DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

BANGLADESH UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY, DHAKA.

Applied Mechanics and Material Laboratory

ME-350: MECHANICS OF MACHINERY SESSIONAL

Mechanical engineers deal with machines. Machines consist of different parts and/or links
connected together in such a way that for a given input (motion or force) a desired output (motion
or force) is obtained. In order to know the characteristics of a machine, one should know the
behaviour of a body in motion with or without reference to forces involved. In Mechanics of
Machinery Sessional, students are urged to familiarize themselves with various properties of
bodies in motion. They should also be able to solve numerical problems.

The following experiments are to be done in one term:

Set. No. Expt. No. Name of the Experiment

1 1 Static and Dynamic Balancing of a Shaft
1 2 Bifilar Suspension
2 3 Free Vibration of a Single Degree of Freedom System
2 4 Determining Mass Moment of Inertia of a Flywheel
3 5 Study of Compound Pendulum
3 6 Study of Gyroscope
4 7 Critical Speed of a Shaft
4 8 Study of Cam

YOU MUST READ THE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE COMING TO THE

CLASS.

Submission of Reports:

The students must submit their reports at the end of the class. Reports should be brief and must be
submitted in a file. Name of the student, roll number, group and session should be clearly written
on the top cover of the file as well as on the top sheet of each set of experiments.

For ease of identification, each group of students should use colored files as recommended by the
teachers.

The report should include the following items:

1. Set number and experiment number

2. Name of the experiment
3. Objectives of the experiment
4. Names (only) of the apparatus
5. Schematic diagram of the experimental set-up
6. Experimental data
7. Sample calculations
8. Graphs and results
9. Discussions

NOTE: Items I through 5 should be prepared by each student before coming to perform
experiments.

Each student must bring with him SCALE, PEN, PENCIL, ERASER, GEOMETRY /
INSTRUMENT BOX, PLAIN PAPERS, GRAPH PAPERS, etc.

Sheet\ME-350 1
 EXPERIMENT NO. 1
STATIC AND DYNAMIC BALANCING OF A SHAFT

OBJECTIVES:
1. To calculate angular and longitudinal positions of counter balancing weights for static and
dynamic balancing of an unbalanced rotating mass system.
2. To check experimentally that the positions of counter balancing weights calculated as
above are correct.

THEORY:
A shaft is said to be statically balanced if the shaft can rest, without turning, at any angular position
in its bearings. This condition is attained when the sum of the centrifugal forces on the shaft due
to unbalanced masses is zero in any radial direction. The centrifugal force due to unbalanced mass
of weight Wi with its centre of gravity at a radial distance ri is proportional to Wi ri. For a shaft to
be statically balanced, the summation of components of all such forces should be zero in any radial
direction. That is,
∑ 𝑊𝑖 𝑟𝑖 = 0
𝑖
A shaft is said to be dynamically balanced when it does not vibrate in its running state. To make a
shaft dynamically balanced, it must first be statically balanced. In addition, the sum of the moments
of centrifugal forces due to the attached masses about any axis perpendicular to the axis of the
shaft must be zero. This condition is fulfilled when

∑ 𝑊𝑖 𝑟𝑖 𝑙𝑖 = 0
𝑖
where li is the distance of the attached mass from one end of the shaft.

APPARATUS:

Static and dynamic balancing machine.

The machine consists of two frames - a small rectangular main frame and a large rectangular
support frame which stands vertically up on a platform. The shaft to be balanced is mounted in
the main frame and may be run by an electric motor attached to the lower member of the frame.
The axial distance of the masses can be measured by a scale attached to the lower member. The
position of masses is determined with the help of a protractor fitted to one end of the shaft. Four
different masses are provided which may be clamped on to the shaft at any axial and angular
positions.

PROCEDURES:

A. STATIC BALANCING

1. Clamp blocks 1 and 2 on to the shaft at given (known) angular positions and at any
convenient axial positions. The shaft becomes statically unbalanced. See figure below.

W4

2. To balance the shaft, blocks 3 and 4 are to be clamped at some angular positions which will
satisfy the following equations for static balancing;

Sheet\ME-350 2
 ∑(𝑊𝑖 𝑟𝑖 )𝑥 = ∑(𝑊𝑖 𝑟𝑖 ) cos 𝜃𝑖 = 0
𝑐 𝑡

∑(𝑊𝑖 𝑟𝑖 )𝑦 = ∑(𝑊𝑖 𝑟𝑖 ) sin 𝜃𝑖 = 0

𝑡 𝑡

The angular positions of blocks 3 and 4 can be found from the above equations. Knowing the Wr-
values of the four blocks, one should be able to find the unknown angles with the help of
the force polygon.
3. Clamp blocks 3 and 4 on the shaft at the determined angles.
4. They should be statically balanced. Verify that the shaft rests in its bearings at any angular
positions.

