R. A.

C U N N I N G H A M Analysis of Downhole Measurements of

Drill String Forces a i l Motions
Staff Engineer,
Hughes T o o l C o m p a n y ,
Houston, T e x a s

The records studied from tests made by Esso Production Research Company confirm
and give quantitative values to many phenomena which have been observed qualitatively
or which have been indicated by existing evidence. Phenomena that were distinctly shown
to exist in some cases are irregular bit rotation, torque fluctuations, bit bouncing, bit
weight fluct uations, and large losses of rotary horsepower along the drill stem. In many
cases, weight fluct uations appear to be excited by either the rotation of the drill stem or the
mud-pump pressure fluctuations, or both. In at least one case, these fluctuations re-
sulted in the bit bounc ing clear of the hole bottom.

Introduction
THE motion and forces at the rock bit as well as at
various points up and down the drill stem have concerned rotary
drilling personnel for many years. Measurements [1] 1 were made
of some parameters at the rotary table but this did not provide
the quantitative data desired at various points along the drill
string.
Esso Production Research Company initiated a downhole re-
corder development and testing program. This program resulted
in many recordings of measurements in a number of different
wells during a period from March 1964 to January 1966. These
recordings include measurements of weight on bit, torque, drill
pipe and annulus pressures, bending, and axial, angular, and
radial acceleration. Deilv, et al. [2], have fully described this
downhole equipment and test program in a paper presented with
this paper. Further description of these features is not necessary.
It is the purpose of this paper to cover some of the points of in-
terest from these recordings and to discuss general observations
derived from them. In some instances where some relevant
correlation exists between two or more quantities being measured,
such as between pump pressure and weight fluctuations, this
correlation is discussed.
The words " r u n " and "test" are used throughout this paper.
A run refers to the full eight to nine minutes of recordings made
on one tape, generally during one round trip into the hole. As
described in [2], a specific set of drilling conditions could be re-
corded for about 20 to 30 sec and then the recorder stopped.
Drilling conditions could then be changed and the recorder re-
started. The records during these 20 to 30 sec intervals are
called tests.
In general, the data studied in these records confirm and give
quantitative value to many phenomena which have been observed
or which have been suspected because of existing evidence.
Also, one new important phenomena previously not recognized,
at least by the writer, is strongly suggested. In general, a far
better picture exists of what happens to the drill stem in the hole.
Weight on Bit
In general, the measured weight on bit agreed with the re-
ported weight within the accuracy of reading the graphs. Runs
22 through 26 were exceptions. These measured weights ap-
peared to be consistently low, suggesting the possibility that
some of the weight was not getting to the bit. However, the re-
1 Numbers in brackets designate References at end of paper.
Contributed by the Petroleum Division and presented at the
Petroleum Mechanical Engineering Conference, Philadelphia, Pa.,
September 1 7 - 2 0 , 1 9 6 7 , of T H E AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MECHANICAL
ENGINEERS. Manuscript received at A S M E Headquarters, June
22, 1967. Paper No. 67—Pet-12.
corder on Run 26 was located at the Kelly above all hole friction
losses where agreement with the rig floor indicator should have
been good. Here too the measured weight was consistently lower
than the reported weight, suggesting errors in the rig indicator.
Considering all of these measurements there appears to be no
evidence of any axial weight being supported by hole friction and
not applied to the bit as is sometimes commonly believed.
Some of the most interesting results of these tests are the
periodic fluctuations of weight. These vary from almost im-
perceptible variations of about 2000 lb or less to maximums of
about 130,000 lb, with the bit apparently jumping clear of bottom.
Fig. 1 is a portion of the weight record of Run 12; 1(a) shows a
load variation of from approximately zero to 130,000 lb
(40,000 lb nominal); 1(6) is an expanded view of 15 cycles as
shown. It is easily seen by the flat bottom valleys that the load
was reduced to zero and the bit was jumping clear of the hole
bottom. It appears to have been clear of the hole bottom about
50 percent of the time during most of the indicated cycles.
The exciting force which causes these weight fluctuations
appears to come from two sources. The energy of one comes
from the rotary horsepower. With the drill stem conditions
right to give a natural axial frequency of three times the rotary
speed, any bottom disturbances can cause a three-cutter bit to
begin forming a cam on bottom. Growth of this cam would be
expected to continue up to a point. The cam would provide the
necessar}' axial force to keep the bit bouncing while the drilling
action maintained the cam. The weight fluctuations would thus
have a frequency of three times the rotary speed (or N X rpm,
N = number of cutters).
The second exciting force is the pulsation due to the mud pump
pressure fluctuations. The importance of this fluctuating load
had not been previously recognized by this writer, but is definitely
indicated by the recorded data. For a double acting pump, the
fluctuation frequency equals four times the pump cj'cles per
minute.
Fig. 2 shows the weight and pump pressure fluctuations as in-
dicated by the pressure in the drill pipe for Run 30, test 7, and
Run 32, test 7. Fig. 2(a), Run 30 shows a moderate weight
fluctuation of about 15,000 lb and a pump pressure fluctuation of
about 600 psi. Note that between the letters a and b, the pump
strokes and weight fluctuations have the same frequency. A
phase shift exists, the meaning of which is not known. No
reasonable correlation exists between frequency and rpm.
Run 32, test 7, shown in Fig. 2(6), shows a similar comparison.
The weight variations are much more violent, being as high as
50,000 lb. From c to d the weight does not fluctuate with the
pressure fluctuations, since there are nine pressure peaks as com-
pared to ten weight peaks. However, during this interval the
weight frequency (which calculates to be 203 cycles per minute)
corresponds closely with 3 X rpm as actually measured. The

