Application Note #1 www.custommachinerysolutions.

com 12/16/2009

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Rotor Unbalance & Single Plane Graphical Balancing Method

INTRODUCTION The force lbf generated by the unbalance can be calculated

using Equation 1.
Unbalance is one of the most common sources of rotating
machinery excessive vibration Ref 2. Unbalance can be RPM 2
U F = 1.77 * oz * in *( ) (1)
caused by a number of reasons including the following:
1000
1. Tolerances in machining or fabrication of
components, assembly (shrunk on impellers and Where: U F = Unbalance Force Lbf
other components can cause bending of the shaft), Oz = Ounces
loose fits, etc. In = Inches
2. Variation in materials such as voids, porosity,
inclusions, density and finishes, liquids in the RPM = Re volutions Per Minute
components such hollow fan blades.
3. Non-symmetrical designs, part shapes, motor There are different types of unbalance Ref 2 which can be
windings, keyways, etc. demonstrated using the CMS Rotor-Kits and are briefly
4. Non-symmetry in assemblies including distortion, discussed as follows:
dimensional changes, shifting of parts due to
rotational stresses, aerodynamic forces, material a. Static Unbalance This type of unbalance is
build up or loss of a chunk of built up material, typically found in narrow disc shaped components
temperature changes (rotor thermal bowing), lost such as turbine discs, pump impellers, flywheels,
balance weights, etc. sheaves, etc, but can also occur in wider components
such as fans or compressors, turbines, pumps, etc.
Balance problems can often be minimized by symmetrical
design and careful evaluation of tolerances and fits. But, Static unbalance can be corrected using a single
balancing is often required to minimize the dynamic balance weight attached to the disc or rotor opposite
forces that the rotor bearings and housings must absorb. the eccentric center of mass. For longer rotors, two
weights can be attached near the ends of the rotor in
TYPES OF UNBALANCE the same angular orientation. This unbalance can be
detected on knife edges.
In its most basic form, unbalance is a force generated by
the eccentricity of the rotor or its components from the
physical center of
Mass=5 gr CG
rotation. The
unbalance is
typically given as the
value of the eccentric
mass times the
eccentric distance as
shown in Figure 1.
The units in this Figure 2. Static Unbalance
2.00 inch
example are 2.00
inch X 5 gr = 10 gr- Figure 1. Rotor with 10 gr-in
in. Unbalance.
b. Couple Unbalance The principle axis of inertia
intersects the shaft axis at the center of gravity, Figure
3. The unbalance distribution of the eccentric mass
can be corrected by adding or removing equal amounts
of mass 180 degrees from each other at each end of the
rotor. This type of unbalance will not be detected
when the rotor is placed on knife edges.
Couple unbalance can be expressed in gram-inch-
inches or gram-inch2 where the second inch dimension
refers to the distance between the two balance planes.
CG
Figure 3. Couple Unbalance
c. Quasi-static Unbalance The principle axis of inertia
is intersected at a point that is not at the center of
gravity, Figure 4. This of type unbalance represents a
combination of static and couple unbalance and is a
special case of dynamic unbalance. Unbalance in the
coupling (or the key) of a rotor can generate quasi-
static unbalance in the rotor. This type of unbalance
cannot be detected on knife edges.
CG Axes Intersect
Figure 4. Quasi-Static Unbalance
b. Dynamic Unbalance Dynamic unbalance is the
most common type of unbalance, Figure 5. It can only
be corrected by making mass corrections in at least
two planes that are perpendicular to the shaft axis.
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Copyright 2008 by Custom Machinery Solutions L.L.C.
Axes Does
Not Intersect
CG
Figure 5. Dynamic Unbalance
FLEXIBLE & RIGID ROTORS:
There are two types of rotors, flexible and rigid. If the
rotor critical speed is within 70% to 75% of its operating
speed the rotor is considered flexible. In the following
examples, the rotor is considered rigid. If the CMS Rotor-
Kit optional bed extension and long shaft is used then a
flexible rotor condition can be configured.
EXAMPLE: SINGLE PLANE BALANCE
Balancing in a single plane is the simplest balancing
process. It assumes that a single mass, disc or impeller is
to be balanced. The purpose of balancing in a single plane
is to translate the CG to the axis of rotation. There are
several methods for single plane balancing. The influence
coefficient method and vector solution using polar graph
paper is illustrated in this example. Data will be acquired
using only one accelerometer and a once per revolution
phase signal.
Note: When single plane balancing a rotor in place,
data should be measured at several radial locations on
the bearing housing nearest the impeller or component
being balanced. This will help determine the most
responsive location to mount the accelerometer.
Step 1: The CMS Model 100 Rotor-Kit was setup as
shown by the diagram in Figure 6 with one aluminum
disc installed on the shaft near the outboard bearing
pedestal.
 HT-5200 Ono Sokki Optical Tachometer
Kistler 8628B50 and IMI 603C01 Accelerometers.
Pl 1
Any analyzer capable of measuring vibration and phase
lag can be used.

