UNIT 5 GOVERNORS

Governors

Structure
5.1

Introduction
Objectives

5.2

Classification of Governors

5.3

Gravity Controlled Centrifugal Governors

5.3.1

Watt Governor

5.3.2

Porter Governor

5.4

Spring Controlled Centrifugal Governors

5.5

Governor Effort and Power

5.6

Characteristics of Governors

5.7

Controlling Force and Stability of Spring Controlled Governors

5.8

Insensitiveness in the Governors

5.9

Summary

5.10 Key Words

5.11 Answers to SAQs

5.1 INTRODUCTION
In the last unit, you studied flywheel which minimises fluctuations of speed within the
cycle but it cannot minimise fluctuations due to load variation. This means flywheel does
not exercise any control over mean speed of the engine. To minimise fluctuations in the
mean speed which may occur due to load variation, governor is used. The governor has
no influence over cyclic speed fluctuations but it controls the mean speed over a long
period during which load on the engine may vary.
When there is change in load, variation in speed also takes place then governor operates
a regulatory control and adjusts the fuel supply to maintain the mean speed nearly
constant. Therefore, the governor automatically regulates through linkages, the energy
supply to the engine as demanded by variation of load so that the engine speed is
maintained nearly constant.
Figure 5.1 shows an illustrative sketch of a governor along with linkages which regulates
the supply to the engine. The governor shaft is rotated by the engine. If load on the
engine increases the engine speed tends to reduce, as a result of which governor balls
move inwards. This causes sleeve to move downwards and this movement is transmitted
to the valve through linkages to increase the opening and, thereby, to increase the supply.
On the other hand, reduction in the load increases engine speed. As a result of which the
governor balls try to fly outwards. This causes an upward movement of the sleeve and it
reduces the supply. Thus, the energy input (fuel supply in IC engines, steam in steam
turbines, water in hydraulic turbines) is adjusted to the new load on the engine. Thus the
governor senses the change in speed and then regulates the supply. Due to this type of
action it is simple example of a mechanical feedback control system which senses the
output and regulates input accordingly.

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Theory of Machines

FC
mg

mg

Bell Crank
Lener

Supply pipe

FC

Engine
Pulley

Figure 5.1 : Governor and Linkages

Objectives
After studying this unit, you should be able to

classify governors,

analyse different type of governors,

know characteristics of governors,

know stability of spring controlled governors, and

compare different type of governors.

5.2 CLASSIFICATION OF GOVERNORS

The broad classification of governor can be made depending on their operation.
(a)

Centrifugal governors

(b)

Inertia and flywheel governors

(c)

Pickering governors.

Centrifugal Governors
In these governors, the change in centrifugal forces of the rotating masses due to
change in the speed of the engine is utilised for movement of the governor sleeve.
One of this type of governors is shown in Figure 5.1. These governors are
commonly used because of simplicity in operation.
Inertia and Flywheel Governors
In these governors, the inertia forces caused by the angular acceleration of the
engine shaft or flywheel by change in speed are utilised for the movement of the
balls. The movement of the balls is due to the rate of change of speed in stead of
change in speed itself as in case of centrifugal governors. Thus, these governors
are more sensitive than centrifugal governors.
Pickering Governors

138

This type of governor is used for driving a gramophone. As compared to the

centrifugal governors, the sleeve movement is very small. It controls the speed by
dissipating the excess kinetic energy. It is very simple in construction and can be
used for a small machine.

Governors

5.2.1 Types of Centrifugal Governors

Depending on the construction these governors are of two types :
(a)

Gravity controlled centrifugal governors, and

(b)

Spring controlled centrifugal governors.

Gravity Controlled Centrifugal Governors

In this type of governors there is gravity force due to weight on the sleeve or
weight of sleeve itself which controls movement of the sleeve. These governors
are comparatively larger in size.
Spring Controlled Centrifugal Governors
In these governors, a helical spring or several springs are utilised to control the
movement of sleeve or balls. These governors are comparatively smaller in size.

SAQ 1
(a)

Compare flywheel with governor.

(b)

Which type of control the governor system is?

