multiple constant load conditions, which are unavoidable for many rotating machines. Coupled flexural–torsional dynamics of an unbalanced disc–shaft system, as the representative of an induction motor, is investigated via a continuous shaft–beam model. Numerical investigations reveal that the fundamental rotating intensity of the transversal acceleration is independent of the torsional load. So, the novel speed-invariant version of this indicator, which is obtained by normalizing the fundamental rotating intensity by the fourth power of the rotational speed, is also load-independent. The comprehensive experimental trials confirm load-independency of the considered two unbalance fault indicators. The important novel outcome is that, by conducting numerical analysis and comprehensive experimental trials with a belt conveyor system under various constant loading conditions, the load-independency of the fundamental rotating harmonic intensity as well as novel speed-invariant unbalance feature are justified. Full article

Crankshafts, present in internal combustion engines, are mechanical parts subject to torsion and bending that vary over time and, if the forcing is close to one of the natural frequencies of the system, they can encounter problems of torsional oscillations. These vibrations can lead to maximum oscillation amplitudes, with consequent fatigue stresses that would compromise the resistance and correct functioning of the shaft. The aim of this work is to indicate a methodology for identifying the natural frequencies of the crankshaft and the decomposition of the torques, due to gases and inertia, to identify the different harmonics; in fact, if one of these harmonics is close to the natural frequency of the crankshaft, the system will go into resonance. Full article

The vibration of a ship’s propulsion shaft system directly affects the ship’s lifespan, and many studies have designed vibration absorbers only for one of the natural frequencies of a ship’s propulsion shaft system without considering the influence of multiple low-order resonance frequencies. In this paper, a vibration absorber combined with a magnetorheological elastomer vibration absorber and a rubber vibration absorber in series is designed, and it can cover two torsional natural frequency band ranges to achieve better vibration reduction performances in multiple different torsional natural frequencies. The torsional natural frequency of the propulsion shafting of a 45 m fishing vessel is determined based on a multiple-degrees-of-freedom equivalent discretization model. Two natural frequencies, 22.4 Hz and 131.4 Hz, of a ship propulsion shaft system are selected as the design goal parameters of the combined vibration absorber. The magnetic field is simulated to ensure that the magnetic field generated by an energized coil can meet requirements. Then, a dynamic simulation of the ship propulsion shaft system with a combined vibration absorber is conducted via co-simulation. Afterward, the device is installed on the intermediate shaft of the ship propulsion shaft system for simulation, and the vibration reduction effect of the device is analyzed at different frequencies by controlling the current. When the device is controlled to operate at the optimal frequency point, the results show that the angular acceleration vibration amplitude reduction around the first and third torsional natural frequencies of the propulsion shaft system reaches 90% and 18%, respectively. This study provides new ideas for the intelligent and controllable vibration damping of ship propulsion shaft systems, especially for the development trend of intelligent ship equipment under complex working conditions. Full article

Inland river ships navigating in an ice area cannot avoid contact between the propeller and ice block. In addition to ensuring the safety of propeller blades, the fatigue strength of the propulsion shaft system under ice load excitation must also be considered. This paper first studies how to calculate the natural frequency of free torsional vibration of the system, then uses Newmark integral programing to calculate the maximum torsional stress of shaft system under ice load at resonance speed. Low cycle stress and high cycle stress are studied according to fatigue analysis theory. The method of determining S–N curve and ice load stress spectrum is given and the cumulative damage ratio is calculated based on Palmgren–Miner linear cumulative damage theory. Finally, taking a real inland river vessel propulsion shaft system as an example, the fatigue strength of the shaft system under different working conditions of ice load excitation is studied. Therefore, this study has practical significance and engineering application value in conducting fatigue research on the propulsion shaft system of an inland waterway vessel sailing in an ice area. Full article

This paper proposes a nonlinear dynamic modeling method based on the lumped mass approach to address the challenge of modeling the vibrations of the output external gear and internal gear plate in an aerospace three-ring gear reducer. A vibration model of bending–torsion coupling with 12 degrees of freedom was established by comprehensively considering factors such as the time-varying meshing stiffness, gear transmission error, tooth side clearance, bearing support stiffness, and damping. Finite element modal analysis and vibration test results verified the vibration model’s accuracy and applicability, indicating that the model is both precise and valid. The vibration model was solved using the fourth-order, five-level Runge–Kutta method. The results show that the symmetrical arrangement design of the internal gear plate cancels the vibrations in all directions and suppresses the vibration displacement response on the output shaft. Full article

