EXPERIMENT NO:

Static and Dynamic Balancing

Introduction
One way of producing mechanical work from fluid under pressure is to use the pressure to accelerate
the fluid to a high velocity in a jet. When directed on to the vanes of a turbine wheel, the force of the
jet rotates the turbine. The force generated is due to the momentum change or ‘impulse’ that takes
place as the jet strikes the vanes. Water turbines working on this impulse principle have been constructed
with outputs of the order of 100 000 kW and with efficiencies greater than 90%.
The TecQuipment Impact of a Jet (H8) fits onto TecQuipment’s Digital Hydraulic Bench (H1F) or existing
Gravimetric or Volumetric Benches (H1 or H1D). It allows students to experiment with the force
generated by a jet of water as it strikes a vane in the shape of a flat plate or hemispherical cup, and to
compare it with the momentum flow rate in the jet. Also available from TecQuipment are a 120 Degree
Conical Plate and a 30 Degree Angled Plate (H8a).
One way of producing mechanical work from fluid under pressure is to use the pressure to accelerate
the fluid to a high velocity in a jet. When directed on to the vanes of a turbine wheel, the force of the
jet rotates the turbine. The force generated is due to the momentum change or ‘impulse’ that takes
place as the jet strikes the vanes. Water turbines working on this impulse principle have been constructed
with outputs of the order of 100 000 kW and with efficiencies greater than 90%.
The TecQuipment Impact of a Jet (H8) fits onto TecQuipment’s Digital Hydraulic Bench (H1F) or existing
Gravimetric or Volumetric Benches (H1 or H1D). It allows students to experiment with the force
generated by a jet of water as it strikes a vane in the shape of a flat plate or hemispherical cup, and to
compare it with the momentum flow rate in the jet. Also available from TecQuipment are a 120 Degree
Conical Plate and a 30 Degree Angled Plate (H8a).
Many machines use large rotating parts – particularly vehicles. These rotating parts can create a problem. If
they are not well balanced, the imbalanced centrifugal forces will create vibrations as the part rotates. This
may be acceptable at low rotational velocities but can be harmful or even destructive at high velocities. Even
relatively slow-moving vehicle tires need careful balancing or they will cause dangerous vibrations throughout
the vehicle suspension and uneven tire wear. High speed rotating parts in jet engines must have perfectly
balanced centrifugal forces, or the engine can literally shake itself to pieces resulting in an immediate and
catastrophic engine explosion.
In this experiment the student should be familiar with the following concepts:
 Angular motion.
 Centrifugal force.
 Basic vector diagram construction.
 Basic trigonometry.
Theory & Description
A shaft with masses mounted on it can be both statically and dynamically balanced. If it is statically
balanced, it will stay in any angular position without rotating. If it is dynamically balanced, it can be rotated
at any speed without vibration.

However, these two statements apply:

1: A dynamically balanced system is automatically statically balanced.

2: A statically balanced shaft is not always dynamically balanced.

Static Balancing: This describes the process of balancing an object against a statics force (usually
gravity). The centre of gravity is along the axis of rotation of the part .
Two Masses:

Fig 4: Statics Balancing – Two Mass

Figure 4 shows a sample situation with two masses mounted on a shaft. For balance, the moment caused
by mass 1, tries to turn the shaft clockwise. So it must be balanced by the moment of mass trying to turn
the shaft anticlockwise.
The moment for mass 1 = W1 r1 (Clockwise)
The moment for mass 2 = W2 r2 (Anticlockwise)
So, for Static Balance: W1 r1 = W2 r2 (1)
Which Seems easy. However, as shown later, this simple two masses system cannot be dynamically
balanced.

Three Masses:
The same principle works with the three masses, except that now the angles(α) between the masses
become important, so that:

The moment for mass 1 = W1 r1 cos α1 (Anticlockwise)

The moment for mass 2 = W2 r2 cos α2 (Clockwise)

The moment for mass 3 = W3 r3 cos α3 (Clockwise)

So, for Statics balance, the clockwise and anticlockwise forces must be balance, so;

W1 r1 cos α1 = W2 r2 cos α2 + W3 r3 cos α3 (2)

Four Masses:

Additionally, for four masses see figure 6:

The moment for mass 1 = W1 r1 cos α1 (Anticlockwise)

The moment for mass 2 = W2 r2 cos α2 (Anticlockwise)

The moment for mass 3 = W3 r3 cos α3 (Clockwise)