(c)

Compare centrifugal governors with inertia governors.

5.3 GRAVITY CONTROLLED CENTRIFUGAL

GOVERNORS
There are three commonly used gravity controlled centrifugal governors :
(a)

Watt governor

(b)

Porter governor

(c)

Proell governor

Watt governor does not carry dead weight at the sleeve. Porter governor and proell
governor have heavy dead weight at the sleeve. In porter governor balls are placed at the
junction of upper and lower arms. In case of proell governor the balls are placed at the
extension of lower arms. The sensitiveness of watt governor is poor at high speed and
this limits its field of application. Porter governor is more sensitive than watt governor.
The proell governor is most sensitive out of these three.

5.3.1 Watt Governor

This governor was used by James Watt in his steam engine. The spindle is driven by the
output shaft of the prime mover. The balls are mounted at the junction of the two arms.
The upper arms are connected to the spindle and lower arms are connected to the sleeve
as shown in Figure 5.2(a).

Ball

Ball

Sleeve

(a)

mg

FC

(b)
Figure 5.2 : Watt Governor

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Theory of Machines

We ignore mass of the sleeve, upper and lower arms for simplicity of analysis. We can
ignore the friction also. The ball is subjected to the three forces which are centrifugal
force (Fc), weight (mg) and tension by upper arm (T). Taking moment about point O
(intersection of arm and spindle axis), we get
FC h mg r 0

Since,

FC mr 2

mr 2 h mg r 0

or

g
h

. . . (5.1)

2 N
60
g 3600
4 N
2

894.56

. . . (5.2)

N2

where N is in rpm.
Figure 5.3 shows a graph between height h and speed N in rpm. At high speed the
change in height h is very small which indicates that the sensitiveness of the governor is
very poor at high speeds because of flatness of the curve at higher speeds.

0.8

0.6
h
0.6

0.4

0.2

300

400

500

600

700

Figure 5.3 : Graph between Height and Speed

SAQ 2
Why watt governor is very rarely used? Give reasons.

5.3.2 Porter Governor

A schematic diagram of the porter governor is shown in Figure 5.4(a). There are two sets
of arms. The top arms OA and OB connect balls to the hinge O. The hinge may be on the
spindle or slightly away. The lower arms support dead weight and connect balls also. All
of them rotate with the spindle. We can consider one-half of governor for equilibrium.
140

Let

Governors

w be the weight of the ball,

T1 and T2 be tension in upper and lower arms, respectively,
Fc be the centrifugal force,
r be the radius of rotation of the ball from axis, and
I is the instantaneous centre of the lower arm.

Taking moment of all forces acting on the ball about I and neglecting friction at the
sleeve, we get
FC AD w ID

W
IC 0
2

w ID W ID DC

AD
2 AD

or

FC

or

FC w tan

W
(tan tan )
2

w 2
r
g

FC

w 2
W
tan

r w tan 1
1

g
2w
tan

or

where

g
W

tan 1
(1 K )
r
2w

tan
tan

tan

. . . (5.3)

r
h

g
W

(1 K )
1
h
2w

. . . (5.4)
O

Arms
T1

Spindle

Central
Load (w)

Links

FC

T1

Ball

T2

w T2

C
Sleeve
I

D
W
2

(a)

(b)
Figure 5.4 : Porter Governor

If friction at the sleeve is f, the force at the sleeve should be replaced by W + f for rising
and by (W f) for falling speed as friction apposes the motion of sleeve. Therefore, if the
friction at the sleeve is to be considered, W should be replaced by (W f). The
expression in Eq. (5.4) becomes

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Theory of Machines

g
h

(W f )

(1 K )
1
2
w

. . . (5.5)

SAQ 3
In which respect Porter governor is better than Watt governor?

