A method for identification of non-coaxiality in engine shaft lines of a selected type of naval ships

A correctly designed machine is characteristic of low vibration values. However wear processes occur during its operation. They are accompanied by a lack of balance of its rotating parts and elements, which results in non-coaxiality of shafts. For this reason energy and dynamic load resulting from machine vibrations grows. In this case cause and effect are mutually connected by feedback, that inevitably leads to occurrence of a failure. This paper presents results of investigations carried out on the basis of vibration analysis of propulsion systems installed on 207P minesweepers. In view of specific features of their operation it is very important to ensure high level of reliability for them. For this reason was done an attempt to develop a method intended for identifying non-coaxiality of shaft line systems of engines propelling the ships. 16 characteristic features of recorded vibration signals were selected. As any of them has not satisfied criteria assigned to features which unambiguously determine state of reliability of shaft line systems, the investigations have been continued and as a result a novel method for non-coaxiality identification was proposed. The method consists in determining unserviceability clusters and assumes that characteristic features are of a concentrated character. This way a non-coaxiality of main engine shaft lines of 207P minesweepers could be detected. This paper presents the proposed method and results of its application to the case in question.