The moment for mass 4 = W4 r4 cos α4 (Clockwise)

So, for the statics balance, the clockwise and anticlockwise forces must be balance, so:
W1 r1 cos α1 + W2 r2 cos α2 = W3 r3 cos α3 + W4 r4 cos α4 (3)
Mass Angle Solution by vector Diagram:

To do this:

1. Pick one of the known masses and draw a line of scale equal to the product Wr for the mass and
at an angle that matches the angle of the mass.
2. From this line, moving clockwise or anticlockwise, draw the other lines for the other masses, again
at lengths scaled equal to the product Wr for the line and at the correct angle.
3. The missing line that joins the open ends will give you the magnitude Wr and the angle for the
unknown mass.
Three-Mass System
Dynamic Balancing:

When the shaft rotates, two different forces acts on the assembly that must be balanced:

 Centrifugal forces around the shaft.

 Moments or couples trying to the twist the shaft (along its length or longitudinal axis).

Two Masses:

Figure 8 shows that a simple two mass system may be statically balanced. It shows identical masses,
giving equal centrifugal forces (Fc1 and Fc2), so

Fc1 = Fc2

Balancing two centrifugal Forces:

Fc1 =m1 r1 ω2 and Fc2 =m2 r2 ω2

W1 W2
Or, as W = mg: F c1 = r1 ω2 and Fc2 = r2 ω2
g g

As acceleration due to gravity (g) and rotational velocity (ω) are the same for all masses on the shaft:
W1 r1 = W2 r2
Balancing the Twisting moments:

L1Fc1(Clockwise) = L2Fc2(Anticlockwise)

Total moment (M) of: M = L1Fc1 + L2Fc2

For easier theory, the moments are the taken with respect to mass 1.

For the dynamically balanced case where block 3 is vertical (270 degrees from horizontal):

Horizontally L2Fc2 cos𝛼2 = 0 (4)

Vertically L2Fc2 sin 𝛼2 = L3Fc3 (5)
To make Equation 4 work, the length L2 must be zero or the length 𝛼2 must be 90° from vertical. If L2 = 0
then L3 = 0 and the all three masses would have to be same position along the shaft (which is not possible
with the equipment), so α2 must be 90° or 270°.
From the general case of figure 9:
Horizontally (Fc3 =0) so Fc1 cos𝛼1 = Fc2 cos 𝛼2 (6)
Vertically Fc3 = Fc1 sin𝛼1 + Fc2 sin𝛼2 (7)
Four Masses:
Horizontal Position Solution by Vector Diagram:

Finding Wr (Block Moment):

 Figure 15 Finding Wr
For Example, if the block reaches 90° when you add 6×10g weight to the hanger, the total weight is 70g.
Multiply this by the pulley radius gives:
70 g = 0.6787 N
0.687 N × 0.04m = 0.027 Nm = Wr

Experiments 1 – Two Mass System

Aim
To Show that a two mass system can be statically balanced, but not dynamically balanced.
Procedure
1. Remove the safety dome and shaft drive belt.

2. Make sure the two thumb nut clamps hold the assembly in place.

3. Use the small hexagon tool (supplied) to remove the discs from the balance blocks.

4. Use the larger hexagon tool (supplied) and the horizontal slider and rule to set up two of the blocks, as
shown in Figure 16. Set a relative angular displacement of 180" and a horizontal displacement of 120 mm.

5. Move the horizontal slider out of the way and rotate the shaft to check that the blocks can rotate without
hitting anything.

6. Note that the shaft will remain in any angular position and is therefore statically balanced.

7. Remove the two thumb nut clamps and washers.

8. Refit the shaft drive belt and safety dome.

9. Press and hold the 'MOTOR' button to briefly run the motor. Note the severe imbalance of the shaft,
proving that it is dynamically unbalanced. Also note the twisting motion, showing the dynamic twisting
moment.

10. Replace the thumb nut clamps and washers.

Experiments 2 – Two Mass System

Aim
To Show sample dynamic balancing of a three mass system.
Procedure
1. Remove the safety dome and shaft drive belt.

2. Use the small hexagon tool (supplied) to remove the discs from the balance blocks.

3. Use the larger hexagon tool (supplied) and the horizontal slider and rule to set up all four blocks, as shown
in Figure 18. Set a relative angular displacement of 180° and a horizontal displacement of 60 mm between
blocks.
The two middle blocks simulate one large block of twice the mass, so Fc2 = 2Fc1 = 2Fc3

4. Move the horizontal slider out of the way and rotate the shaft to check that the blocks can rotate without
hitting anything.