5.4 SPRING CONTROLLED CENTRIFUGAL

GOVERNORS
In these governors springs are used to counteract the centrifugal force. They can be
designed to operate at high speeds. They are comparatively smaller in size. Their speed
range can be changed by changing the initial setting of the spring. They can work with
inclined axis of rotation also. These governors may be very suitable for IC engines, etc.
The most commonly used spring controlled centrifugal governors are :
(a)

Hartnell governor

(b)

Wilson-Hartnell governor

(c)

Hartung governor

5.4.1 Hartnell Governor

The Hartnell governor is shown in Figure 5.5. The two bell crank levers have been
provided which can have rotating motion about fulcrums O and O. One end of each bell
crank lever carries a ball and a roller at the end of other arm. The rollers make contact
with the sleeve. The frame is connected to the spindle. A helical spring is mounted
around the spindle between frame and sleeve. With the rotation of the spindle, all these
parts rotate.
With the increase of speed, the radius of rotation of the balls increases and the rollers lift
the sleeve against the spring force. With the decrease in speed, the sleeve moves
downwards. The movement of the sleeve are transferred to the throttle of the engine
through linkages.
Frame

Spring

Ball

Ball
Collar

Bell crank
Lever

Fulcrum

O
b

Roller

Sleeve
Spindle

142

Figure 5.5 : Hartnell Governor

Let

Governors

r1 = Minimum radius of rotation of ball centre from spindle axis, in m,

r2 = Maximum radius of rotation of ball centre from spindle axis, in m,
S1 = Spring force exerted on sleeve at minimum radius, in N,
S2 = Spring force exerted on sleeve at maximum radius, in N,
m = Mass of each ball, in kg,
M = Mass of sleeve, in kg,
N1 = Minimum speed of governor at minimum radius, in rpm,
N2 = Maximum speed of governor at maximum radius, in rpm,

1 and 2 = Corresponding minimum and maximum angular velocities, in r/s,

(FC)1 = Centrifugal force corresponding to minimum speed m 12 r1 ,
(FC)2 = Centrifugal force corresponding to maximum speed m 22 r2 ,
s = Stiffness of spring or the force required to compress the spring by one m,
r = Distance of fulcrum O from the governor axis or radius of rotation,
a = Length of ball arm of bell-crank lever, i.e. distance OA, and
b = Length of sleeve arm of bell-crank lever, i.e. distance OC.
Considering the position of the ball at radius r1, as shown in Figure 5.6(a) and taking
moments of all the forces about O
M 0 ( FC )1 a cos 1 mg a sin 1
( FC )1 mg tan 1

or

( Mg S1 )
2

( Mg S1 )
b cos 1 0
2

b

a

. . . (5.9)

r1
A1

r2
A2

A1
(FC)1

A2

(FC)2
mg

mg

(Mg + S2)

C1

2
C2

1
1
b

x1
C1

Reaction
at fulcrum

x2

2
C2

(Mg + S1)
2

(a)

(b)
Figure 5.6

Considering the position of the ball at radius r2 as shown in Figure 5.6(b) and taking
the moments of all the forces about O
M 0 ( FC )2 a cos 2 mg a sin 2

or

( FC )2

( Mg S2 )
2

b
mg tan 2
a

( Mg S2 )
b cos 2
2

. . . (5.10)
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Theory of Machines

If 1 and 2 are very small and mass of the ball is negligible as compared to the spring
force, the terms mg tan 1 and mg tan 2 may be ignored.
( FC )1

( Mg S1 ) b

2
a

. . . (5.11)

and

( FC )2

( Mg S2 )
2

. . . (5.12)

( FC )2 ( FC )1

Total lift ( x1 x2 )

b

a

( S2 S1 ) b

2
a

(b 1 b 2 )

b (1 2 )
(r r1 ) (r2 r ) b
b

(r2 r1 )
a a
a

S2 S1 Total lift s

b
(r2 r1 ) s
a
2

b (r r )
( FC )2 ( FC )1 2 1 s
2
a

a ( FC )2 ( FC )1
or stiffness of spring s 2
(r2 r1 )
b

. . . (5.13)

For ball radius r

2
2
a F ( FC )1
a ( F ) ( FC )1
s2 C
2 C 2

r r1
b
b (r2 r1 )

FC ( FC )1

(r r1 )
{( FC )2 ( FC )1}
(r2 r1 )

. . . (5.14)

SAQ 4
For IC engines, which type of governor you will prefer whether dead weight type
or spring controlled type? Give reasons.