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 Expanded Aa Indicated
Weight fluctuations - 224 (•>)
4 x Pcpm*" 226
3 x rpm - 260
*Pump c y c l e s per minute

Fig. 1 Weigh) versus time. Run 12 tests

- j f m f r r f f E n v r p f m ' H ' i n | M I m'i'n||i. ii i i I i i i • • i i

r<

» o

Rotiry Speed - 3 0 RPM

2(a) Run 3 0 , test 7

i'l'i'i I ' i T ' f i ' i ' 1 1 r f T ' i . 1 . 1 i [ 7 7 " . . ' n " l . rf-'Tr, v,v'
i i i'

H
2(b) Run 3 2 , test 7

Fig. 2 Comparing weight fluctuations and pump pressure fluctuations

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 Table 1 Comparison of torque and weight fluctuations with rpm and mud pump speed
RPM Weight fluctuations Torque fluctuations
Run Test PCPM" Reported Measured Freq C P M 7s Freq 74 Freq Freq CPA! 7s Freq 74 Freq
6 4 4072 120 304 101 76 300 100 75
5 40'A 76 222 74 55
12 1 55V 2 78 71 209 70 52 212 71 53
3* 5672 90 8672 228 76 57 228 76 57
14 1 5374 78 68-72 192-210 64-70 48-52
17 2 65 140 250-275 83-92 62-69 257-275 86-92 62-69
19 1 6272 90 250 83 6272 261 87 65
20 5" 62 120 332 111 83 335 112 84
22 2 5372 34 218 73 547,
3 54 40 210 70 5272
4 54 47 215 72 54
5 5372 50 210 70 5272
IS 5372 100 220 73 55
20 54 110 267 89 67
23 3 5372 30 213 71 53
5 54 50 210 70 5272
15 5372 90 216 72 54 216 '72 54
25 1 51 60 203 68 51
27 10 53 60 59 171 57 43
11" 53 90 85 246 82 6172 238 79 59
29 2 54 30 214 71 5372
30 7 54 30 213 71 53
12 5372 60 187 62 47
31 6 5372 60 187 62 47
S 5372 60-65 220 73 55
13 5372 120 215 72 54
32 4 48 30 38 192 64 48
76 46 60 192 6572 48
6572
33 6 5672 90 96 226 75 5672
" Measured pump cycles per minute.
b Bit bouncing.