14
3

Left Right
Bearing Bearing
Figure 7. Outboard Bearing Pedestal, Bearing Retainer and
Accelerometer Attached to the Pedestal.

Figure 6: Single Plane Rotor Balance Diagram

The ball bearings are clamped in place by the bearing

retainers which are secured by 10-24 x SOHC screws
to the pedestal. The bearing inner race is secured to the
shaft by a nylon tipped -20 thd set screw as shown in
Figure 7.

The single aluminum disc is secured to the shaft near the

outboard pedestal with two nylon tipped -20 thd set
screws in the disc hub as shown in Figure 8.

Step 2: Position an optical photo tachometer (provided

by the user) to sense the shaft RPM and connect the output
of the tachometer to the analyzer (also provided by the
user). Attach reflective tape to the shaft as shown in
Figures 9 & 10.

For illustration purposes during the writing of this

application note the following equipment was used:

IOtech 618 Spectrum Analyzer Figure 8. Disc Hub Retained by Two -20 Set Screws.
IOtech eZ-Balance software
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Copyright 2008 by Custom Machinery Solutions L.L.C.
The leading edge of the reflective tape should be parallel
with the shaft centerline as shown in Figure 9. This
insures that a phase lag error does not occur if the shaft
shifts axially as actual rotors may do due to thrust float.
In this application note, the Tachometer was positioned to
focus the beam at the horizontal centerline.
Figure 9. Optical Tachometer, Beam Directed Toward Reflective
Tape on Shaft.
Figure 9. Reflective Tape Leading Edge Parallel to the Shaft
Horizontal Centerline.
Step 3: Attach an accelerometer (supplied by user) to
the outboard bearing pedestal in the horizontal direction
using a -28 thd set screw as shown in Figure 7. The
accelerometer is connected to the analyzer using a coax
cable with BNC connector.
A schematic of the angular layout of the accelerometer,
rotor rotation, optical tachometer and reflective tape are
shown in Figure 10. Balance holes are laid out against
rotation with hole #1 at 0 degrees aligned with the leading
edge of the reflective tape. Viewed from the motor end, 0
degrees is at the right side centerline. The sensors were
located as follows:
Tachometer, 0 Degrees
Accelerometer Outboard Pedestal Horizontal 0
Degrees
Reflective tape, 0 Degrees
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Copyright 2008 by Custom Machinery Solutions L.L.C.
Note: The signal from the optical tachometer can be
monitored using an oscilloscope or the time trace on a
spectrum analyzer. Make sure there is only one pulse
per revolution. Determine the polarity of the signal
(either positive or negative going) and that the analyzer
trigger polarity is set accordingly.
Note: When balancing rotors, the leading edge of the
tape should be centered on a shaft key or other
prominent feature of the rotor. Locating the tape
referencing a feature on the rotor insures that the same
setup can be made the next time the rotor requires
balancing. Turbines, compressors, fans, etc., may use
proximity probes to generate the once per revolution
trigger signal by reading a keyway, slot or hole.
Optical
Tachometer
Hor
Accel
Figure 10. Angular Orientation Used For Balancing
Illustrations, Viewed From Motor End.
Step 4: Rotate the shaft by hand in the direction of
rotation until the edge of the reflective tape is aligned with
the tachometer optical beam. The hole in the balance disc
at the horizontal centerline (Right Side) is at 0 degrees
since the trigger from the tachometer is generated at this
rotor angular position. If a hole does not align at the
horizontal centerline, loosen the set screws in the
aluminum disc hub and rotating the disc to the correct
position. Then, retighten the set screws in the hub.
In this example the balance hole at the horizontal
centerline is numbered 1. Rotate the shaft by hand in the
direction of rotation and number the next hole 2, then 3,
etc., through 16 as indicated in Figure 11.
 The balance disc tapped hole circle radius = 2.125
Note: This numbering process is typically used when
inch.
numbering fan or 4blower blades, or laying out balance
weight locations on rotors balanced in situ. RPM 2
Using Equation 1 U F = 1.77 * oz * in *( )
1000