5.5 GOVERNOR EFFORT AND POWER

Governor effort and power can be used to compare the effectiveness of different type of
governors.
Governor Effort
It is defined as the mean force exerted on the sleeve during a given change in
speed.

144

When governor speed is constant the net force at the sleeve is zero. When
governor speed increases, there will be a net force on the sleeve to move it
upwards and sleeve starts moving to the new equilibrium position where net force
becomes zero.

Governors

Governor Power
It is defined as the work done at the sleeve for a given change in speed. Therefore,
Power of governor = Governor effort Displacement of sleeve

5.5.1 Determination of Governor Effort and Power

The effort and power of a Porter governor has been determined. The same principle can
be used for any other type of governor also.
O

h1

mg
w

(a)

(b)
Figure 5.7

Figure 5.7 shows the two positions of a Porter governor.

Let

N = Equilibrium speed corresponding to configuration shown in Figure 5.7(a),

W = Weight of sleeve in N,
h = Height of governor corresponding to speed N, and
c = A factor which when multiplied to equilibrium speed, gives the increase
in speed.

Increased speed = Equilibrium speed + Increase of speed,

= N + c . N = (1 + c) N, and

. . . (5.15)

h1 = Height of governor corresponding to increased speed (1 + c ) N.

The equilibrium position of the governor for the increased speed is shown in
Figure 5.7(b). In order to prevent the sleeve from rising when the increase of speed takes
place, a downward force will have to be exerted on the sleeve.
Let W1 = New weight of sleeve so that the rising of sleeve is prevented when the speed is
(1 + c) N. This means that W1 is the weight of sleeve when height of governor
is h.
Downward force to be applied when the rising of sleeve is to be prevented when
speed increases from N to (1 + c) N = W1 W.
When speed is N rpm and let the angles and are equal so that K = 1, the height h is
given by equation
g
wW
h

w 2 N 2

60

. . . (5.16)

If the speed increases to (1 + c) N and height remains the same by increasing the load on
sleeve
g
w W1
h

w 2 (1 c) N 2

60

. . . (5.17)
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Theory of Machines

Equating the two values of h given by above equations, we get

wW

{( w W1 )}
(1 c)2

(w W ) (1 c)2 w W1

W1 (w W ) (1 c)2 w
(W1 W ) (w W ) (1 c)2 (w W )
(w W ) {(1 c)2 1}

2c (w W ) If c is very small

. . . (5.18)

But W1 W is the downward force which must be applied in order to prevent the sleeve
from rising when the increase of speed takes place. This is also the force exerted by the
governor on the sleeve when the speed changes from N to (1 + c) N. As the sleeve rises
to the new equilibrium position as shown in Figure 5.7(b), this force gradually
diminishes to zero. The mean force P exerted on the sleeve during the change of speed
from N to (1 + c) N is therefore given by
P

W1 W
2

c (w W )

. . . (5.19)

This is the governor effort.

If weight on the sleeve is not increased
g
wW
h1

w 2 (1 c) N 2

60

. . . (5.20)

h h1 2 x

h
(1 c)2
h1

h
1 (1 c)2 1
h1

or

h h1
2c
h1

or

2x
2c
h1

or

x c h1

2c

Governor power Px c2 h1 (w W ) .

. . . (5.21)

5.6 CHARACTERISTICS OF GOVERNORS

Different governors can be compared on the basis of following characteristics :
Stability
A governor is said to be stable when there is one radius of rotation of the balls for
each speed which is within the speed range of the governor.
146

Governors

Sensitiveness
The sensitiveness can be defined under the two situations :

(a)

(a)

When the governor is considered as a single entity.

(b)

When the governor is fitted in the prime mover and it is treated as

part of prime mover.

A governor is said to be sensitive when there is larger displacement of the

sleeve due to a fractional change in speed. Smaller the change in speed of
the governor for a given displacement of the sleeve, the governor will be
more sensitive.

