052 ME 41 Dynamics of Machines

Unit II: Balancing

Eng. Prof. Dr. Eliab Z. Opiyo

Department of Mechanical Engineering
St. Joseph University College of Engineering and Technology
St. Joseph University in Tanzania

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 1
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Contents ..
• Basics (definitions & terminology)
• Static and dynamic balancing
• Balancing of rotating masses
• Balancing a single cylinder Engine
• Balancing Multi-cylinder Engines
• Partial balancing in locomotive Engines
• Balancing linkages
Unit II: Balancing • Balancing machines

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 2
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Lesson 1

Basics of Balancing

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 3
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Basics …
➢ Mass balancing is a routine
What is Balancing? engineering activity for rotating
machines, some reciprocating
➢ "is the process of machines, and vehicles
attempting to improve the
➢ Mass balancing is necessary for
mass distribution of a
quiet operation, high speeds,
body so that it rotates in
long bearing life, operator
its bearings without
comfort, controls free of
unbalanced centrifugal
malfunctioning, or a "quality"
forces” or
feel
➢ “the process of designing ➢ If the moving part of a machine
or modifying machinery are not balanced completely
so that the unbalance is then the inertia forces are set
reduced to an acceptable up which may cause excessive
level or eliminated noise, vibration, wear and tear
entirely” of the system.

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 4
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Basics …
➢ Unbalance is caused by the Advantage of Balancing
displacement of the mass ➢ Minimize vibration.
centerline from the axis of ➢ Minimize audible and signal
rotation. noises.
➢ Centrifugal force of "heavy" ➢ Minimize structural fatigue
stresses.
point of a rotor exceeds the
➢ Minimize operator
centrifugal force exerted by the annoyance and operational
light side of the rotor and pulls fatigue.
the entire rotor in the direction ➢ Minimize/reduces power
of the heavy point. loss.
➢ Balancing is the correction of ➢ Increase bearing life.
this phenomena by the removal ➢ Increase quality of
operation.
or addition of mass

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 5
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Basics …
Unbalance forces …
➢ Rotating a rotor which has
unbalance causes the
following problems.
▪ The whole machine
vibrates.
▪ Noise occurs due to
vibration of the whole
machine.
▪ Abrasion of bearings may
shorten the life of the
machine.

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 6
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Basics …
Unbalance forces …
➢ Often an unbalance of forces
is produced in rotary or
rotating machinery due to
inertia forces.
▪ A mass in a circular path
experiences a centripetal
acceleration and a force
▪ When the center of mass does
not lie on the axis or there is
an eccentricity, an unbalanced
force is produced.

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 7
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Basics …
Balancing approach…
➢ The most common approach
to balancing is redistributing
the mass.
▪ This may be accomplished by
addition or removal of mass
from various machine
members.
▪ There are 2 basic types of
unbalance (which may occur
separately or in combination):
a) Rotating unbalance,
b) Reciprocating unbalance

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 8
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Basics …

Types of balancing…
➢ Hence, there are 2 main
types of balancing ...
a) Balancing of rotating
masses (static balancing
& dynamic balancing)
b) Balancing of
reciprocating masses

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 9
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Basics …
Static vs. Dynamic Balancing…
➢ Static balancing: A system of
rotating masses is said to be in
static balance if the combined mass
center of the system lies on the
axis of rotation.
➢ Dynamic balancing: when several
masses rotate in different planes,
the centrifugal forces, in addition
to being out of balance, also form
couple. A system of rotating
masses is in dynamic balance when
there does not exist any resultant
centrifugal force as well as
resultant couple.

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 10
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Lesson 1 Revision Problems

1) Define the following terms: (a) Balancing, (b) Mass

Balancing, (c) Static Balancing, (d) Dynamic
Balancing, (e) Centrifugal Force, (f) Centripetal Force
2) Explain how balancing is practiced in real life.
3) Why mass balancing is important for mechanical
systems?
4) What are the advantages of balancing?
5) What causes unbalance in mechanical systems?
6) Differentiate between the two main types of
balancing.

