ME-2092-Mechanics of Machines 1

Balancing of Rotating mases

Department of Mechanical Engineering

University of Moratuwa
Sri Lanka
Contents
Introduction.................................................................................................................................................3
Theory.........................................................................................................................................................4
Procedure....................................................................................................................................................6
Apparatus....................................................................................................................................................8
Calculation...................................................................................................................................................9
Discussion..................................................................................................................................................10
Introduction
Most of the machinery used in the industry consists of rotating parts. Due design
flaws or specifications most of these rotating components are unbalanced. This can
cause adverse effects on machinery like high wear and vibrations.
For an eccentric mass to rotate around a shaft a centrifugal force should be applied.
The equal and opposite force of the centrifugal force results in a resultant force and
a bending moment on the shaft... These unbalanced forces can be critical in high-
speed machinery therefore, its important to balance a rotating system.
Theory
Figure below shows a concentrated mass m at point A, which is moving on a circle
of center O and radius r at angular velocity ω. The centrifugal acceleration of mass
m is rω2 directed along AO (i.e., towards center O). To produce the described
circular motion there will have to be a centrifugal force F acting on the mass m
equal to mrω 2 directed toward center 0. Thus,

F = mrω2 --------------(1)
F – mrω2 = 0
F + F1 = 0 -------------(2)
Where F1 = - mrω2 (Inertia force)
Newton's second law of motion when applied to this point mass m produces Eq.
(1), which is based on principles from the field of dynamics. A pictorial
representation of Eq. (1) is given in Fig. 1. But, when Eq. (1) is modified as shown
in Eq. (2), it could be considered as a problem in the field of statics, since it is
based on the balance of the two forces F and FI. Equation (2) is illustrated by
Fig.2. The force F which is needed to produce the centrifugal acceleration rω2 is an
actual force directed along AO (i.e., towards the center of rotation). The force FI,
which is equal to mrω 2 in magnitude, but directed along OA (i.e., away from the
center 0) is called an inertia force. This is a hypothetical force, which is used only
for purposes of analysis.
To simplify the solution, balancing of rotating mass problems are analyzed based
on the equivalent statics problem, where all the centrifugal accelerations are
converted to equivalent inertia forces. 4 If a set of rotating masses is to be
balanced, then the set of inertia forces acting on the rotors must be in equilibrium.
For a set of forces to be in equilibrium, the vector sum of the forces should be zero
(i.e., the force polygon should close), and the vector sum of the couples produced
by the forces should also be zero (i.e., the couple polygon should close).
Static Balancing: For set of rotating masses to be in static balance, the vector sum
of the inertia forces acting on the set of rotors should be zero (i.e., the force
polygon should close). Whether the rotor is statically balanced or not, is normally
tested with the shaft carrying the rotating masses placed on a set of freely rotating
wheels (i.e., a Static Balancing Stand), such as what is shown in Fig. 6. If the set of
rotors remain in stable equilibrium for any angular orientation, then it is in static
balance, and the force polygon would close.
Dynamic Balancing: For a set of rotating masses to be in dynamic balance, the
vector sum of the inertia couples acting on them should be zero (i.e., the couple
polygon should close). To test for dynamic balance, the set of rotors is spun at a
moderately high angular velocity, and a suitable means of measuring the out of
balance couple acting on the rotors is employed. This dynamic out of balance
couple is a measure of the level of dynamic unbalance in the set of rotors.
Procedure
First arrange the 4 rotors in a random fashion so that they are not in balance, and
observe how a rotor, which is statically and dynamically unbalanced behave. First
check how the set of rotors behave when stationary, and then rotate the shaft
carrying the rotors and observe its behavior.

Inertial force acting on the shaft can be denoted by mrω2. ω2 is common to all 4
rotors. Hence, we can say inertial force is proportional to mr product. To achieve
static balance vector sum of mr products should add up to zero.
FI1 + FI2 + FI3 + FI4 = 0
(m1r1) ω2 + (m2r2) ω2 + (m3r3) ω2 + (m4r4) ω2= 0
m1r1 + m2r2 + m3r3 + m4r4 = 0
Then, choose a set of suitable values for the orientation of rotor 2 with respect to
rotor 1, and draw a force polygon. Draw the force polygon and determine the
angular positions of rotors 3 and 4 so that the system is in static balance. Use the
compass to determine the angular positions.