(b)

Sensitiveness

N
N1 N 2

. . . (5.22)

The smaller the change in speed from no load to the full load, the more
sensitive the governor will be. According to this definition, the
sensitiveness of the governor shall be determined by the ratio of speed range
to the mean speed. The smaller the ratio more sensitive the governor will be

Sensitiveness

N 2 N1 2( N 2 N1 )

N
( N 2 N1 )

. . . (5.23)

where N2 N1 = Speed range from no load to full load.

Isochronism
A governor is said to be isochronous if equilibrium speed is constant for all the
radii of rotation in the working range. Therefore, for an isochronous governor the
speed range is zero and this type of governor shall maintain constant speed.
Hunting
Whenever there is change in speed due to the change in load on the engine, the
sleeve moves towards the new position but because of inertia if overshoots the
desired position. Sleeve then moves back but again overshoots the desired position
due to inertia. This results in setting up of oscillations in engine speed. If the
frequency of fluctuations in engine speed coincides with the natural frequency of
oscillations of the governor, this results in increase of amplitude of oscillations
due to resonance. The governor, then, tends to intensity the speed variation instead
of controlling it. This phenomenon is known as hunting of the governor. Higher
the sensitiveness of the governor, the problem of hunting becomes more acute.

5.7 CONTROLLING FORCE AND STABILITY OF

SPRING CONTROLLED GOVERNORS
The resultant external force which controls the movement of the ball and acts along the
radial line towards the axis is called controlling force. This force acts at the centre of the
ball. It is equal and acts opposite to the direction of centrifugal force.
The controlling force F = m 2 r.
Or

F
2 N
m

r
60

For controlling force diagram in which F is plotted against radius r,

F
represents
r

slope of the curve.

i.e.

F
tan N 2
r

. . . (5.24)

Therefore, for a stable governor slope in controlling force diagram should increase with
the increase in speed.

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Theory of Machines

Stability of Spring-controlled Governors

Figure 5.8 shows the controlling force curves for stable, isochronous and unstable
spring controlled governors. The controlling force curve is approximately straight
line for spring controlled governors. As controlling force curve represents the
variation of controlling force F with radius of rotation r, hence, straight line
equation can be,
F ar b; F ar or F ar b

. . . (5.25)

where a and b are constants. In the above equation b may be +ve, or ve or zero.

B
Controlling Force

Unstable F = ar + b
C
Isochronous F = ar
E
Stable F = ar b

A
O
D

Radius of Rotation

Figure 5.8 : Stability of Spring Controlled Governors

These three cases are as follows :

(a)

F
must increase as r
r
increases. Hence the controlling force curve DE for a stable governor
must intersect the controlling force axis (i.e. y-axis) below the origin,
when produced. Then the equation of the curve will be of the form

We know that for a stable governor, the ratio

F
b
a
r
r

F a . r b or

. . . (5.26)

F
increase and thereby tan increases. Therefore,
r
this equation represents stable governor.

As r increases

(b)

If b in the above equation is zero then the controlling force curve OC

F
will pass through the origin. The ratio
will be constant for all
r
radius of rotation and hence the governor will become isochronous.
Hence for isochronous, the equation will be
F ar or

(c)

F
a constant
r

. . . (5.27)

If b is positive, then controlling force curve AB will intersect the

controlling force axis (i.e. y-axis) above the origin. The equation of
the curve will be
F ar b or

F
b
a
r
r

. . . (5.28)

F
or tan reduces. Hence this
r
equation cannot represent stable governor but unstable governor.

As r increases, speed increases,

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Governors

5.8 INSENSITIVENESS IN THE GOVERNORS

The friction force at the sleeve gives rise to the insensitiveness in the governor. At any
given radius there will be two different speeds one being when sleeve moves up and
other when sleeve moves down. Figure 5.9 shows the controlling force diagram for such
a governor.
N

N
c

Speed Scale

Controlling Force

Speed Increasing

B
Speed Decreasing
D

A
Radius of Rotation

Figure 5.9 : Insensitiveness in the Governors

The corresponding three values of speeds for the same radius OA are :
(a)

The speed N when there is no friction.

(b)

The speed N when speed is increasing or sleeve is on the verge of moving

up, and

(c)

The speed N when speed is decreasing or sleeve on the verge of moving

down.