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 11
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 End…

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 12
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Lesson 2

Balancing of Rotating
Masses

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 1
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing of Rotating Masses…
Concept …
➢ Whenever a certain mass is attached to a
rotating shaft, it exerts some centrifugal force,
whose effect are:
▪ to bend the shaft
▪ To produce vibrations.

➢ In order to prevent these effects of centrifugal

forces, another mass is attached to the opposite
side of the shaft… at such a position as to
balance the effect of centrifugal force
➢ The process of providing the second mass
in order to counteract the effect of the
centrifugal force of the first mass is called
balancing of rotating masses..
io1071 Construeren/inleiding 2
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing of Rotating Masses…
What is balancing of rotating
members?

➢ Balancing means a
process of restoring a
rotating member
which has unbalance
to a balanced state
by adjusting the mass
distribution of the
rotating member
about its axis of
rotation

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 3
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing of Rotating Masses…

Rotating unbalance occurs due to

the following reasons.
➢ The shape of the rotor is
unsymmetrical.
➢ Un symmetrical exists due to a
machining error.
➢ The material is not uniform,
especially in castings
➢ A deformation exists due to a
distortion.

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 4
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing of Rotating Masses…

Unbalance of masses:

➢ Unbalance due to unequal

distribution of masses

➢ Unbalance due to unequal

distance of masses

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 5
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing of Rotating Masses…
Examples of rotating components needing balancing

➢ Pulley & gear shaft ➢ Starter armatures ➢ Airspace

assemblies components

➢ High speed machine ➢ Flywheels ➢ Impellers

tool spindles

➢ Centrifuge rotors ➢ Electric motor rotors ➢ Fan and blowers

➢ Compressor rotors ➢ Turbochargers ➢ Precision shafts

➢ Crank shafts ➢ Grinding wheels ➢ Steam & gas turbine

rotors

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 6
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing of Rotating Masses…

Cut away section

of centrifugal
compressor

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 7
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing of Rotating Masses…

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 8
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing of Rotating Masses…

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 9
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing of Rotating Masses…

The following cases are

important from the subject
point of view:
➢ Balancing of a single rotating
mass by a single mass rotating
in the same plane.
➢ Balancing of different masses
rotating in the same plane.
➢ Balancing of different masses
rotating in different planes.

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 10
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing of Rotating Masses…
Balancing of Several
Masses Rotating in the
Same Plane …
▪ Consider masses of magnitude
m1, m2, m3, and m4 at
distances r1, r2, r3, and r4
from the axis of the rotating
shaft.
▪ Let q1, q2, q3, and q4 be the
angles of these masses with
the horizontal line OX.
▪ Let these masses rotate about
an axis through 0 and
perpendicular to the plane of
the ppt slide, with a constant
angular velocity of w rad/s.

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 11
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing of Rotating Masses…

Balancing of Several
Masses Rotating in the
Same Plane …
▪ The magnitude and position of
balancing mass may be found
by using.
▪ Analytical analysis method.
▪ Graphical analysis method.

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 12
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing of Rotating Masses…

Analytical Method …
▪ Each mass produces a
centrifugal force acting
radially outwards from the
axis of rotation.
▪ The sum of these forces,
F is given as:

F = m1r1 2 + m2 r2 2 + m3r3 2 + m4 r4 2

▪ The rotor is said to be

statically balanced if the
vector sum F is zero

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 13
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing of Rotating Masses…

Analytical Method …
▪ If F is not zero, i.e., the
rotor is unbalanced, then
a counter weight (balance
wright) of mass mc at
radius rc is used to
balance the rotor, i.e.,:
m1r1 2 + m2 r2 2 + m3r3 2 + m4 r4 2 + mc rc 2 = 0
m1r1 + m2 r2 + m3r3 + m4 r4 + mc rc = 0

▪ The magnitude of either

mass mc or radius rc may
be selected, and of others
can be calculated.

