Dynamics and Vibration Lab

(904341)
Lab Report (Rotor Systems)

School of Engineering
The University of Jordan

Rotor (Flywheel) Systems

by

Abdulrahman Saadeh (0192213)

Khaled Al-Yousef (0193315)
Ahmad Abugoush (0191639)
Basil AbuKhadrah (0191813)
Majed alnairat (0188405)
Abdullah alshawabkeh(0186689)

Section 1

April/2023

1
1
Contents
Abstract ................................................................................................................................................. 5
Nomenclature ........................................................................................................................................ 6
Objective ............................................................................................................................................... 7
Experimental Setup and Procedure...................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Data Observation ................................................................................................................................... 7
Given data ............................................................................................................................................. 7
Observed data ........................................................................................................................................ 8
Sample calculations ....................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Discussion and conclusion .................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
Conclusion........................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
References ........................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

1
 Abstract

An experiment was conducted to investigate the mass moment of inertia and modulus of rigidity of
Rotor (Flywheel) Systems using time measurements. The experiment involved applying known loads
and torques to the system and measuring the angular velocity and acceleration. The results of the
experiment provided insights into the capabilities and limitations of the Rotor (Flywheel) Systems.

The first part of the experiment focused on determining the mass moment of inertia of the Rotor
(Flywheel) Systems. The angular acceleration of the system was measured as a known torque was
applied, and the mass moment of inertia was calculated using the equation of motion. The results of
the experiment showed that the mass moment of inertia of the system was dependent on the shape and
size of the rotor, and the method used to mount the rotor.

The second part of the experiment focused on estimating the modulus of rigidity of the Rotor
(Flywheel) Systems using time measurements. The experiment involved applying a known
load to the system and measuring the time it took for the system to reach a steady-state angular
velocity. The results of the experiment showed that the modulus of rigidity of the system was
dependent on the material properties of the rotor and the method used to support the rotor.

(i)

1
 Nomenclature

𝐼 Mass moment of inertia [𝑘𝑔. 𝑚2 ]

J Polar moment of inertia [𝑚4 ]
r shaft radius [𝑚]
L Length [𝑚]
M Mass [𝐾𝑔]
G Modulus of Rigidity [𝐺𝑝𝑎]

Greek Symbols

𝜏 Time constant [𝑠𝑒𝑐]

(ii)

1
 Objective
The objective of studying rotor system in a vibration lab is to analyze its behavior under
different levels of vibration. The experiment involves using a test rig to simulate vibration and
measure the response of the rotor system, with the aim of determining natural frequencies,
damping ratios, and mode shapes. The data obtained can be used to design and analyze the
system, validate analytical models and numerical simulations, and identify potential issues for
safe and efficient operation of rotor systems in various industrial applications.

Data Observation
The data observed are divide into two main items.

Observed data
Part One- Rotor’s Inertia Determination data:

Table-0.1 Data collected for the Rotor’s Inertia Determination part

Rotor h (cm) t (second)
Rotor-1 87.5 4.97
Rotor-2 87.5 6.125

Part Two- Modulus Of Rigidity Determination data:

Table-0.2 Data collected for the Modulus of Rigidity Determination part
Trial Rotor-1 Rotor-2
L (cm) T (second) L (cm) T (second)
1 52.5 4.79
2 43.5 4.60
3 37 4.44
4 31.5 4.10
5 27.5 3.75 ***********

6 18.5 3.45
7 13.5 3.29
8 8.5 2.82

Part Three- Two-Rotors’ System data:

Table-4.3 Data collected for the Two-Rotors’ System part
Parameter L (cm) T (second)
Value 67.5 4.40

1
 Given data

Table-0.4 Dimensions of the two rotors according to Figure-4.4

Dimension Rotor-1 Rotor-2 Dimension Rotor-1 Rotor-2
R1 (mm) 25 25 R2 (mm) 18.8 18.8
R3 (mm) 37.8 37.8 R4 (mm) 90.9 127.1
t1 (mm) 40.5 40.5 t2 (mm) 22 22
t3 (mm) 14.5 14.5 t4 (mm) 51 51

