Machine Design Lab

Static Balancing

EXPERIMENT NO. STATIC BALANCING

Objective:
The objective of the experiment is: 1. To understand the effect of static balancing. 2. The use of vector diagram. 3. Comparison of theoretical and actual results.

Theory:
A shaft is in static balance if the center of gravity of the masses rotors which it carries lies on the axis of rotation of the shaft. If disturbed, it will rotate until the center of gravity is in its lowest position.

Figure 1: Static Balancing

Figure 1 shown above presents the end view of a shaft carrying masses, m1, m2 and m3 at the radii r1, r2 and r3 and angular positions 1, 2, and 3 respectively. For static equilibrium, the moment about O of the gravitational masses must be zero, i.e.

Mr. .JAWAD KHAN

MTS

Machine Design Lab

Static Balancing
cos = 0 sin = 0 (1) (2)

mgr mgr

This satisfies the vector diagram (figure 1) representing the vectors m 1 r1, m2 r2 and m3 r3 is a closed figure, which may be expressed by the vector equation

mr

=0

(3)

If the polygon does not close, a mass is required at radius r such that the product mr gives the closing vector. The longitudinal position of masses is of no consequence, in case of static equilibrium.

Procedure:
1. Ensure the belt is removed from the pulley on the main shaft to allow it to rotate freely. 2. Attach the four balance weights to the shaft between the uprights, with the fourth and last balance weight left loose at this time. This balance weight will be the one to position the static balance for the whole system. 3. Add each balance weight to the shaft in a position of choice along the shaft. Give each balance weight a Plane position and mark in table 1 (a, b, c, d.). NB: The upright plane will be Plane A. All other planes will follow on from this, with the remaining upright always being the last plane in the list. Plane A is the reference plane for all experiments. 4. Note the mass of each balance weight in table 1. 5. Adjust the radius of each balance weight by adjusting the balance weight clockwise or anticlockwise. The radius must be taken from the center of the balance weight and the center of the shaft. Record the radius in table 1. 6. Record the angle of rotation of each balance weight using protractor.

Mr. .JAWAD KHAN

MTS

Machine Design Lab

Static Balancing

7. Draw the Mr polygon to scale using values from Mr column of table 1. The inclination and direction of each Mr value will derive the angle of rotation given to each mass. 8. The polygon should not be closed as only 3 masses have been positioned. 9. Complete the polygon if possible and measure the length of this side. 10. The value measure above represents the Mr value of fourth mass. As mass of fourth balance weight is known then the radius for this mass can be reworked as follows: Radius of fourth balance weight = Mass (M) / length of fourth side of polygon 11. Adjust the radius and orientation of fourth mass to be same as that calculated above. 12. The shaft with four fixed balance weights should now be in static equilibrium. 13. If the radius of the fourth weight is outside the threaded shaft then re-adjust the weights into different orientations and radiuses until suitable radius of the fourth mass is achieved. 14. Continue with the experiment using different radii and orientations.

Precautions:
Handle the weights carefully when moving or placing them. Do not start the experiment until you have complete understanding.

Observations and Calculations:

Mr. .JAWAD KHAN

MTS

Machine Design Lab

Static Balancing

Plane
A (First upright) B C D E (Last upright)

Mass M (Kg)

Radius r (m)

Mr (kg-m)

mgr cos

mgr sin

Rotation Deg(o)

Table 1

Polygon

Mr. .JAWAD KHAN

MTS