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 14
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing of Rotating Masses…

Analytical Method …
▪ So, in general,:
i =n

m r + m r
i =1
i i c c =0

▪ And to solve these

equations analytically
(mathematically) we
resolve each centrifugal
force in x & z
components, i.e., .
i =n

 m r cos
i =1
i i i + mc rc cosc = 0
i =n

 m r sin
i =1
i i i + mc rc sin c = 0

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 15
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing of Rotating Masses…

Analytical Method …
▪ Thus,
i =n
mc rc cosc = − mi ri cosi
i =1
i =n
mc rc sinc = − mi ri sini
i =1

▪ Squaring, adding, and

simplifying we get:
2 2
 i =n   i =n 
mc rc =   mi ri cosi  +   mi ri sini 
 i =1   i =1 

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 16
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing of Rotating Masses…

Analytical Method …
▪ Dividing, we get
i =n

 m r sin
i i i
tanc = i =1
i =n

 m r cos
i =1
i i i

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 17
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing of Rotating Masses…
Graphical Method (Procedure) …
▪ Draw the space diagram with the positions
and orientations of the several masses.
▪ Determine the centrifugal forces (or
product of mass and radius of rotation) for
each rotating mass.
▪ Draw the force polygon to scale (use the
values obtained above + the orientations
Space diagram
of the forces—extracted from the space
diagram)
▪ Close the open side of the polygon. This
represents the resultant force in
magnitude and direction.
▪ The balancing force is equal to this
resultant force, but in opposite direction.
▪ Measure and find the magnitude or m at
a given rc
Force polygon

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 18
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing of Rotating Masses…
Balancing of a single rotating mass by a single mass
rotating in the same plane

➢ Adequate for rotors which are short in length, such

as pulleys and fans

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 19
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing of Rotating Masses…
Balancing of a single rotating mass by a single mass
rotating in the same plane

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 20
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing of Rotating Masses…
Balancing of a single rotating mass by a single mass
rotating in the same plane
F = m r 2
m
Magnitude of 
unbalance r

O2
Vibration
Elasticity of the bearing
occurs

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 21
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing of Rotating Masses…
Balancing of Several Masses Rotating in the Different Planes

▪ When several mases rotate

in different planes, the
centrifugal forces, in
addition to being out of
balance, also produces
couples…
▪ A system of masses is in
dynamic balance when
there doesn't exist any
resultant centrifugal force
as well as a resultant
couple…
▪ Both force and couples are
analyzed (analytically or
graphically)

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 22
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing of Rotating Masses…

Balancing of Several Masses

Rotating in the Different
Planes …
▪ The magnitude and position of
balancing mass may be found
by using .
▪ Analytical method.
▪ Graphical method.

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 23
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing of Rotating Masses…
Balancing of Several Masses Rotating in the Different Planes
(Analytical Method)

▪ For graphical analysis,

the products of:
mr
and
mrl
OR;
mr 2
and
mrl 2
are the quantities used
to draw force and
couple polygons …

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 24
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing of Rotating Masses…
Balancing of Several Masses Rotating in the Different Planes
(Analytical Method)

▪ In this case, if m1 and

m2 are the two masses
revolving diametrically
opposite to each other
in different planes, both
the vector sums of
forces and couples must
be zero for complete
balance, i.e.,

m1r1 2 + m2 r2 2 = 0
and
m1r1 2l1 + m2 r2l1 2l2 = 0

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 25
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing of Rotating Masses…
Balancing of Several Masses Rotating in the Different Planes
(Analytical Method)

▪ For complete balance of

the rotating member,
the resultant force and
couple should be zero,
i.e.,

m1r1 2 + m2 r2 2 = 0
and
m1r1 2l1 + m2 r2l1 2l2 = 0

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 26
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing of Rotating Masses…
Balancing of Several Masses Rotating in the Different Planes
(Analytical Method)

▪ If these equations are not satisfied, then there are

unbalance forces and couples.
▪ A mass placed in the reference plane may satisfy
the force equation, but the couple equation is
satisfied only by equal forces in different transverse
planes
▪ Thus,
m1r1 2 + m2 r2 2 + mc1rc1 2 + mc 2 rc 2 2 = 0
m r + m r + mc 2 rc 2 = 0
c1 c1