measured range for 3 X rpm was 199-207 cycles per minute.
From d to e the weight fluctuations correspond identically to the
drill pipe pressure fluctuations. A different phase angle exists
between weight and pressure fluctuations than in Fig. 2(a).
Some importance of pressure fluctuations on the bit weight
can be appreciated by assuming a static drill stem held rigid at
both ends with a pulsating pressure inside. With no axial motion
of the drill stem at any point, the weight fluctuation on the bit
due to 1000 psi pump pressure fluctuations would be 4700 lb for
4V2-m. drill pipe and 6600 lb for oV-r-m. drill pipe. If the drill
collars were assumed a concentrated mass and the drill pipe a
spring fixed at the upper end, a 1/4-in. peak-to-peak displace-
ment at the bit would reduce these fluctuations 690 and 900 lb
for 4000 ft of 4V2-in- and S'A-m. drill pipe, respectively.
This over simplified analysis is certainly not accurate for an
axiallj' elastic drill stem not fixed at either end, but it does serve to
illustrate that pressure fluctuations in the pipe of 500-1000 psi
can result in sizeable forces.
Table 1 lists some of the results where weight fluctuations were
counted and divided by three and four to compare with rpm and
pump C3'des per minute, respectively. Run 12, test 3, is an
example in which the frequency of weight fluctuations approxi-
mate^' equals four times the pump c.ycles per minute but is dif-
ferent from three times the rotary speed. Run 27, test 10, is an
example in which the frequency of weight fluctuations approxi-
mately equals three times the rotary speed but is different from
four times the pump cycles per minute. Run 32, test 7, is an
example in which the frequency of weight fluctuation is ap-
proximately equal to both three times the rotary speed and foul-
times the pump cycles per minute.
In the majority of cases the frequency of the weight fluctua-
tions closely approximates four times the pump cycles per
minute. However, where these fluctuations are large, the fre-
quency of the weight fluctuations nearly equals either or both
three times the rotary speed and four times the pump cycles per
minute. The following runs the tests had large weight fluctua-
tions:
Run: 12 20 27 32
Test: 3 5 11 7 of an inch, peak-to-peak axial displacement. In those cases where
Of the approximately 160 tests, weight fluctuations could be
estimated in 90 to 100 of them. In the remaining cases the weight
fluctuations were either erratic or of too high frequency to be of
any immediate value.
Torque
The torque measurements taken at the bit and those taken at
the top of the square drill collar generally range from 800 to 2500
lb-ft. Results from the Hughes Tool Company drilling tests in
the laboratory indicate torques in this range would result from a
7 7 / 8 -in. W7R bit, drilling in a medium hard formation with 3 0 -
56,000-lb weight on bit. This agreement between the field and
laboratory tests is quite satisfactory.
These test, results show clearly that friction losses between the
drill stem and the hole wall can be quite large. To illustrate this,
comparisons of Runs 26 and 27 are particularly good because
they were made in the same hole at approximately the same
depth. They also have tests with comparable weight and rpm.
The recording tool was at the surface in Run 26 and at the top of
the square collar in Run 27 (see Table 2). Comparing Run 26,
tests 11, 15, and 18 with Run 27, tests 9, 12, and 14, respectively,
the loss in torque (and horsepower) was 67-89 percent due to
some interference between the drill stem and the hole wall.
The rotary table horsepower of Run 26, test 15, was 171 hp.
The bit horsepower of Run 27, test 12 was 30 hp, a loss of S2V2
percent.
Periodic torque fluctuations are available in only twelve tests.
Eleven of these twelve had similar periodic weight fluctuations.
I11 all eleven the torque and weight fluctuations had the same fre-
quency. There appears to be a phase difference <j> where 0 < cj> <
90 deg with the weight leading torque. Fig. 3 shows the weight
and torque fluctuations with the phase shift as indicated by a
portion of Run 27, test 11.
Axial Acceleration
When weight fluctuations are small to moderate, axial ac-
celerations appear to be at higher frequencies and unrelated to
that of the weight. Calculations indicate only a few thousandths

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 4(a) Run 12, test 3

Time
4(b) Run 27, test 11
• « 3 0 °

Fig. 3 Phase angle between weight and torque, Run 27, test 11 Fig. 4 Examples of a x i a l acceleration