B. DYNAMIC BALANCING:

1. Take the main frame off from its rigid support and suspend it parallel to the support frame
with the help of three springs. Put on the motor belt.
2. Place blocks 1 and 2 at given axial and radial positions. Radial positions being calculated
earlier, axial positions of blocks 3 and 4 have to be determined for dynamic balancing
analytically be using the following equations or graphically by using the couple polygon;

∑(𝑊𝑖 𝑟𝑖 𝑙𝑖 )𝑥 = ∑(𝑊𝑖 𝑟𝑖 sin 𝜃𝑖 )𝐿𝑖 = 0

𝑐 𝑡

∑(𝑊𝑖 𝑟𝑖 )𝑦 = ∑(𝑊𝑖 𝑟𝑖 cos 𝜃𝑖 )𝐿𝑖 = 0

𝑐 𝑡

Let their axial positions be indicated by L3 and L4 as required for dynamic balancing.

Reference Plane

l3

l1

l2

l4

3. Clamp locks 3 and 4 at the calculated angular and axial positions.

4. Switch on the motor to run the shaft and verify that the shaft does not vibrate.

DISCUSSIONS:

1. While verifying the stages of balancing experimentally did you notice any deviation from
the ideal state? What were the deviations?
2. State the reasons for deviations if there were any.
3. Why dynamic balancing is so important to us?
4. Is the effect of unbalance of the shaft the same at all speeds of the shaft? If not, what is the
most dangerous speed?

Sheet\ME-350 3
 EXPERIMENT NO. 2
BIFILAR SUSPENSION
OBJECTIVES:

The objectives of the experiment are to determine experimentally the moment of inertia and the
radius of gyration about its centre of gravity and to compare them with theoretical values.

THEORY:

The bifilar suspension is used to determine the moment of inertia of a body about an axis passing
through its centre of gravity. The body is suspended by two parallel cords of length “l”, at a distance
“d” apart. If the mass of the body is “M”, then the tension in either cord is Mg/2. If the system is
now displaced through s small angle at its central axis, then an angular displacement
will be produced at the supports (see figure below).

d
l
Ф
A'
Q B
A
B'
Mg

𝑑
If both angles are small, then, 𝑙∅ = ( )𝜃
2

The restoring force at the point of attachment of the thread B and B1 will be –

𝑀𝑔 𝑀𝑔
sin ∅ = ∅ (for small ∅)
2 2

𝑑𝜃 𝑑𝜃 𝑑𝜃
Since ∅ = (
2𝑙
), the restoring force = 𝑀𝑔 4𝑙 , and the restoring couple is thus − 𝑀𝑔𝑑 4𝑙
.

𝑑2𝜃 𝑀𝑔𝑑 2 𝜃
Giving an equation of motion 𝐼𝜃̈ = − 𝑀𝑔 𝑖. 𝑒. , 𝜃̈ + − =0
4𝑙 4𝑙𝐼

4𝐼𝑙
Therefore, the motion is S.H.M. of periodic time, 𝑇 = 2𝜋√
𝑀 𝑔 𝑑2

𝑀𝑔𝑑 2 𝑇 2
Therefore, 𝐼 =
16 𝜋2 𝑙

2𝐾 𝑙 𝐼
Alternatively, T may be expressed as: 𝑇 = 2𝜋
𝑑
√𝑔 , since: 𝐾 2 = 𝑀

where d is the distance between the wires (m)

 is the length of suspension (m)
K is the radius of gyration of the body about its centre of gravity.

APPARATUS:

The Universal Vibration Apparatus and a uniform rectangular bar suspended by fine wires.

Sheet\ME-350 4
PROCEDURES:

Suspend the beam by wires and adjust it to some suitable length l. Measure the distance between
the threads “d” accurately, before displacing the beam through some small angle. Measure time
for 20 oscillations, from which the periodic time may be calculated. Repeat the procedure three
times.