This study investigates the design and potential failure modes of a marine propeller shaft using computational and analytical methods. The aim is to assess the structural integrity of the existing design and propose modifications for improved reliability and service life. Analytical calculations based on classification society rules determined acceptable shaft diameter ranges, considering torsional shear stress limits for SAE 1030 steel. A Campbell diagram analysis identified potential resonance issues at propeller blade excitation frequencies, leading to a recommended operating speed reduction for a safety margin. Support spacing was determined using both the Ship Vibration Design Guide and an empirical method, with the former yielding more conservative results. Finite element analysis, focusing on the keyway area, revealed stress concentrations approaching the material’s ultimate strength. A mesh sensitivity analysis ensured accurate stress predictions. A round-ended rectangular key geometry modification showed a significant stress reduction. Fatigue life analysis using the Goodman equation, incorporating various factors, predicted infinite life under different loading conditions, but varying safety factors highlighted the impact of these conditions. The FEA revealed that the original keyway design led to stress concentrations exceeding allowable limits, correlating with potential shaft failure. The proposed round-ended rectangular key geometry significantly reduced stress, mitigating the risk of fatigue crack initiation. This research contributes to the development of more reliable marine propulsion systems by demonstrating the efficacy of integrating analytical methods, finite element simulations, and fatigue life predictions in the design process. Full article

Marine vessels rely heavily on propeller shaft systems to adjust the engine torque and propeller thrust. However, these systems are subjected to various dynamic excitations during operation, such as transverse, longitudinal, and torsional excitations. These excitations can arise from factors like non-uniform stern flow fields, misaligned components, and the whirling motion of the shafts, which can affect the integrity and reliability of the vehicle. To analyze the dynamic response of the propulsion shaft system and ensure its reliability, numerical/analytical models are currently in practice. The finite element method (FEM) is a popular choice, but uncertainties in bearings and connectors stiffness lead to inaccuracies in the Finite Element model, resulting in significant differences between the experimental and theoretical models. This paper proposes the response surface optimization (RSO) technique to estimate unknown bearing stiffness in the propulsion shaft system. The experimental model of the propeller shaft system is constructed using steady-state response with step sine excitation. The RSO technique is then used to update the natural frequencies and vibration amplitude of the FE (Finite Element) model. The updated model shows less than a 10% difference in natural frequencies and vibration amplitude compared to the experimental model, demonstrating that the proposed technique is an efficient tool for marine shaft dynamic analysis. Full article

Torsional vibration is a critical phenomenon in rotor dynamics. It consists of an oscillating movement of the shaft and causes failures in multiple oscillating fields of application. This type of vibration is more difficult to measure than lateral vibration. Torsional vibrometers are generally invasive and require a complicated setup, as well as being inconvenient for field measurements. One of the most reliable, non-invasive, and transportable measuring techniques involves the laser torsional vibrometer. For this research, two laser heads with different measurement capabilities were utilized. An experimental test rig was used to perform a relative calibration of the two laser vibrometers. The frequency of the acting force and the rotation speed of the shaft vary in the same range, which is commonly found in rotating machines. Finally, experimental measurements of torsional vibrations using laser vibrometers were compared with numerical results from a 1D finite element model of the same test rig. The main outcome of this paper is the definition of a reliable measuring procedure to exploit two laser vibrometers for detecting torsional mode-shapes and natural frequencies on real machines. The relative calibration of two different measuring heads is described in detail, and the procedure was fundamental to properly correlate measuring signals in two machine sections. A good correspondence between the numerical and experimental results was found. Full article

The measurement of the meshing stiffness in gear pairs is a technological problem. Many studies have been conducted, but a few results are available. A tailored test bench was designed and realized to measure the Static Transmission Error in two mating gears to address this issue. The bench is capable of testing several kinds of gears, e.g., spur, helical, conical, and internal, and it measures the transmission error concerning the applied torque. The Static Transmission Error is due to the variable stiffness of the gear teeth during a mesh cycle. In this paper, a dynamical method for measuring gear mesh stiffness is presented. The tooth stiffness is estimated from the torsional modal behavior of the rotating parts of the test bench. The dynamics of the system are acquired using accelerometers and very precise encoders to measure the angular accelerations and displacements of rotating parts. The torsional mode shapes are identified; those that show a vibrational behavior of the gears that do not follow the transmission ratio’s sign of the mating kinematic condition are selected because they depend on the flexibility of the teeth. In such a way, the engagement stiffness is estimated from the natural frequencies of the selected mode-shapes and the known inertia of gears and shafts. The experimentally identified results are also compared with numerical values computed with a commercial software for mutual validation. Full article