▪ And, taking moment about the reference plane we

get m1r1 2l1 + m2 r2 2l2 + mc 2 rc 2 2 = 0
m r l + mc 2 rc 2lc 2 = 0

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 27
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing of Rotating Masses…

Analytical Method …
▪ Thus,
i =n
mc 2 rc 2lc 2 cosc 2 = − mi ri li cosi
i =1
i =n
mc 2 rc 2lc 2 sinc 2 = − mi ri li sini
i =1

▪ Squaring, adding, and

simplifying we get:

2 2
 i =n   i =n 
mc 2 rc 2lc 2 =   mi ri li cosi  +   mi ri li sini 
 i =1   i =1 

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 28
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing of Rotating Masses…

Analytical Method …
▪ Dividing, we get
i =n
−  mi ri li sin i
tanc 2 = i =1
i =n
−  mi ri li cosi
i =1

▪ After obtaining the values,

solve the remaining equations
to get the unknown values of
the second mass

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 29
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing of Rotating Masses…
Balancing of Several Masses Rotating in the Different Planes
(Analytical Method)
A B C D
Fm la
Fc
lb
lc
Fb
ld
Fa

d
Fl
Fd
L, M
End view
Ref plane side view of the planes

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 30
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing of Rotating Masses…
Balancing of Several Masses Rotating in the Different Planes
(Analytical Method)

Plane Mass Radius Force / 2, Dist. From Couple / 2

M r M r =F , ref plane Mrl =C
( kg) (cm) (kg. cm) l , (cm) (kg cm 2)
A Ma ra Mara -la -Mara la
L (Ref) Ml rl Ml rl 0 0
B Mb rb Mbrb lb Mbrb lb
C Mc rc Mcrc lc Mcrc lc
M Mm rm Mmrm d Mmrmd
D Md rd Mdrd ld Mdrdld

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 31
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing of Rotating Masses…
Graphical Method (Procedure) …
▪ Draw the space diagram with the positions
and orientations of the several masses
▪ Determine the centrifugal forces (or
product of mass and radius of rotation) for
each rotating mass
▪ Draw the force polygon to scale (use the
values obtained above + the orientations
Space diagram
of the forces—extracted from the space
diagram)
▪ Close the open side of the polygon. This
represents the resultant force in
magnitude and direction.
▪ The balancing force is equal to this
resultant force, but in opposite direction.
▪ Measure and find the magnitude or m at
a given rc
Vector polygon
io1071 Construeren/inleiding 32
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing of Rotating Masses…
Graphical Method (Procedure) …
▪ Draw the space diagram with the positions
and orientations of the several masses
▪ Determine the centrifugal forces (or
product of mass, radius, and length from a
reference plane) for each rotating mass
▪ Draw the couple polygon to scale (use the
values obtained above + the orientations
Space diagram
of the couples)
▪ Close the open side of the polygon. This
represents the resultant couple in
magnitude and direction.
▪ The balancing couple is equal to this
resultant couple.
▪ Measure and find the magnitude of one of
the unknown mass mc at given lc and rc

Vector polygon
io1071 Construeren/inleiding 33
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing of Rotating Masses…

Fc
Fm =?
Cc
Fd
Fb
Fc
Fa Cb Fm
Cd Ca
Fl=Ml rl Fb

F l =? Cm=Mmrmd Fa
Couple polygon Force polygon
Fd
From couple polygon, by measurement, Cm = Mm X r m X d
From force polygon, by measurement, Fl = Ml X rl

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 34
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing of Rotating Masses…
Example :
➢ A shaft carries four masses in parallel planes A,B,C,&D in
this order. The masses at B & C are 18 kg & 12.5 kg
respectively and each has an eccentricity of 6 cm. The
masses at A & D have an eccentricity of 8 cm. The angle
between the masses at B & C is 100 o and that between B &
A is 190o both angles measured in the same sense. The
axial dist. between planes A & B is 10cm and that between B
& C is 20 cm. If the shaft is IN complete dynamic balance,
Determine,
1 masses at A & D
2. Distance between plane C &D
3. The angular position of the mass at D

