ApplicationNotes Information from the Application Engineers at Waukesha Engine/Waukesha Power Systems

No. WPS4/90

TORSIONAL ANALYSIS
All equipment with rotating components have inherent
torsional vibrations that occur at various speeds. Manufac-
turers design their equipment so these inherent vibrations
are below set limits and/or well outside its operating speed
range. However, when the equipment is combined (i.e.,
engine to driven equipment, generator or pump, etc…)
the combination will have its own torsional characteristics
where the torsional vibrations may exceed the limits in the
equipment’s operating range. This is why it is extremely im-
portant to perform or have a torsional analysis performed
on every unit.
Note: It is a Waukesha Power Systems policy and strict
practice to perform an analysis on every factory assembled
Enginator® and/or unit. Waukesha Engine, other manufac-
turers and engineering firms perform analyses and provide
reports that vary from simple letters of confirmation of
Figure 1. Shown is a section of a crankshaft with
results to detailed formal reports explaining the outcome
an exaggerated twist. This illustrates torsional
of the analyses.
vibration which is a repeated twisting of a rotating
This Application Note examines what is entailed in per- shaft about its axis of rotation.
forming a torsional analysis, torsional vibration limits, and
possible problems resulting from operating above these A torsional analysis performed using a mathematical model
limits. versus an instrumented test has a distinct advantage. The
mathematical analysis is performed after the components
A torsional analysis is a complex mathematical study of a have been engineered but before they are purchased
unit’s mass elastic system (moving components). This is and assembled. Thus, if the vibrations are determined to
not an actual test but a computer analysis using a math- exceed the mathematical limits, the components can be
ematical model of the unit’s individual components. This changed accordingly before being purchased. Changing
analysis is performed to determine if the inherent torsional components will result in new torsional characteristics and
vibrations of the unit result in vibrations that exceed des- components can be interchanged until the torsional vibra-
ignated limits. tions are at acceptable levels. Each unit’s vibration will be
This is an analysis of the inherent vibrations only and as- affected differently by changing its individual components.
sumes there are no vibrations caused by external factors Thus, to improve the unit’s torsional vibration, it may be
(i.e., misalignment, electrical imbalance, shock loads, necessary to change a minor part such as a flywheel or
etc…). An instrumented torsional vibration check is also as extensive as changing the driven unit (i.e., generator,
available as an option on all Enginators. pump, etc…).
 ApplicationNotes
The items required to perform the analysis are as fol-
lows:
Engine Model: number of cylinders, inline or vee cylinder
configuration.
Engine: broken down to the following major moving com-
ponent assemblies affecting torsional vibration: piston,
connecting rod, flywheel, pulley(s), crankshaft, and vibra-
tion damper.
Generator: single or two bearing, induction or synchro-
nous. The generator has only one rotating assembly.
Coupling: air flex, steel flex, or flex disc plates. The cou-
pling required is determined mostly by the type of genera-
tor (single or two bearing).
Job Specifics: speed, kw rating, fuel (gas or diesel).
Torsional vibration limits have been set by various manu-
facturers of driver and driven equipment along with clas-
sification societies and inspection agencies. Waukesha
Engine has set the following limits:
Crankshaft Stress: 4000 psi maximum
Generator Shaft Stress: 3000 psi maximum
Deflection At The front Of The Crankshaft: .25 degrees
maximum, D.A.
Waukesha engine • dresser, inc. • 1101 West St. Paul Ave. • Waukesha, WI 53188 • 262.547.3311
www.waukeshaengine.dresser.com
These limits cannot be exceeded within ±10% of synchro-
nous speed (for constant speed units) or 10% below idle to
10% above rated speed (for variable speed units).
Operating a unit over the recommended limits may cause
severe damage such as fracturing shafts and couplings,
fretting (wearing away) of joints, rapid wearing of gears and
worn thrust bearings. Visual observation of an operating
unit is not an accepted method in determining if a unit is
torsionally safe. A unit may appear to be operating very
smoothly with little visible sign of vibration and still have
shaft stresses that exceed the limits.
The Torsional Analysis is a very important part of assur-
ing the proper design and packaging of any engine driven
equipment.
It should be noted that it is the packager’s responsibility
to insure the assembled components are torsionally com-
patible and that the unit will operate within the specified
torsional limits.
Consult your local Waukesha Distributor for system application assistance. The manufacturer re-
serves the right to change or modify without notice, the design or equipment specifications as herein
set forth without incurring any obligation either with respect to equipment previously sold or in the
process of construction except where otherwise specifically guaranteed by the manufacturer.