This means that, when radius is OA, the speed of rotation may vary between the limits
N and N, without causing any displacement of the governor sleeve. The governor is
said to be insensitive over this range of speed. Therefore,

N N
Coefficient of insensitiveness

. . . (5.29)

Example 5.1
The arms of a Porter governor are 25 cm long and pivoted on the governor axis.
The mass of each ball is 5 kg and mass on central load of the sleeve is 30 kg. The
radius of rotation of balls is 15 cm when the sleeve begins to rise and reaches a
value of 20 cm for the maximum speed. Determine speed range.
Solution
Given data : Ball weight w = 5 g N
Central load W = 30 g N
Arm length l = 25 cm = 0.25 m
Minimum radius r1 = 15 cm = 0.15 m
Maximum radius r2 = 20 cm = 0.2 m
Height ' h1 ' l 2 r12 0.252 0.152 0.2 m
For k = 1.

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Theory of Machines
l

Fc
r
W

l
w
2

Figure 5.10 : Figure for Example 5.1

Substituting values in Eq. (5.4)

12

g
W

(1 1)
1
0.2
2w

9.81
30 g
1

0.2
5g

1 18.5297 r/s or N1 176.9 rpm

Height h2 0.252 0.22 0.15 m

9.81
0.15

30 g
1

5g

22

2 29.396 r/s or N2 204.32 rpm

Speed range = N2 N1 = 204.32 176.9 = 27.42 rpm.

Example 5.2
In a Hartnell governor the radius of rotation is 7 cm when speed is 500 rpm. At
this speed, ball arm is normal and sleeve is at mid position. The sleeve movement
is 2 cm with 5% of change in speed. The mass of sleeve is 6 kg and friction is
equivalent to 25 N at the sleeve. The mass of the ball is 2 kg. If ball arm and
sleeve arms are equal, find,
(a)

Spring rate,

(b)

Initial compression in the spring, and

(c)

Governor effort and power for 1% change in the speed if there is no

friction.

Solution
Sleeve mass M = 6 kg
Friction force f = 25 N
Ball mass m = 2 kg
ab

Minimum radius r1 = 7 cm 1 = 6 cm
Maximum radius r2 = 7 cm + 1 = 8 cm

2 500
52.36 r/s
60

Maximum speed = 10.05 = 1.05 52.36 = 54.98 r/s

Minimum speed = 0.95 = 0.95 52.36 = 49.74 r/s
150

Neglecting the effect of obliquity of arms.

Governors
6 cm

FC
,

8 cm
Mg + S2

mg
O

Fc
2

1 cm
mg

Mg + S1
O

(a)

1 cm

(b)
Figure 5.11 : Figure for Example 5.2

At Minimum Radius
Mg S1 f
FC1 a b
or 2FC1 Mg S1 f
2

Fc1 m 12 r1

2 (49.74)2 0.06 2 6 g S1 25

593.78 58.86 S1 25

Or

S1 559.92 N

At Maximum Radius
2FC2 Mg S2 f
Fc 2 m 22 r2

2 (54.98)2 0.08 2 6 g S2 25

Or

S2 883.44 N

Stiffness s

Or

S2 S1
x

883.44 559.92
0.02

s 16175.81 N/m

Initial compression S1

559.92
16175.81

= 0.035 m or 3.5 cm
Governor Effort and Power
FC

Mg S2 f
2

Increased speed = 1.01 = 1.01 52.36 = 52.88 r/s

At

r = 0.07; 2 2 (52.36)2 0.07 = 6 g + S

At increased speed, 2 2 (52.88)2 0.07 = 6 g + 2 P + S

where P is governor effort.

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Theory of Machines

2P 2 2 0.07 {(52.88)2 (52.36)2}

Or

P = 7.66 N

Let the spring force corresponding to speed 52.88 r/s be S.

