Rotordynamics: Unit 3

- Modeling Coupling
Misalignments
Bernhard Bettig
Mechanical Design Research Lab
Mechanical Engineering - Engineering Mechanics Dept.
Michigan Technological University
Web site: http://www.me.mtu.edu/~mdrl
1

Motivation for using Coupling

Element
In real rotordynamic systems, the vibration
response does not approach zero as the
rotation speed approaches zero.
This is because of coupling misalignments.

Motivation for using Coupling

Element
Coupling misalignments must be added
to conventional rotordynamic analysis to
do accurate simulations.

Coupling Element
The coupling element we will be looking
at is implemented using the penalty
function method.
It links two nodes at the coupling
location using a stiff spring.
It has 8 degrees of freedom (4 per node):

Important Variables
The displacements and rotations at Node 1:
u1, v1, 1, 1.
The displacements and rotations at Node 2:
u2, v2, 2, 2.
The coupling misalignments (magnitude e
and phase ; lateral cl and angular ca):
ecl, cl, eca, ca
The coupling stiffnesses: kx = ky = kcl,
k = k = kca
The shaft rotation speed:
5

Important Assumptions
No displacements in the Z direction.
Linearization: u1, v1, 1, 1, u2, v2, 2, and
2 are small.
Penalty Function Method:

if (k + 1) u1 (k + 2) u2 = (k + 3) e,
and 1, 2 , 3 << k,
then u1 u2 e.
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The Finite Element Matrices

The coupling element is represented
similar to a spring, however, the
amount of coupling misalignment is
given in the RHS harmonic force
vector.

ku = Fc cos(t ) + Fs sin (t )

Finite Element Matrices

The stiffness matrix is symmetric.
k cl

ku =

k cl

k ca

kca

k cl

0
k ca

0
0

0
0

k cl
0

kcl

k ca

0
kcl

Sym.

0 u1
0 1
0 v1

kca 1
0 u 2

0 2
0 v2

k ca 2

Finite Element Matrices

The coupling misalignment appears
similar to an imbalance.
kcl ecl cos( cl )
kcl ecl sin ( cl )
k e cos( )
k e sin ( )
ca
ca
ca ca
ca ca
kcl ecl sin ( cl )
kcl ecl cos( cl )

kca eca cos( ca )

kca eca sin ( ca )

cos(t ) +
sin (t )
ku =
kcl ecl cos( cl )
kcl ecl sin ( cl )

kca eca cos( ca )

kca eca sin ( ca )
k e sin ( )
k e cos( )
cl
cl
cl cl

cl cl

kca eca sin ( ca )

kca eca cos( ca )
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Choosing Arbitrary Large k Values

Choosing too small a value will result in
incorrect answers (the coupling is too
soft, too springy).

10

Choosing Arbitrary Large k Values

Choosing too large a value results in
numerical instabilities. This occurs
because some terms in the finite element
equations are much larger than others.

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Calculating Realistic k Values

If we consider deformations
occurring at the coupling flanges,
we can calculate realistic k values.

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Calculating Realistic k Values

We need to consider displacements
that are (a) lateral, (b) angular

kcl (uouter uinner) = Fx

kca (outer inner) = M

(a)

(b)
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Lateral Stiffness kx Calculation

Assume Airy stress function:
= C1 r sin
where:

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Lateral Stiffness kx Calculation

Solving:

E is the modulus of elasticity

15

Lateral Stiffness k Calculation

Assume M is causing a shear stress in
the shaded region (parabolic on h).
Assume boundary conditions on vertical
displacement w:

Solving:

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Considering both Flanges of Coupling

To include the effect of both flanges
(one from each connected shaft) the
stiffnesses must be added in
parallel:

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Sample Questions
1.

What are the equivalent spring stiffnesses for a

coupling consisting of two similar steel flanges, each
having:

2.

What are the finite element matrix entries if there are

coupling misalignments:

3.

diameter 250 mm,

thickness of 40 mm,
shaft diameter 150 mm,
bolt hole circle diameter 200 mm, and
bolt hole diameter 20 mm.

Lateral 2 mm at 30 degrees, and

Angular 0.001 rad at 45 degrees.

What vibration amplitude would appear just below

the coupling if a stiff journal bearing held the shaft
just above the coupling?

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