The maximum trial weight is calculated as follows:

3
UF
Oz =
RPM 2
1.77 * in *( )
1000
4.80
Oz =
2 3900 2
1.77i2.125i( )
1000
4.80
Oz = = 0.083 oz
57.21

gr
Hole 1 @ 0 Deg 1 Gr = 0.083oz 28.4 = 2.38 gr
oz

The weight of the 10-32 thd set screws supplied with the
Figure 11. Hole Numbering Against Rotation. Rotor-Kit for balancing are shown in Table 2.

Step 5: The influence coefficient method of balancing Set Screw

will be used to balance the rotor. After the initial Length Wt gr Wt Oz
vibration data are recorded, a known unbalance is 3/16 0.369 0.013
generated in the rotor by attaching a trial weight in the 1/4 0.470 0.017
disc. In order to determine the maximum trial weight and 3/8 0.806 0.028
the approximate location to install the weight, we will use 1/2 1.357 0.048
the following process: 3/4 1.805 0.064

Table 2: Setscrew Balance Wts

Determine Trial Weight Size
A rule of thumb Ref 2 often used in industry is that the
unbalance trial weight should not generate a force greater
than 10% of the rotor weight to avoid possible damage to
the rotor or bearings.
The weight of the CMS Rotor-Kit shaft and one
aluminum disc = 3.0 lbf.
Using the guideline, the maximum force generated by
the test weight should not exceed 10% of the bearing
static load or 10% * 3.0 lbf = 0.30 lbf
A trial weight of 0.806 gr (3/8 long set screw) was
selected which was less than the maximum recommended
weight of 2.38 grams. Now that the trial weight has been
selected, we are ready to spin up the rotor and take the
initial set of vibration data.
Step 6: Initial Run: The Rotor-Kit motor was brought
to a speed of about 1800 RPM. Measure the 1X
amplitude and phase vibration data from the
accelerometer. Record the data as shown in Table 3.

Oz = 0.30 lbf * 16 oz/lbf = 4.8 oz.