Change the length of the wires l and time a further 20 swings. The periodic times should be
calculated for four such lengths. The inertia of the body may be increased by placing the two
masses on either side of the centre line, and repeating the procedure four times for various values
of l and b (b being the distance of separation of the masses). Having determined the parameters l,
b, d and T, the radius of gyration K may be calculated from:

𝐾 𝑙 𝑇𝑑 𝑔
𝑇 = 4𝜋 √ , from which : 𝐾 = √𝑙
𝑑 𝑔 4𝜋

In order to calculate moments of inertia, the mass of the beam (unloaded) is required.

DATA AND RESULTS:

The data should be presented in a tabular format like the sample table shown below:

Test No. I d T K (m) 𝐾2 M I

(m) (m) (S) (kg) (kg-m2)
(m2)

DISCUSSIONS:

1. How would one determine the radius of gyration, and hence moment of inertia, of any body
using the bifilar suspension?

2. Are the theoretical and experimental values of K and I in good agreement? If not so, what
may be the reason(s)?

Sheet\ME-350 5
 EXPERIMENT NO. 3
FREE VIBRATION OF A SINGLE DEGREE OF FREEDOM SYSTEM

OBJECTIVES:

To determine the frequency of small vibration of a pendulum by theoretical and experimental

means.

THEORY:
A. FREE VIBRATION WITHOUT SPRINGS
Let  be the angle of inclination and l be the length of the bar, W be the weight of the pendulum
(refer to the figure below). Assume that the weight of the bar is negligibly small. Then, for any
angular displacement , of the pendulum.
1 1W
Kinetic Energy, KE = mv 2 = (l )2 , where l is the velocity of the pendulum.
2 2 g
Change in potential energy due to vertical displacement is ̶
 
2

2
PE = Wl (1 − cos ) = 2Wl  sin  = Wl
 2 2
Therefore, the total energy for the set-up is constant ̶
PE + KE = c, where c is a constant
2 W
 Wl + ( l ) = c
2

2 2g
 2l
 2 + = cl
g
g2
 2 + = cl
l
 ( 2 ) + (2 ) = 0
d g d
dt l dt
d g d
 2 + 2 =0
dt l dt
d 2 g
 2 + =0
dt l
g
Frequency of insulation,  = and the time period,
l
2 2
T= = .
 g /l

Momentum balance for a pendulum:

Sheet\ME-350 6
  M = ( M )
0 0 eff

 mg sin l = ma f l
 at + g sin  = 0
 l + g  = 0
d 2 g
 + =0
dt 2 l
d 
2
g
2
+  2  = 0;  =
dt l

B. FREE VIBRATION WITH SPRINGS

If the spring constants of the two springs are K1 and K2 respectively, then the equivalent spring
constant (see figure) should be

K = K1 + K2
a
1W
Kinetic energy of the mass, KEm = (l ) and change in potential energy
2

2 g K1 K2

 
2

2
Ф
associated with mass, PE = Wl (1 − cos ) = 2Wl  sin  = Wl l
 2 2
1
Potential energy associated with spring, PEs = K ( a )
2

2
PE + KE = c, where c is a constant
W 2 1
(l ) + Wl + K ( a ) = c
2


2

2g 2 2
 g Kga 2  2
 2 +  + 2 
 = cl
 l Wl 
 g Kga 2  d
 ( 2 ) +  + (2 ) = 0
d
2 
dt  l Wl  dt
d  g Kga 2  d  d
 2 + 2  + 2 
= 0; =
dt  l Wl  dt dt
d 2   g Kga 2 
 + +  = 0
dt 2  l Wl 2 
g Kga 2 2 2
Frequency,  = + and period of oscillation, T = = .
l Wl 2
 g Kga 2
+
l Wl 2

APPARATUS:

1. Measure W and . The values of spring constants are given below.

2. Displace the pendulum through a small angle and let go. Record the time for 20 oscillations.
Repeat the procedure at least thrice and calculate the average frequency without springs.

3. Repeat step 3 for at least two more values of a.

4. compare the experimentally found frequencies with the theoretical ones.

DATA AND RESULTS

Weight of the pendulum, W = 1.5 lb.

Sheet\ME-350 7
Length of the bar, l = 18.5 inch.
Spring constant for spring 1, K1 = 3.3 lb/in spring
constant for spring 2, K2 = 3.3 lb/in
Equivalent spring constant, K = 6.6 lb/in
Length, a =

Sample data sheet for the experimental set-up without springs:

No. of Time for 20 Average time for 20 Experimental Theoretical

Obs. oscillations (sec.) oscillations (sec.) frequency frequency

Sample data sheet for the experimental set-up with springs:

No. of Length a Time for 20 Average time for Experimental Theoretical

Obs. (mm) oscillations 20 oscillations frequency frequency
(sec.) (sec.)