Part One- Rotor’s Inertia Determination:

Table-1.1 Data processing results for the Rotor’s Inertia Determination part
Rotor I (kg.m2) I (kg.m2) Percent Error
[Eqn-5] [Analytically] ()
Rotor-1 0.0454 0.0408675 11.09
Rotor-2 0.1352 0.154635 12.57

Equation-5:
𝑔𝑡 2
𝐼 = 𝑚𝑅2 ( − 1)
2ℎ
9.81∗4.972
For R1: 𝐼1 = 0.04 ∗ 0.09092 ( − 1) = 0.0454 𝑘𝑔. 𝑚2
2∗0.875
2
2 9.81∗6.125
For R2: 𝐼2 = 0.04 ∗ 0.1271 ( 2∗0.875 − 1) = 0.1352 𝑘𝑔. 𝑚2

Analytically:
1
𝐼= 𝑀𝑅 2
2
For more than one mass the equation will be:
1
𝐼 = ∑ 𝑀𝑖 𝑅𝑖 2
2

We can split M into m1, m2, m3 and m4, we can calculate each m for each rotor by: 𝝆 = 𝟕𝟑𝟕𝟎
𝑚1 = 𝜌𝑉1 , 𝑊ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑉1 = 𝜋𝑅12 ∗ 𝑡1

𝑀1 𝑅1 2 = 7370 ∗ 𝜋 ∗ 0.0254 ∗ 0.0405 = 0.000366 𝑘𝑔. 𝑚2

1
𝑚2 = 𝜌𝑉2 , 𝑊ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑉2 = 𝜋𝑅22 ∗ 𝑡2

𝑀2 𝑅2 2 = 7370 ∗ 𝜋 ∗ 0.01884 ∗ 0.022 = 0.000064 𝑘𝑔. 𝑚2

𝑚3 = 𝜌𝑉3 , 𝑊ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑉3 = 𝜋𝑅32 ∗ 𝑡3

𝑀3 𝑅3 2 = 7370 ∗ 𝜋 ∗ 0.03784 ∗ 0.0145 = 0.000685 𝑘𝑔. 𝑚2

For Rotor 1:
2
𝑚𝑅1 = 𝜌𝑉𝑅1 , 𝑊ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑉𝑅1 = 𝜋𝑅𝑅1 ∗ 𝑡𝑅1

𝑀𝑅1 𝑅𝑅1 2 = 7370 ∗ 𝜋 ∗ 0.09094 ∗ 0.051 = 0.08062 𝑘𝑔. 𝑚2

For Rotor 2:
2
𝑚𝑅2 = 𝜌𝑉𝑅2 , 𝑊ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑉𝑅2 = 𝜋𝑅𝑅2 ∗ 𝑡𝑅2

𝑀𝑅2 𝑅𝑅2 2 = 7370 ∗ 𝜋 ∗ 0.12714 ∗ 0.051 = 0.308155 𝑘𝑔. 𝑚2

• Masses from 1 to 3 are the same, but different is in rotors so:

1
𝐼1 = (𝑀1 𝑅1 2 + 𝑀2 𝑅2 2 + 𝑀3 𝑅3 2 + 𝑀𝑅1 𝑅𝑅1 2 ) = 0.0408675 𝑘𝑔. 𝑚2
2

1
𝐼2 = (𝑀1 𝑅1 2 + 𝑀2 𝑅2 2 + 𝑀3 𝑅3 2 + 𝑀𝑅2 𝑅𝑅2 2 ) = 0.154635 𝑘𝑔. 𝑚2
2

𝐼1 𝑒𝑥𝑝 − 𝐼1 𝑡ℎ 0.0454 − 0.0408675

𝜀1 = | | ∗ 100% = | | ∗ 100% = 11.09 %
𝐼1 𝑡ℎ 0.0408675

𝐼2 𝑒𝑥𝑝 − 𝐼2 𝑡ℎ 0.1352 − 0.154635

𝜀2 = | | ∗ 100% = | | ∗ 100% = 12.57 %
𝐼2 𝑡ℎ 0.154635

1
Part Two- Modulus of Rigidity Determination:

Table-2.2 Basic parameters of the two rotors shown in Figure-4.4

Parameter Value
𝟒
J (𝒎 ) 3.84 × 10−11
𝑲𝑻 (N.m/rad) 4.551

𝝅 𝒅𝟒 𝝅∗𝟎.𝟎𝟎𝟒𝟓𝟒
𝑱= = = 𝟑. 𝟖𝟒 ∗ 𝟏𝟎−𝟏𝟏
𝟑𝟐 𝟑𝟐

𝑮𝑱 𝟖𝟎 ∗ 𝟏𝟎𝟗 ∗ 𝟑. 𝟖𝟒 ∗ 𝟏𝟎−𝟏𝟏
𝑲𝑻 = = = 𝟒. 𝟓𝟓𝟏
𝑳 𝟎. 𝟔𝟕𝟓

Table-2.3 Data processing analysis for the Modulus of Rigidity Determination part

Rotor-1
Trial L (cm)  (second) 2 (second2)
1 52.5 0.479 0.2294
2 43.5 0.460 0.2116
3 37 0.444 0.1971
4 31.5 0.410 0.1681
5 27.5 0.3875 0.1502
6 18.5 0.345 0.1190
7 13.5 0.329 0.1082
8 8.5 0.282 0.07952

Trial 1:
𝑇1 4.79
𝜏1 = = = 0.479 𝑠𝑒𝑐
10 10
Trial 2:
𝑇2 4.60
𝜏2 = = = 0.46 𝑠𝑒𝑐
10 10

1
 Figure 1. time constant in variation with length

∆𝑦 0.1681 − 0.1502
𝑆𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 = = = 0.4475
∆𝑥 0.315 − 0.275

4𝜋 2 𝐼𝑇 4 𝜋 2 (0.03549)
𝐺𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 = = = 81.535 𝐺𝑃𝑎
𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 ∗ 𝐽 0.4475 ∗ 3.84 ∗ 10−11

|80 − 81.535|
𝜀𝐺 = ∗ 100% = 1.91875%
80
Part Three- Two-Rotors’ System:
Table-4.10 Data processing results for the Two-Rotors’ System part
Parameter Theoretically Experimentally Percent Error
()
 (second) 4.40
L1 (cm) 53.39 50.53 5.357
L2 (cm) 14.11 16.97 20.27

𝐼1 𝐼2
𝜏𝑡ℎ = 2𝜋 √
𝐾𝑇 (𝐼1 + 𝐼2 )

0.0408675 ∗ 0.154635
𝜏𝑡ℎ = 2𝜋 √ =
𝐾𝑇 (0.0408675 + 0.154635)

𝜏𝑒𝑥𝑝 − 𝜏𝑡ℎ
𝜀1 = | | ∗ 100 % =
𝜏𝑡ℎ

• To calculate 𝐿1 & 𝐿2 we use equations:

1
 𝐼2
𝐿1 = 𝐿
𝐼1 + 𝐼2

𝐼1
𝐿2 = 𝐿
𝐼1 + 𝐼2

➢ Theoretically (using 𝐼𝑡ℎ ):

0.154635
𝐿1 = 67.5 = 53.39 𝑐𝑚
0.0408675 + 0.154635

0.0408675
𝐿2 = 67.5 = 14.11 𝑐𝑚
0.0408675 + 0.154635

➢ Experimentally (using 𝐼𝑒𝑥𝑝 ):

0.1352
𝐿1 = 67.5 = 50.53 𝑐𝑚
0.0454 + 0.1352

0.0454
𝐿2 = 67.5 = 16.97 𝑐𝑚
0.0454 + 0.1352

𝐿1𝑒𝑥𝑝 − 𝐿1𝑡ℎ 50.53 − 53.39

𝜀1 = | | ∗ 100 % = | | ∗ 100 % = 5.357 %
𝐿1𝑡ℎ 53.39

𝐿2𝑒𝑥𝑝 − 𝐿2𝑡ℎ 16.97 − 14.11

𝜀2 = | | ∗ 100 % = | | ∗ 100 % = 20.27 %
𝐿2𝑡ℎ 14.11

1
 Discussion And Conclusions:

1) Where and why do we use flywheels? Give practical examples.