2
Place the 3rd and 4th rotors in the orientations obtained by calculations done
depending on the force polygon. Randomly chose the axial distance between rotors
just to demonstrate static balance. Then choose a suitable value for the axial
position of rotor 2 with respect to the plane of rotor 1 and draw the couple polygon.
Determine the axial positions of rotors 3 and 4 with respect to the plane of rotor 1
so that 6 the system is in dynamic/complete balance. When drawing the couple
polygon, use the values derived earlier for the orientation of rotors 3 and 4 with
respect to the plane of rotor 1.
If the set of rotating masses is to be in complete balance, then the set of couples
due to the inertia forces (i.e., the inertia couples) should also add up to zero. The
inertia couples should be evaluated relative to a suitable reference point on the axis
of rotation. If li is the distance measured along the shaft axis from the reference
point to the ith rotor; then balance of the 4 inertia couples require that the following
vector equation be satisfied.
m1r1l1 + m2r2l2 + m3r3l3 + m4r4l4 = 0
If the condition given above is satisfied, then the couple polygon formed by the
four inertia couples would close.

2
Apparatus
Apparatus with 4 rotors which are adjustable on the shaft coupled with a motor.
Above apparatus is hung by springs to observe the unbalances better.
Calculation
From force polygon,
Ө1 = 1720
Ө2 = 2660
Ө3 = 860
Ө4 = 750
Calculations related to couple polygon,
m1r1l1 + m2r2l2 + m3r3l3 + m4r4l4 = 0
Take l1 as zero
m2r2l2 + m3r3l3 + m4r4l4 = 0
m3r3l3 = 2.4 x 10
88 x l3 = 240
l3 = 2.727 cm
m4r4l4 = 12.60 x 10
92 x l4 = 1260
l4 = 13.69 cm
Discussion
Importance of balancing rotating masses in practical applications.
In rotating mechanical systems imbalance can be caused by imperfections like non-
homogeneity of parts, manufacturing defects, or design requirements. Either way,
these imbalances should be avoided (where they are not needed) for the proper
functioning and longevity of mechanical systems. Due to the periodic nature of
unbalanced forces in rotating machines often can be experienced as vibrations.
A common application of balancing rotating masses is tire balancing. An
unbalanced tire can cause adverse effects like vibrations, uneven tire wear, high
fuel consumption, etc. balancing tires can be done easily by attaching
counterweights. This may ensure a smooth ride and reduce maintenance costs.
Discussing imbalances due to design specifications crankshaft is a perfect example.
Crankpin is an essential part to transmit power from pistons. The eccentricity of
crankpins causes unnecessary forces on the crankshaft itself, bearings, etc. which
may lead to more noise, undesirable vibrations, more structural stress, reduced life
of bearings, and eventually failure by fatigue.
Hence it is important to achieve complete balance in rotating systems for proper
functioning and economical benefits.
Results due to mechanical imbalance of machinery
Statically unbalanced systems due to eccentric masses cause a resultant force on
the rotating elements. It will reduce the life of bearing and increase maintenance
costs. More noise during operation and even safety hazards because of structural
failure. Dynamic imbalance induces a moment on the shaft. The periodic nature of
the moment may feel like a vibration. Prolonged vibrations may loosen couplings
and result in catastrophic failures and fatigue failures.
Applications of the mechanical imbalance
There are some instances rotary imbalance is used favorably. Mobile phone
vibration is generated by an eccentric cylinder coupled with a motor. Body
massagers and concrete mixers use rotary vibrations.

Constraints faced while doing the practical

Rotor angles getting slightly changed while tightening.
Sometimes slight vibrations caused when starting the motor gets amplified by
unbalanced forces during rotation.
Mass of rotors may be slightly deviated from marked values.
Measuring errors.