DISCUSSIONS:

Write down the reasons for the variations in the experimental and theoretical values, if there is any.

Sheet\ME-350 8
 EXPERIMENT NO. 4
DETERMINING MASS MOMENT OF INERTIA OF A FLYWHEEL
OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the experiment are as follows:

1. To determine the mass moment of inertia of a flywheel by falling weight method.

2. To determine the radius of gyration.
3. To determine the frictional torque.

THEORY

Notations used:

α angular acceleration d diameter of the shaft with allowance

for the rope
m attached mass T torque
Tt theoretical torque Tf frictional torque
t time of fall h height of fall
a linear acceleration I mass moment of inertia
k radius of gyration M mass of the flywheel

Governing equations:

T = Iα (1)
T = Tt – Tf (2)
Tt = (mg-ma) (d/2) (3)
h = ½ (at2) (4)
a = 2h/t2 (5)
α = 2a/d (6)
I = Mk2 (7)
K = √𝐼/𝑀 (8)

In the above equations, values of m, t, h, g, and d are known

and T, Tt, Tf, a, and I are unknown.

Tt – Tf = I(2a/d)

𝑑 2 ℎ
=> (mg-ma) 2 − 𝑇𝑓 = 𝐼 𝑑 2 [from eqns. (3) and (5)]
𝑡2

=> m(g-2h/t2) d/2 – Tf = 4hI/dt2

=> m(gt2-2h) d/2 – Tf t2 = 4hI/d

2 𝑇𝑓 𝑡 2 8ℎ𝐼
=> m(gt2-2h) = +
𝑑 𝑑2

In the above equation, the only variables are m and t. Note that the above equation is of the form

y = mx + c

where m(gt2 – 2h) is one variable on the ordinate, t2 is the other variable on the abscissa and 2Tf/d
is the slope. Therefore, if one draws a graph with these axes, one can obtain the value of Tf from

Sheet\ME-350 9
the slope, and the value of I from the intercept on the ordinate. Once the moment of inertia becomes
known, the radius of gyration can be calculated from eqn. (8).

APPARATUS

The test rig, stop watch, scale, mass holder and masses.

The test rig consists of a shaft resting on two ball bearings. The flywheel is mounted on the shaft.
An inextensible cord carrying a mass holder is tied and wrapped around the shaft. One or more
masses can be placed on the mass holder. If the load is sufficient to overcome the bearing friction,
the cord unwinds from the shaft and the mass starts falling until stopped by a steel plate at the base.

PROCEDURE

1. Place the 0.964 kg weight on the holder. Turn the flywheel to wound the cord until the
weight is at a height 1.473 metres.

2. Release the flywheel and start the stop watch simultaneously. The weight will start falling.
Measure the time of fall. Repeat the step at least thrice. Calculate the average time of fall.
(Accurate timing is very important in this experiment.)

3. Gradually increase the weight and repeat step 2 for at least 6 different weights. Always
keep the height at 1.473 metres. (Suggested weights are 0.964, 1,490, 2,490, 4,830 and
9,500 kg).

4. Plot a graph with m(gt2-2h) along the ordinate and t2 along the abscissa. The graph should
be a straight line. From the graph, find the intercept on the ordinate and calculate the mass
moment of inertia from the following formula:

I = d2/8h × (Intercept on the ordinate)

5. Calculate the radius of gyration from the value of I.

6. Find the slope of the line and hence the friction torque by using the following formula:

𝑑
Tf = ( ) ∗ (𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒)
2

DATA AND RESULTS

M = 15.391 kg d = 0.032
m h = 1.473 m
mass of the holder, m1 = 0.45 kg

Sample data sheet:

No. Attached Total mass, Time of fall (sec.) Average t2 m(gt2-2h)

of mass, m2 m = (m1+m2) time of fall
Obs. (kg) (sec.)

Sheet\ME-350 10
DISCUSSIONS

The graph you have drawn should be a straight line. If it is not, state reasons. State any other points
you find necessary to be stated.

Sheet\ME-350 11
 EXPERIMENT NO. 5
STUDY OF COMPOUND PENDULUM
OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the experiment are to find out the radius of gyration and the moment of inertia
of a compound pendulum and compare the experimental values with the theoretical values.