weight fluctuations were particularly high, the axial acceleration
frequency tended to lock in with the bit weight in the ratio of
1: 1, or in one case 3:1. This meant the weight on bit was syn-
chronous with the axial motion and the bit was bouncing ap-
preciably.
By assuming these axial accelerations are sinusoidal, it is pos-
sible to estimate the maximum displacement vertically. Fig. 4
shows two acceleration curves used for this purpose. Table 3
lists some of the axial displacements estimated. Seven are
estimated to have had peak-to-peak displacements of 0.5 in. or
greater, with the largest up to 1.7 in. Most displacements were
a few thousandths of an inch, with only a few listed in Table 3.
The axial displacements are sometimes transitory in nature as
are many of the torque and weight fluctuations. Thus the dis-
placements measured may have occurred over an interval as
small as a few seconds and then changed. However, it is assumed
that many similar conditions exist throughout the life of the bit.
Two instances of bouncing are worth noting. Run 12, shown
in Fig. 1, had an estimated 1.5-in. peak-to-peak displacement at its
maximum (Table 3). At the time of this maximum displace-
ment, the frequency was equal to the weight fluctuations and the
pump fluctuations, but not three times the rpm. This indicates
the bit was not bouncing from a three-lobbed cam and should be
completely free of bottom at times. This is supported by Fig. 1
and other parts of the record, where the load on bit was zero as
much as 50 percent of the time.
Run 27, test 11, Figs. 3 and 4(b), had an estimated maximum
axial displacement of 0.8 in. with the load just reduced to zero.
Here the fluctuations are equal to 3 X rpm, apparently rolling
on a bottom cam. The zero load is of short time duration.
A n g u l a r Acceleration
Estimating angular displacements and rotary speed fluctua-
tions from angular acceleration curves was done in a manner
similar to estimating axial displacements. Fig. 5 shows two
angular acceleration curves used for this purpose. Table 3 lists
the variation in rotary speed estimated from data of several tests.
As can be seen there are quite large variations in rpm. Run 12
had one extreme case where the bit appeared to stop and go
backward slightly.
The plus or minus angular displacement in degrees either side
of a theoretical line rotating at the average rpm is also shown in
Table 3.

Table 2 Comparison of rotary table torque with torque at bit

Torque Rotary
Test Tool Location RPM Wgt-1000 f ft horsepower
7 At Kelly 30 10 800 4.6
8 60 10 500 5.7
9 90 10 500 8.6
11 120 10 7000 160
12 30 30 1600 9.1
13 60 30 1600 18
14 90 30 5300 91
15 120 30 7500 171
16 30 50 1800 10
17 60 50 4000 46
IS 90 50 6000 103
20 30 70 2800 16
21 60 70 3100 35
9 Top Sq. Drill Collar 120 10 800 18
10 60 30 1100 13
11 90 30 2000 34
12 120 30 1300 30
13 60 50 2000 23
14 90 50 2000 34

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 Fig. 5 Examples of angular acceleration

5(o) Run 12, test 3

Table 3 A x i a l displacements and rotary speed variations

Peak to peak RPM Oscillation,
Run Test axial disp., in. Average Minimum Maximum ± deg
3 0.6 74 54 94 3
5 ' 4 94 157 5
12 3 0.005 S7 67 107 V.
1.5 S7 —5 17S 11
13 0.8
14 ' 1 1.3 '70
20 5 120 i06 134 }'/l
120 59 181 5
22 4 o! oi 47 34 60 1
5 1.7 50 37 63 1
23 15 90 74 106 1
27 10 o'.ooe 59 51 67 7i
11 0.8 85 67 103 l
31 13 120 S9 151 6
32 7 o.'s' 66 30 102 6
" A theoretical angular variation either side of an imaginary line rotating at the average rpm.