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 35
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing of Rotating Masses…
Mb (18 kg)
A B C D
10 cm  =100o  =190 o

20 cm
Mc(12.5 kg)

ld End view
Ma

Plane Mass Radius Force / 2, Dist. Couple / 2

M r Mr, From ref Mrl
kg cm kg. cm plane kg cm 2
l , cm
A Ma=? 8 8 Ma 0 0
B 18 6 108 10 1080
C 12.5 6 75 30 2250
D Md=? 8 8 Md ld=? 8 Md ld

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 36
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing of Rotating Masses…
A B C D Mb(18 kg)

10 cm  =100o  =190 o

20 cm
Mc (12.5 kg)
Md
ld
Ma

Couple polygon force polygon

75
2,250
108 8 Md =63.5 kg. cm
1080
d= 203o
8 Ma = 78 kg .cm
8 Md ld= 2312 kg cm 2
O
O

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 37
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing of Rotating Masses…
From the couple polygon,

By measurement, 8 Md ld= 2,312 kg cm 2

M l = 2312 / 8 = 289 kg cm
d d
d= 203o
From force polygon,

By measurement, 8 Md = 63.5 kg cm

8 Ma = 78.0 kg cm

Md = 7.94 kg

Ma = 9.75 kg

ld = 289 /7.94 = 36.4 cm

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 38
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Lesson 2 Revision Problems
1) What is meant by ‘balancing of rotating masses’?
2) What is are the effects of centrifugal forces exerted on rotating shaft?
3) What are the possible reasons of unbalance in rotating members of
mechanisms?
4) Name any five mechanical systems or parts that typically need
balancing.
5) Describe the two methods commonly used to find the magnitude and
position of balancing mass.
6) A shaft carries three masses in parallel planes A,B, & C in this order.
The masses at B & C are 15 kg and 9 kg respectively; and each has an
eccentricity of 4 cm. The masse at A has an eccentricity of 6 cm. The
angle between the masses at B & C is 110 o and that between B & A is
230o ; both angles measured in the same sense. The axial distance
between planes A & B is 8 cm and that between B & C is 16 cm. What
is the mass at A if the shaft is attain dynamic balance?
io1071 Construeren/inleiding 39
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 End…

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 40
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Lesson 3

Balancing Machines

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 1
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing Machines…
➢ Balancing machines are used to
indicate whether a part is in
balance or not.
➢ If not, it measures the unbalance
by indicating its magnitude and
location

Types of balancing
machines:
➢ Static balancing machines
➢ Dynamic balancing
machines

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 2
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing Machines …
Static balancing machines:

➢ Used for parts of small axial

dimensions such as fan,
gears, impellers, etc. in
which mass lies practically
in single plane.

Pendulum type balancing

machine

➢ (in the form of a

weighing machine)

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 3
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing of Machines…
Cradle type balancing machine:

➢ Is more sensitive than pendulum type

➢ Part to be tested is mounted on the cradle and coupled to a motor
➢ The motor is started and run to coincide with the natural frequency of
the system
➢ Thus the condition of resonance is achieved
➢ If no oscillation of the cradle, the part is in static balance

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 4
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing of Machines …
Pivoted-cradle balancing machine

➢ Part is mounted on cradle supported by supported rollers

➢ At both ends, springs and dampers are attached such that the natural
frequency can be adjusted and made equal to the motor speed.
➢ Voltage on the permanent magnet (on the indicators) is directly
proportional to the unbalance
io1071 Construeren/inleiding 5
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing of Machines …
Pivoted-cradle balancing machine with specimen mounted

rotor

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 6
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing of Machines …
Gisholt – type balancing machine
stroboscope
Stroboscope
flashes light

Angle marked end plate

attached to the rotor

voltmeter

Gisholt – type balancing machine

➢ Rotor mounted in spring supported half bearings.