2 2 (52.88)2 0.07 6g S

(S S ) 2 2 0.07 {(52.88)2 (52.36)2 }

= 15.32 N
Sleeve lift for 1% change

15.32
s

15.32
9.47 10 4 m
16175.81

Governor power 7.66 9.47 10 4

7.25 10 3 Nm

Example 5.3
The controlling force diagram of a spring controlled governor is a straight line.
The weight of each governor ball is 40 N. The extreme radii of rotation of balls
are 10 cm and 17.5 cm. The corresponding controlling forces at these radii are
205 N and 400 N. Determine :
(a)

the extreme equilibrium speeds of the governor, and

(b)

the equilibrium speed and the coefficient of insensitivenss at a radius

of 15 cm. The friction of the mechanism is equivalent of 2.5 N at each
ball.

Solution
Weight of each ball w = 40 N
r1 = 10 cm and

r2 = 17.5 cm

FC1 205 N and FC2 400 N

Let

FC ar b

when

r1 10 cm 0.1 m and FC1 205 N

205 = b + 0.1 a
r2 17.5 cm 0.175 m and FC2 400 N

when

400 = b + 0.175 a

195 0.075 a a 2600

b 205 0.1 2600 55

FC 55 2600 r
2

(a)

For

40 2 N1
FC 205;
0.1 205 N
g 60

Or

N1 214.1 rpm

For

FC = 400;

40 2 N 2
0.175 400
g 60

Or

N2 226.1 rpm

r = 0.175 m
2

152

(b)

FC = k N2

Governors

At radius r = 15 cm
FC fb k N 2
FC fb k N 2
( FC fb ) ( FC fb ) k ( N 2 N 2 )

2 fb k ( N N ) ( N N )

Or

2k ( N N ) N

2 fb 2k ( N N ) N 2 ( N N )

FC
N
k N2

Coefficient of insensitiveness
At

f
( N N ) 1 2 fb

b
N
2 FC
FC

r = 0.15 m
FC 55 2600 0.15 335 N

Coefficient of insensitiveness

2.5
7.46 10 3 Or 0.746%.
335

5.9 SUMMARY
The governors are control mechanisms and they work on the principle of feedback
control. Their basic function is to control the speed within limits when the load on the
prime mover changes. They have no control over the change is speed within the cycle.
The speed control within the cycle is done by the flywheel.
The governors are classified in three main categories that is centrifugal governors,
inertial governor and pickering governor. The use of the two later governors is very
limited and in most of the cases centrifugal governors are used. The centrifugal
governors are classified into two main categories, gravity controlled type and spring
loaded type.
The gravity controlled type of governors are larger in size and require more space as
compared to the spring controlled governors. This type of governors are two, i.e. Porter
governor and Proell governor. The spring controlled governors are : Hartnel governor,
Wilson-Hartnell governor and Hartung governor.
For comparing different type of governors, effort and power is used. They determine
whether a particular type of governor is suitable for a given situation or not. To
categorise a governor the characteristics can be used. It can be determined whether a
governor is stable or isochronous or it is prone to hunting. The friction at the sleeve
gives rise to the insensitiveness in the governor. At any particular radius, there shall be
two speeds due to the friction. Therefore, it is most desirable that the friction should be
as low as possible.
The stability of a spring controlled governor can be determined by drawing controlling
force diagram which should have intercept on the negative side of Y-axis.

5.10 KEY WORDS

Watt Governor

: It is a type of governor which does not have load

on the sleeve.

Porter Governor

: This is a type of governor which has dead weight

at the sleeve and balls are mounted at the hinge.

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Theory of Machines

Hartnell Governor

: It is a spring controlled governor in which balls

are mounted on the bell crank lever and sleeve is
loaded by spring force.

Governor Effort

: It is the mean force exerted on the sleeve during a

given change of speed.

Governor Power

: It is defined as the work done at the sleeve for a

given change in speed.

Hunting of Governor

: It can occur in governor when the fluctuations in

engine speed coincides the natural frequency of
oscillations of the governor. In that case governor
intensifies the speed variation instead of
controlling it.

Controlling Force

: It is the resultant external force which controls the

movement of the ball and acts along the radial line
towards the axis.

5.11 ANSWERS TO SAQs

Refer the preceding text for all the Answers to SAQs.

154