Like the axial acceleration, the angular accelerations are some- RPM
times transitory but recurring. Measured rotary speeds are needed if this type of work is con-
tinued. The bending measurements did a good job in some
Beats cases but satisfactory rotary speeds were obtained from less than
In Runs 5, 6, 22, 23, 24, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, and 33, periodic one third of the total tests.
beats were present on the recordings of any or all of weight, axial Run 32 was an example where the measuring sub was being
acceleration, torque, angular acceleration, bending, and radial bent and the bending record served to count the rpm in all 13
acceleration. Fig. 6(0) is a typical example showing the beats on tests. This was very fortunate, because it not only showed some
the torque and angular acceleration charts. errors in the reported rotary speeds but actually showed irregular
rotation in several tests. Table 4 lists the irregular rotations de-
Sinusoidal variation of torque or weight without beats occurred
tected, together with some of the regular ones. Note that the
in some cases. In every case these variations were associated
maximum rates of rotation were quite high.
with beats in axial acceleration, angular acceleration, etc. One
such test is shown in Fig. 6(b), where a sinusoidal variation in An explanation concerning Tables 3 and 4 is required here.
torque is shown with the beats in the angular acceleration. The Both purport to show a maximum rpm. In the case of Run 32,
sine wave has the same period as the beats of the accompanying test 7, shown in both tables, the numbers do not agree. Table 4
traces. In no case did the sine wave show up 011 the torque and shows a uniform rotation; Table 3 shows a variation of from 30
weight at the same time.
The period of most of these beats lies between three and six sec. Table 4 Rotary speed variation
This is much too long to be the result of elastic waves, either Measured from bending charts
shear or axial. Rotary speed, rpm
Run 32 suggests a possible reason for these beats (see Fig. 7), Instantaneous
Shown are the weight, axial acceleration, angular acceleration, and Average maximum
Run Test Reported measured measured
bending for tests 4 and 5. Test 4 shows uniform fluctuations in
22 2 0 67 89
all traces, with the regular sine wave of the bending trace showing 3 90 105 143
uniform rotation. Test 5 shows characteristic beats in the first 4 30 38 38
three traces with a period of about four and three quarters seconds. 5 30 38 92
The bending trace indicates the bit was rotating rapidly at a 6 30 37 90
7 60 66 66
maximum of about 92 rpm during part of the time, and was 67 113
8 60
practically still during part of the time. The period of fast and 9 60 70 128
slow speeds of rotation is the same as the beats of the other 10 90 93 93
traces, so far as measuring accuracy will permit. Thus, it can 33" 12 30 38 38
be assumed that where beats occur there are cycles of irregular 13 30 38 55
rotation of the bit due to alternate binding and relatively free 14 30 38 63
rotation. ' Diamond bit.

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 , I , i
—] I .tec.

3P
TLST A i ff.'/AT TT~
: <OPPM SOOOOLtSVjrfltlBlT~
"Tqtri'psifuMp^Eaiigp-

iorque

o m n u c n:ciLE»ATinn

..I-Mfl'lf
'I ^ ^ ^
ii

6(o>

6(b)
Fig. 6 "Beats"

to 102 l'pm. The reason is that all rotary speeds of Table 4 are
changing during a period of about, four to five sec and were
measured by the bending chart. All rotary speeds of Table 3 were
calculated from acceleration traces and occurred during a period
of about 0.2 sec or an order of magnitude difference. The high
change in rotary speeds of Table 3 would be likely to show only
as a slight irregularity on the bending traces if it showed at all.
Conclusions
1 Two sources can set and maintain a bit in axial fluctua-
tions—rotation of the drill string and pump pressure fluctuations.
2 Beats result from irregular rotation of the bit.
3 Under certain conditions a large percentage of the rotary
horsepower may be lost between the rotary table and the bit.
4 Agreement between laboratory and field measured torque
at the bit is satisfactory.
5 Only in very unusual cases will the weight on bit be dif-
ferent from that slacked off at the surface.
Acknowledgment
The author wishes to thank Esso Production Research Com-
pany for the opportunity to study the downhole recordings which
they made. He wishes to thank both Esso and Hughes Tool
Company for the opportunity to publish these results.
References
1 Finnie, I., and Bailey, J. J., "An Experimental Study of Drill-
String Vibration," J O U R N A L O F E N G I N E E R I N G F O R I N D U S T R Y , T R A N S .
ASME, SeriesB, Vol.82, No. 2, May 1960, pp. 129-135.
2 Deily, F. H „ Dareing, D. W „ Pad, G. H „ Ortloff, J. E„ and
Lynn, R. D., "Downhole Measurements of Drill String Forces and
Motions," J O U R N A L O F E N G I N E E R I N G F O R I N D U S T R Y , T R A N S . A S M E ,
Series B, Vol. 9 0 , No. 2 , May 1 9 6 8 , pp. 2 1 7 - 2 2 5 .
APPENDIX
Discussion of Drill Stem Beats
Since the presentation of the paper a more detailed study of the
beat phenomenon has been made, resulting in the conclusion that
this irregular rotation is the result of the drill stem acting like a
torsional pendulum superimposed on its normal uniform rotation.
Two approaches were used in analyzing this problem. The
following discussion presents these approaches together with the
results.
Discussion
Approach I. From Run 32, tests 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, and 9, the periods