THEORY

When a rigid body, suspended from a point (as shown in the figure), is displaced through a small
angle θ, the restoring couple- Mgh sin 𝜃 = -mghθ (for small θ) is produced. The equation of
motion is –

- mghθ = 𝐼 𝜃̈ (1)

where, M = mass of the rod

h = distance of the centre of gravity from the point of suspension
θ = angle of vertical displacement
I = moment of inertia for the rod about the axis through the point of suspension
𝜃̈ = acceleration of the system

The motion is simple harmonic and the periodic time, T is –

𝐼
𝑇 = 2𝜋 √ (2)
𝑀𝑔ℎ

If Ig is the moment of inertia about c.g. then

I = Ig + Mh2 (according to the parallel axis theorem) (3)

and Ig = Mk2 (4)

where, K is the radius of gyration. Therefore,

𝐾 2 + ℎ2
𝑇 = 2𝜋 √
𝑔ℎ

By varying the value of h and evaluating T, the radius of gyration of the rod about
its centre of gravity may be calculated and compared with the theoretical value.

APPARATUS h
G

The compound pendulum consists of a 12.7 mm diameter steel rod 0.914 m long. L1

The rod is supported by an adjustable knife edge on the cross member. The knife
edge can be moved along the rod to alter the value of h, i.e., the distance of the c.g.
from the point of suspension.

EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE

The centre of gravity of the rod is measured from the given length of the rod. The position of the
c.g. is at a distance of (L/2) from either end, where L is the length of the rod. The knife edge is
tightened at a given position so that it swings freely without any rotation at the support. The time
for 30 oscillations is taken after displacing the pendulum through a small vertical angle. The time
of 30 oscillations are recorded at least three times at any given value of L1. The average of these
values gives the periodic time T.

Sheet\ME-350 12
Repeat the whole procedure to find out the periodic time T for each of the SEVEN different values
of h. IT IS ADVISABLE TO REMOVE THE ROD FROM THE CROSS BEAM AND DO ANY
ADJUSTMENTS AWAY FROM THE PORTAL FRAME.

The values of K can be calculated from the values of h and T from equation (5). These values are
then compared with the theoretical values calculated from –

K = L1/√3 (Routh’s Rule)

DATA AND RESULTS

Length of the rod = 0.914 m

Diameter of the rod = 12.7 mm
Mass of the rod = 894.6 gm

Format of the Table:

No. Effective Value Time of 30 oscillations (sec) Periodic Expt. Theoretical Expt. Theoretical
of Length of h t1 t2 t3 t4 Time value value of value of value of
Obs. L1 (m) (m) T (sec) of K (m) I I
K (m) (kg-m2) (kg-m2)

FURTHER CONSIDERATIONS

1. Calculate the length of the equivalent simple pendulum for one of the above observations
by considering the time period of the simple pendulum to be equal to that of the compound
pendulum.

2. Find the two values of h which satisfy the resulting quadratic equation giving equal
vibration times.

3. Investigate, using the equation.

h2 – hL1 + K2 = 0

the fact that if a distance K2/h1 is measured along the axis from G, remote from the point
of suspension O to another point O', so that OO' = L1 and the periodic time about O' is the
same as that about O.

Sheet\ME-350 13
 EXPERIMENT NO. 6
STUDY OF GYROSCOPE
OBJECTIVES

To determine the relation between the reaction torque and the processional speed.

APPARATUS

Gyroscope, weights, hanger, stop watch.

THEORY
Y
The change in the direction of the axis of spin of a Gyroscope is referred to as b 𝛺
precession. A constant couple T (with axis parallel to Y) will produce a 𝑑𝜃 Axis of precession
constant precessional speed, (around axis Z). a 𝜔
𝐼𝜔
O Axis of shaft
𝑇 = 𝐽 𝜔 𝛺 For a uniformly rotating disk, (𝜔 = constant)
X

𝐽 𝜔 = constant Applied couple

Z

The couple has a proportional relationship with the precessional speed.

PROCEDURE

1. Connect the Gyroscope to 110 VAC supply. The disk will rotate and keep the axis
horizontal.

2. Add weight on the shaft of the disk on one side. Note the weight (or applied couple).
Measure the precessional speed by noting the time required by the disk to make 5 or 6
complete revolutions. Repeat 6 times with different loads gradually increasing the value.

3. Repeat the above procedure by applying loads on the other side of the shaft.

4. Plot the torque versus precessional speed curve. Check deviation of the experimental points
from a straight line relationship and comment on the deviations, if any.

