Design and analysis of a dynamic balancer

Abstract

This thesis establishes the design and analysis of a dynamic balancer. The balancing machine was developed as a Mechanical Engineering Graduate Project at Youngstown State University by the author during the winter of 1980. The balancing machine rotates a wheel at 900rpm. The wheel is supported by a shaft mounted on two soft support bearings. An accelerometer at the soft supports is used to detect vibrations caused by unbalance. By trial and error, balancing weights are attached to the wheel to annihilate vibrations at each support. Knowing the balancing weights added and their locations enables the determination of corrective balance weights to be established. The analysis portion establishes the theory and requirements to determine the corrective balance weights. Components and design of the machine are discussed. In addition, equipment limitations are established. The actual operation procedure is discussed with an example given. recommendations for improving the operating range of the machine are discussed. Conclusions deal with measuring vibrations and emphasize the importance of reducing drive-induced vibrations.