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 Fig. 7 Correlation of beats with irregular rotation, Run 32

of fast and slow speeds of rotation appear to be the same as the coo
periods of the beats in the other traces. If we assume that the where <? =
drill stem acts as a torsional pendulum oscillating with a period
equal to the period of the beats superimposed on a uniform rota- For uniform rotation
tion of the rotary table, then we should be able to predict the
output of a strain gage located at the bit if that strain gage is — = sin Wot.
alternately elongated and contracted through one cycle each 0o

revolution of the bit. This would occur if the test sub were being
bent in a dogleg in the hole. This is plotted in Fig. 10(a). Comparing this plot with Run 32
The strain gage output is a function of its angular position in tests 4, 7, and 10, indicates the bit was rotating with uniform
the hole, Fig. 8.

= sin (j> (1)

00

where a = measured strain, <ra = maximum measured strain, and

4> = strain gage location measured from position of zero strain.
If the drill stem is rotating with an irregular motion
m /v'-\ r
J y j k
0 = Position of Zero Strain
4> = Position of Strain Gage
Dogleg Lies in Plane 1 - 1

<t>
Jo
=
f 4> dt (2)
Fig. 8

where = instantaneous angular velocity. If the bit's motion

is a harmonic oscillation superimposed on uniform rotation, its COS qt

angular velocit}' 4> can be represented by a function such as

(Fig. 9)

= Wo + cos ql (3)

where w0 = uniform angular velocity at rotary table, co, =

maximum angular velocity due to torsion, and g = frequency of
oscillation of pendulum.
too = Uniform Angular Velocity
Equations (1), (2), and (3) yield
Wl = Maximum Angular Velocity
<r . , . „ w i . Mi , Due to Torsion
— = sin I w0t + K — sin — I (4)
Qo \ oio K Fig. 9 Sum of fwo components of angular velocity

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 velocity during these tests.
The term IC is the ratio of the number of revolutions of the
rotary table per one complete pendulum cycle. Figs. 10(b)-
10(e) all have K = 4. Varying values of coi/coo from zero to
1'/a are shown in Fig. 10. Fig. 10(d) is the case where the
maximum negative velocity due to the pendulum exactly equals
uniform velocity with the result that the bit is stationary with re-
spect to the wall of the hole at point 1.
Fig. 10(e), where K — 4 and coi > w0 means the bit stops (2),
goes backward a short amount, (2-3), and then proceeds forward
again.
Fig. 11 shows the identical rotating conditions as Fig. 10(d)-
The strain gage location of Fig. 11 is displaced 90 deg. Thus, the
stress is maximum at the time the bit was stopped with respect to
hole wall, point (1). At Fig. 10, the stress was zero at the time
the bit was stopped.
The chance that K would turn out to be an integer is negligible.
Fig. 12 shows cr/cro for a>i/a>0 = 1, K = 3.87o. Two distinct
shapes appear. By choosing K properly the point of zero bit
velocity will appear progressively at different places along the
stress curve, resulting in various shaped curves.
The effect of friction on the shape of these curves has been
neglected. However, if coi/coo ^ 1, one would expect the reverse
rotation of the bit to be eliminated and the stress curve to be
elongated as indicated by the dashed line, Fig. 10(e). This
would have the effect of making the stress curve constant during
the period the bit was stopped.
Comparing Figs. 10, 11, and 12 with Run 32, tests 2, 3, 5,
6,8, and 9, reveals that every shape actually measured can be seen
in the theoretical calculations. The effect of friction adequately
explains the disproportionate periods of no rotation in tests
5 and 6.
Approach 2. With the foregoing evidence, we solved the
problem of a nonrotating drill stem acting as a torsional pendulum
hanging in air from a support which fixed the upper end rigidly.
Friction, damping, etc., were neglected. The purpose was to
compare the calculated natural frequenc}' with the frequency of
the beats as measured from the charts.
The differential equations for torsion are well known and will
not be discussed here. It was determined that the natural fre-
quency of the drill stem could be determined from the equation

menls
J> • — 13 T i £ L„
T t<i\
—- = tan L c tan — (5)
Jc « a„

where subscripts p and c denote quantities for the drill pipe and
drill collars, respectively, and

J = polar moment of inertia

= natural frequency
L = collar or pipe length
, Esg Esg
a2 = —;
p a/ = pp
—

Es = Young's modulus in shear 12 X 106 psi

g = gravitational constant 32.2 ft/sec 2
K = 4, coi/COQ — 1
p = density of steel — 0.283 lb/cu in
p„ = see below.