Gr = 28.4 gr/oz * 4.8 oz = 136.32 gr

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Copyright 2008 by Custom Machinery Solutions L.L.C.
 vector in this direction with the same magnitude as O in
Run Location Amplitude Phase Lag order to balance the rotor.
Initial Right Bearing 0.1234 40
5. To determine the correct weight location, measure the
Table 3: Initial Vibration & Phase Lag Values angle between vector -O and T ~ 49.5 degrees. This is the
angle the correction weight must be located from the trial
Step 7: Trial Weight Run: The rotor kit was stopped weight location if the trial weight is removed. Since T
and the rotor rotated by hand until the leading edge of the must rotate CW 49.5 degrees to align with O, the
reflective tape aligned with the center of the optical correction weight will be located 49.5 degrees CW from
tachometer beam. Then, the rotor was rotated in the the Trial Wt location at 130 degrees between holes 6 and
direction of rotation 40 degrees. This located the 7.
indicated heavy spot at the accelerometer (not allowing for
any system phase lag caused by transmission of the rotor 6. The correction weight is calculated by multiplying the
vibration through the bearings and pedestal to the ratio of O and T by the trial wt.
accelerometer and phase lag caused by the vibration
isolators). The rotor was then rotated another 9 holes O 0.1234
TrialWt = 0.806 = 2.286 grams
which positioned hole 11 at the 0 position to allow for an T 0.0435
estimated system phase lag of about 200 degrees. A 0.806
gr set screw was installed 180 degrees from hole 11 in Step 9: Calculate the Correct Weights &
hole 4 (to put the trial weight at the estimated light spot). Locations: Remove the trial weight. In order to use the
balance holes, the correction weight must be split between
The rotor kit was brought back to the balance speed and holes 6 and 7 or adhesive backed lead tape could be used
vibration amplitude and phase and recorded as shown in to attach weight at the correct angular location. The
Table 4. correction weights for holes 6 and 7 was calculated using
eZ-Balance to the following:
Run Location Amplitude Phase Lag
Initial Right Bearing 0.1234 40 Hole 6 @ 112.5 degrees 0.544 grams.
Trial Wt Right Bearing 0.1098 60 Hole 7 @ 135 degrees 1.776 grams.
Table 4: Initial & Trial run Vibration & Phase Lag
The correction weights actually installed were as follows:
Values
Step 8: Plot the Vectors: Plot the vectors on polar Hole 6 0.470 grams. ( A little bit light)
graph paper as illustrated in Figure 14. Use the following Hole 7 1.805 grams. (A little bit heavy)
process to calculate the balance correction graphically.
Note: If weight was to be removed by drilling, the
1. Draw Vector O (the initial vibration) 0.1234 in/sec @ location would have been 180 degrees from the weight
40 degrees. addition location or 287-180 = 107 Deg.

2. Draw Vector O+T (vibration with the trial weight)

0.1098 in/sec @ 60 degrees.
Step 10: Test Run: The rotor kit was run back to
the original balance speed and the vibration amplitude and
phase lag angle measured as shown in Table 5. Vibration
3. Draw Vector T from Head of O to the Head of O+T.
was reduced from 0.1234 in/sec pk to 0.0033 in/sec pk or
Then translate vector T to the center of the plot. This T
about 97.3% reduction. The system phase lag calculated to
vector is the effect vector that the trial weight caused.
be 337.5 degrees. Once the system phase lag is known, the
next time this rotor is balanced the correction weight
4. Draw Vector -O equal in length to O but in the
location can be more accurately estimated.
opposite direction. The correction weight must generate a

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Copyright 2008 by Custom Machinery Solutions L.L.C.
Application Note #1 www.custommachinerysolutions.com 12/16/2009
Run Bearing Amplitude Phase Lag
Initial Right Bearing 0.1234 40 Deg
Trial Right 0.1098 60 Deg
Wt Bearing
Final Right 0.0033 138 Deg
Bearing

Table 5: Initial, Trial Weight Run and Final Vibration & Phase Lag Values

5 0.806 gr Trial Wt
6 4

7 T
3

O+T
8 2
O

1
9 49.5 deg 0 Deg

10 16
-O

11 15

12 14

13

Figure 14: Polar Graphical Solution of Single Plane Balance.

REFERENCES

1. Mitchell, John S., Introduction To Machinery

Analysis And Monitoring, Second Edition, ISBN
0-87814-401-3
2. Schenck Trebel, Fundamentals Of Balancing, Third
Edition April 1990.
3. Oberg, Erik, Jones, Franklin D., Horton, Holbrook L.,
Ryffel, Henry H., Machinerys Handbook, 24
Edition, ISBN 0-8311-2424-5

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