➢ Vibration of bearing in particular direction used as direct measure of amount of unbalance
in the rotor.
➢ Effect of unbalances in two planes separated by two electrical circuits one for each
reference plane
io1071 Construeren/inleiding 7
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing of Machines…
Gisholt – type balancing machine

➢ Rotor mounted in spring

supported half bearings.

➢ Vibration of bearing in
particular direction used as
direct measure of amount of
unbalance in the rotor.

➢ Effect of unbalances in two

planes separated by two
electrical circuits one for each
reference plane

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 8
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Lesson 3 Revision Problems

1) What is a balancing machine?

2) Write short accounts on the working principles of the
following balancing machines:
a) Candle type balancing machine
b) Pendulum type balancing machine
c) Pivoted-candle balancing machine
d) Gisholt – type balancing machine

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 9
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 End…

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 10
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Lesson 4

Balancing Engines

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 1
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing Engines…
Why Balance Engines?
➢ For smoother engine operation &
longevity
➢ Forces & vibrations multiply as
engine RPM increase

Copyright 2003 Gary Lewis – Dave Capitolo

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 2
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing Engines…

Process …

First step in diagnosing engine

vibration

➢ Isolate engine
mounts/insulators

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 3
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing Engines…
➢ 2nd Step: Weighting groups
for balancing

• Rotating weights

Housing bore end of rods

Rod journals
Rod bearings
Oil

• Reciprocating weights

Pistons, pins, rings, locks

Pin end of rods

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 4
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing Engines…

✓ Weighing connecting rods

• Record rotating weight

of rod
• Record reciprocating
weight of rod

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 5
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing Engines…

✓ Weighing piston assemblies

• Record weight of . . .
Piston
Pin
Ring set
Locks

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 6
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing Engines…

➢ 3rd Step: Balancing

✓ Connecting rods

• Equalize the housing bore

end of the rods first

• Equalize the pin end of

the rods

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 7
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing Engines…

✓ Balancing piston assemblies

• Reduce piston assembly

weights from . . . piston or
pin

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 8
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing Engines…

Vibration forces in 4 cyl. in-line

• Primary vibration
➢ Up and down vibration
✓ Counterweights used to cancel

• Secondary vibration
➢ Differences in acceleration rates
✓ Balance shafts used to counteract

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 9
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing Engines…

In-line crankshaft design

• Counterweights are equal in

force to crank pins (primary
vibration)

• If rotating weights are the

same, they cancel each other
in ‘in-line’ 6 cyl. engines

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 10
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing Engines…

4 cylinder in-line crankshaft design

• Reciprocating forces do not

completely cancel

Acceleration is greater as the

piston passes TDC and starts
down
• Balance shafts can
counteract these forces

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 11
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing Engines…

4 cylinder in-line crankshaft design (cont.)

• Unbalanced forces are minimized by . . .

Reducing reciprocating weights
Shorter stroke
Longer connecting rods

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 12
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing Engines…

6 cylinder in-line crankshaft design

• If reciprocating forces are equal,

they cancel each other

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 13
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing Engines…

V-block crankshaft design

• Counterweights are equal in force to . . .

Rotating weight at crankpins plus a

Percentage of the reciprocating weight

• Percentage of reciprocating weight in

counterweight design, varies with the amount
that the forces cancel between cylinders

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 14
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing Engines…

V-block crankshaft design (ctd.)

• V-6 engines have rocking couples

Greater in 90° V-blocks than 60°

• Even firing V-6 engines

Reciprocating weights do not cancel
Counterweights do not fully compensate

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 15
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing Engines…

Externally balanced engines

• Weights added to outside of

crankshaft

• Limited room for counterweights

in crankcase

• Can be converted to internal using

heavy metal

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 16
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing Engines…

Balance specifications

• A balanced engine has . . .