The density of the drill pipe pp was adjusted to account for the
inertial mass of the tool joints while at the same time neglecting
their stiffening effect of assuming

(,JPLP + JjLJ)
Pp P JP(LP + Lj)

where the subscript j denotes quantities for the tool joint.

From equation (5) the natural fundamental frequency was de-
termined for each drill stem configuration and depth. Table 5

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 Table 5 Period of torsional oscillation of drill strings, calculated versus measured

Drill pipe Drill collar Drill pipe Drill collar Tool joint 0 Fundamental period—sec
Run no. length length O.D. I.D. O.D. I.D. O.D. I.D. Calculated Measured'
5 4360 720 472 3.S26 OV-i 27-2 572 374 3.40 3.4
6 4630 710 472 3.826 6 7* 272 0V2 374 3.51 3.7
20 3930 450 472 3.826 674 27„ 574 3 3.12 3.2
22 J36S0 855 4 3.34 7 217io 572 3 4.89 4.6
23' \3680 855 4 3.34 7 2'7ie 572 3 4.89 4.5
24 3915 855 4 3.34 7 2«/i6 572 3 5.05 4.8
26 3300 835 4 3.34 273 572 3 3.96 4.2
29 (3675 895 4 3.34 67? 2'A 57? 3 4.37 4.4
30'' < 3675 S95 4 3.34 672 57j 3 4.37 4.7
31 (3675 S95 4 3.34 67' 27j 572 3 4.37 4.8
32 /4150 895 4 3.34 6 72 27, 5 7s 3 4.6S 4.S
336 \4150 895 4 3.34 672 272 57s 3 4.68 4.8
0 Estimated dimensions.
b Only one calculation made for runs within brackets.
c The measured period is an average of all measurements for a given run. This could be only one measurement or up to fifteen.

Table 6 Extra long periods of torsional oscillation

Period of oscillation—sec
Unique

Run Test Calculated average tests RPM Weight

22 8 4.89 4.6 5.4 30 70
9 4.89 4.6 6.9 30 55
23 9 4.89 4.5 5.4 30 40
24 7 5.05 4.8 5.6 30 52
8 5.05 4.8 5.6 40 49
26 20 3.96 4.2 5.6 30 45
31 5 4.37 4.8 5.5 30 65
32 6 4.68 4.8 6.3 30 62

summarizes these results. For convenience, period of oscillation
is given rather than frequency. The measured periods for each
test within a run were averaged in the last column. The runs
that are bracketed had the same drill stems and the differences in
depths were so slight that an average depth was selected and one
calculated period was determined for all. Drill collar dimensions
were listed and tool joint dimensions were estimated.
The very close agreement between the measured periods with
the calculated is excellent. The maximum variation is less than
10 percent. This not only gives good additional evidence that
the beats result from the torsional motion of the drill stem, but it
indicates the drill stem is acting as an unrestrained pendulum.
Discussion
Of the 70 tests having beats, eight showed a marked difference
from both the average measured periods and the calculated
periods. These are tabulated for comparison in Table 6. Bit
weights and rpm's for these are also tabulated. It will be noted
that all occurred at low rpm. I t will also be noticed that in every
case these markedly different periods are longer than the others.
These may be instances where friction actually altered the oscilla-
tion period.
There were a few instances where beats occurred at rotary
speeds up to 120 rpm. In general they occurred less frequently at
90 and above rpm and, more frequently at lower speeds.
Conclusions
1 Beats result from the fundamental mode of the torsional
pendulum action of the drill stem superimposed on the uniform
bit rotation.
2 In most cases the period of oscillation is not affected by fric-
tion or damping from external sources.
3 In approximately 10 percent of the cases, friction may
have increased the period of oscillation by about 20 percent or
more.
4 Friction has the capability of distorting the normal har-
monic motion of the drill stem without appreciably affecting its
frequency.
5 Beats are more likely to occur at the lower rotary speeds
than at higher rotary speeds.

216 ! MAY 196 8 Transactions of the A S M E

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