5. Assuming that all blocks have the same mass, use the theory to prove that the shaft is statically and
dynamically balanced.

6. Make sure the two thumb nut clamps hold the assembly in place.

7. Test the shaft for static balance.

8. Remove the two thumb nut clamps and washers.

9. Replace the drive belt and the safety dome.

10. Press and hold the MOTOR button, noting the lack of vibration, showing that the shaft is dynamically
balanced.

11. Replace the thumb nut clamps and washers.

Experiments 3 – Simple Four Mass System

Aim
To show sample dynamic balancing of a four mass system.
Procedure
1. Remove the safety dome and shaft drive belt.

2. Use the small hexagon tool (supplied) to remove the discs from the balance blocks.

3. Use the larger hexagon tool (supplied) and the horizontal slider and rule to set up all four blocks,
as shown in Figure 18. Set a relative angular displacement of 180° and a horizontal displacement of
40 mm between blocks.

4. Move the horizontal slider out of the way and rotate the shaft to check that the blocks can rotate
without hitting anything.

5. Assuming that all blocks have the same mass, use the theory to prove that the shaft is statically
and dynamically balanced.

6. Make sure the two thumb nut clamps hold the assembly in place.

7. Test the shaft for static balance.

8. Remove the two thumb nut clamps and washers.

9. Replace the drive belt and the safety dome.

10. Press and hold the MOTOR button and note the lack of vibration, showing that the shaft is
dynamically balanced.

11. Replace the thumb nut clamps and washers.

Experiments 4 – Static and Dynamic Balance of a Four-Mass System

Aim
To demonstrate how to balance a four mass system, both statically and dynamically.
Procedure 1 – Finding the Wr (Block Moment Values)
1. Remove the safety dome and shaft drive belt (see Figure 19), and remove all four rectangular blocks from
the shaft.

2. Lift the extra pulley and shaft from its hole in the base unit.

3. Insert it into the end of the shaft pulley (see Figure 19).

4. Move the apparatus to the edge of the table or bench. Loop two or three turns of the weight cord around
the extra pulley.

5. Insert the circular weight with the smallest hole into one of the rectangular blocks. Clamp the block loosely
to the shaft at about half way along (90 mm) using the slider to hold it while turning the protractor to a scale
reading of 0.

6. Tighten the block to the shaft, making sure that the protractor shows zero degrees when the block hangs
straight down. Call this block 1.

7. Hook a weight hanger to the weight cord (see Figure 20) and gradually add weights until the block reaches
equilibrium at 90°. While you add the weights, occasionally tap the shaft mountings to overcome bearing
stiction.

8. Record the weight needed to raise the block and reach equilibrium at 90° and multiply it by the radius of
the pulley to find the moment of the block (Wr). See Finding Wr (Block Moment) on page 25. Remember
that the weight hanger is 10 g.

9. Fit the other circular weights into the other balance blocks and repeat the test for each of them (only test
one block at a time).

10. Remove the extension pulley and replace it in its holder in the base unit.

Procedure 2 – Block Positions and Angles

Block 1 Block 2 Block 3 Block 4 Block
Θ01 X1 Θ02 X2 Θ03 X3 Θ04 X4 Order
mm mm mm mm
0 20 100 120 3124
 0 5 150 105 1324
0 5 160 85 1324
Table 3 Blank Result Table
1. Create a Blank Results Table similar to Table 3.
2. As in the theory, you must pick initial angles and positions for blocks 1 and 2 (the worked example shown
later uses the first line of the results table).
3. Find the angular positions of blocks 3 and 4 by drawing (see theory section or typical calculations later)
4. Find the horizontal positions of blocks 3 and 4, (see theory section or typical calculations later).

5. Use the slider and protractor to set the blocks on the shaft in the given and calculated positions.

6. Move the horizontal slider out of the way and rotate the shaft to check that the blocks can rotate without
hitting anything.

7. Make sure the two thumb nut clamps hold the assembly in place.

8. Test for static balance.

9. Remove the two thumb nut clamps and washers.

10. Replace the drive belt and the safety dome.

11. Press and hold the MOTOR button and observe whether or not the shaft is dynamically balanced.
If the shaft is not balanced, repeat your calculations and check the positions of the blocks to find the mistake.

12. When you have balanced the shaft, move one of the blocks by a small amount and note the effect on the
balance of the shaft.