Flywheels are mechanical devices that store rotational energy and are commonly used in various
industrial applications where a continuous supply of energy is required. They are used for energy
storage in wind or solar power systems, hybrid vehicles, and heavy machinery. They are also used in
machine tools to maintain consistent cutting speeds and in sports cars for high-performance. Overall,
flywheels are used in a wide range of applications where high-power densities and fast response times
are essential.

2) In determining the value of G; several period readings have been taken to draw a
graph, and from its slope G was found. Why do not we take discrete reading(s) and
apply directly in eqns-9 & 13 to find G? What are the benefits of making such a
graph?
When we plot a graph using discrete readings, we use fewer data points which reduces the accuracy
of the calculations and increases the error in determining the true value of G. However, the graph can
still provide a useful indication of the trend and can connect the most precise data points that are closest
to the true value of G.

3) Does the nodal point have the maximum or minimum stresses along the shaft, why?
The nodal point in a shaft is the location where bending stress is zero, but shear stress is at its
maximum. Therefore, the nodal point does not have the maximum or minimum stresses along the
shaft, and the maximum stresses occur farthest away from the nodal point where the bending moment
is highest. While the nodal point is significant in determining the stress distribution, it is not the
location where the maximum or minimum stresses occur.

4) Discuss the factors affecting the period of oscillation of a Two-Rotors’ System?

• The period of oscillation is directly proportional to the mass moment of inertia of the two
rotors and shaft length.
• The shaft diameter is inversely proportional to the period of oscillation because the modulus
of rigidity and polar moment of area of the shaft are inversely proportional to it.
• The period of oscillation of the system is inversely proportional to the torsional stiffness of
the shaft.

5) You are given a system of a similar layout as the one shown in Figure-4.2; in which
the rotor has an unknown inertia and fitted to the end of a shaft of an unknown
material, with a number of different couples of auxiliary masses available. Describe
(with the necessary equations) how to find both G and I with such a set-up?

𝑔𝑡 2
𝐼𝑇 = 𝐼𝑅𝑜𝑡𝑜𝑟 + ∑ 𝐼𝑎𝑢𝑥𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑎𝑟𝑦 = 𝑚𝑅 2 ( 2ℎ − 1) ……. (1)

𝐺𝐽 𝜋
𝐾𝑇 = where 𝐽 = 32 𝑑 4 …… (2)
𝐿

1
 2𝜋 𝐼
𝜏 = 𝜔 = 2𝜋√𝐾𝑇 …… (3)
𝑛 𝑇

𝐼
Equation 3 is squared to get 𝜏 2 = 4𝜋 2 𝐾𝑇 …… (4)
𝑇

𝐼𝑇 𝐿
Equation 2 is substituted in equation 4 to get 𝜏 2 = 4𝜋 2 …… (5)
𝐺𝐽

Plot a linear graph between 2 versus L.

4𝜋 2 𝐼𝑇
The slope of the line = , G is found.
𝐺𝐽

Conclusion
The experiment investigated the physical properties and performance of Rotor (Flywheel) Systems
using time measurements. The study focused on determining the mass moment of inertia and modulus
of rigidity of the system, which were found to be dependent on the shape, size, and method used to
mount and support the rotor. The results of the experiment showed that the use of time measurements
was an effective method for estimating the modulus of rigidity of the rotor.

The investigation of a two-rotors’ system provided insights into the energy transfer efficiency of the
system. The experiment highlighted the importance of developing sustainable and efficient energy
storage solutions to meet the growing demand for renewable energy sources. The findings of the study
can be useful in designing and optimizing Rotor (Flywheel) Systems for various applications,
including energy storage in renewable energy systems.

In conclusion, the experiment provided valuable insights into the physical properties and performance
of Rotor (Flywheel) Systems. The results of the study contribute to the development of innovative
energy storage solutions and provide a foundation for future research in this field.