✓ Reciprocating forces that cancel

✓ Wobble that does not exceed oil

clearance, 6 grams or less at 1”
radius for computerized balancers

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 17
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing Engines…

Balancing procedure (Summary)

• Record piston weights and lighten

heavy pistons to match lighter
pistons

• Equalize rotating weights

• Equalize reciprocating weights

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 18
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing Engines…

Balancing procedure
• Corrections are made to the
• Crankshafts are dynamically end counterweights
balanced in 2 planes to eliminate
wobble

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 19
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing Engines…

Balancing procedure

• Dimensions needed:

✓ Radius from center to

counterweights

✓ Distance between
counterweights

✓ Distance between
counterweight and support

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 20
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing Engines…

Balancing procedure

• Balancing equipment/machines
locate point of correction
• Weight is either added to one side
or removed from the other

• Amount varies with the radius

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 21
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing Engines…

Balancing procedure

• In-line engines do not

require bob weights

• V-block engines use bob

weights

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 22
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing Engines…

Balancing procedure
Funbalanced = (1 − %)mr 2
 
cos + %mr 2 sin
2

2

• Weight calculations M to / balance = (%xMrecoprocating) + Mrevolving

V8 engines 100% rotate, 50% recip

60° V6 engines 100% rotate, 50% recip
90° odd-fire V6 engines 100% rotate, 50% recip
90° even fire V6 engines 100% rotate, 36.6% recip
90° V6 engines w/ 18 splayed crankshaft 100% rotate, 46% recip
V6 engines with balance shaft 100% rotate, 50% recip

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 23
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing Engines…

➢ Balancing with heavy metals …

• Holes filled with Tungsten alloy

• For external to internal change
• Expensive for conventional balancing

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 24
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Lesson 4 Revision Problems

1) Explain why balancing engines is important.

2) List any five rotating masses in engines.
3) List any five reciprocating masses in engines.
4) What are the key specifications of a balanced engine?
5) Explain the engine balancing procedure. Which
dimensions needed during balancing?
6) What is typically used to counteract the secondary
vibrations caused by reciprocating forces in engines?

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 25
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 End…

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 26
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Lesson 5

Balancing Linkages

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 1
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing Linkages…
➢ Balancing of linkages is
necessary for quiet
operation, high speeds , ➢ If the moving linkages
long joints life, operator are not balanced
comfort, etc. completely then the
➢ Examples of inertia forces are set
mechanical systems or up, which may cause
mechanisms with excessive:
linkages that require ✓ noise,
balancing include motor ✓ vibration,
vehicle engines and ✓ wear and tear of
locomotive engines the system

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 2
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing Linkages…
Four cylinder inline engine – crank arrangement

Ring
gear

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 3
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing Linkages…
6-cylinder inline engine
Crank arrangement

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 4
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing Linkages…
V-six engine – crank arrangement

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 5
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing Linkages…

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 6
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing Linkages…

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 7
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing Linkages…
➢ Engine linkages (conrod,
piston & crank) can be
modeled as a four-bar
mechanism/linkage
(crank-slider mechanism)

x
1 Cylinder wall
main bearing

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 8
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing Linkages…
Effect of Inertia forces in an engine:

mA r 2 –due to rotating linkage

y
A
2

3

θ  B4
O2 x
m BA B
1 Cylinder wall
main bearing

mA r 2 –inertia force due to revolving masses

[mB r 2 (cos θ+ cos 2 θ/ n + ……. )]

-inertia force due to reciprocating masses

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 9
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Balancing Linkages…
y
A
2

F21y 3

F21
θ=t
 B 4
F21x O2 x
1
main bearing F 14

F21x – unbalanced inertia force along the line of

stroke

F21y & F 14 - unbalanced couple on the engine

cylinder
io1071 Construeren/inleiding 10
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 Lesson 5 Revision Problems

1) Write short accounts on the following: (a) Four

cylinder inline engine , (b) Six cylinder inline engine (d)
V six engine (e) V eight engine
2) How does crank arrangement of a 6-cylinder inline
engine differ from that of a V six engine?
3) Use suitable sketch(es) to show how unbalanced inertia
force along the line of stroke and unbalanced couple in
engine linkages evolve.

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 11
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines
 End…

io1071 Construeren/inleiding 12
ME 41 - Dynamics of Machines