Load arm =

No. of Weight gm Torque Time of No. of Precessional

obs. gm-cm precession revolutions speed
sec rad/sec
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

REFERENCES: Textbooks on Theory of Machines.

Sheet\ME-350 14
 EXPERIMENT NO. 7
CRITICAL SPEED OF A SHAFT

OBJECTIVES

The objective of the experiment is to determine experimentally the critical speed of a transversely
loaded rotating shaft and to compare it with the theoretically calculated value.

THEORY

In this exercise, only simply supported beam cases (bearings at two ends) are considered. It is
known that the critical rotational speed in radians per second is equal to the circular natural
frequency of transverse vibration. This statement is correct when concentrated masses are carried
on shafts. For the case of an elastic system, if the spring constant is K then the natural frequency
of vibration with mass m is given by-

𝐾
𝜔= √ (1)
𝑚

But W = mg = Ky, where y = static deflection.

m1 m2

a b

Therefore,
𝑊/𝑦 𝑔
𝜔= √ = √ rad/sec (2)
𝑊/𝑔 𝑦

Similarly, within the elastic limit for the case of a simply supported beam

𝑔
𝜔=√ rad/sec (3)
𝑦

where, y = static deflection of the beam due to the weight W.

Therefore,

60 𝑔
𝑛𝑜 = 2𝜋
√𝑚 rev/min
(4)
30 𝑔
= √𝑚 rev/min
𝜋

where, g and y must be in consistent units.

Consider the following cases:

Case-1: (Refer to the figure shown above)

When the mass is not at mid-point, i.e., a ≠ b, then the deflection of the shaft is given by-

𝑊 𝑎2 𝑏 2
𝑦=
3𝐸𝐼𝐿

Sheet\ME-350 15
When W is due to the masses m1 and m2 together.

Case-2: (Refer to the figure shown above)

When the mass is at the mid-point, i.e., a = b, then the deflection of the beam is given by-

𝑊 𝐿3
𝑦=
48 𝐸 𝐼

When W is due to the masses m1 and m2 together.

Case-3: (Refer to the following figures)

When the two masses are separate, Dunkerley’s Formula for critical speed can be applied-

1 1 1
2
= 2
+ … … … … ….
𝑛𝑐 𝑛𝑐1 𝑛𝑐2 2

30 𝑔
Where, 𝑛𝑐1 = 𝜋
√𝑦 [ when only m1 is used]
1

30 𝑔
𝑛𝑐2 = 𝜋
√𝑦 [ when only m2 is used]
2

m1 m2

L/4 L/2 L/4

m1 m2
L/4 L/2 L/4

In this case, two critical speeds will be obtained. One speed can be found for the mode of the shaft
as shown in the above figure (top). If the speed is further increased, the shaft will start rotating like
that shown in figure (bottom) with a node at the centre. For this mode,

𝑊 (𝐿/2)3
𝑦=
48 𝐸 𝐼
NOTATIONS

nc = critical speed of the shaft (rpm)

𝜔 = critical speed of the shaft(rad/sec)
d = diameter of the shaft (m)
I = polar moment of inertia of the shaft (m4)
E = modulus of elasticity of the shaft material (for steel E = 210 GN/m2)
L = length of the shaft (m) [NOTE: 25 mm should be deducted for each weight due to
their stiffening effects on the shaft]
y = deflection of the shaft due to the weights (m) [self weight of the shaft is neglected]
W = weight of the attached mass (N)
m1 = 1 kg; W1 = 9.81 N
m2 = 1 kg; W2 = 9.81 N

APPARATUS

Sheet\ME-350 16
The Critical Revolution Machine, MT215, weights, scale and slide callipers.

ATTENTION

THE MAXIMUM DISTANCE BETWEEN THE TWO INNER BEARINGS IS 450mm.

DISTANCE BETWEEN THE CONSECUTIVE MARKS ON THE SHAFT IS 50mm. BEFORE
STARTING THE MACHINE, PLEASE CHECK THAT THE MASSES ARE TIGHTLY
SCREWED ONTO THE SHAFT. ALSO MAKE SURE THAT THE INPUT VOLTAGE TO THE
MACHINE IS 110V.

EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE

1. Set a suitable length L of the shaft by sliding the two block bearings along the shaft. The
maximum length of the shaft should not exceed 400mm.

2. For Cases 1 and 2, the two masses should be brought together to obtain a punctiform mass.
The masses are locked on the shaft by tightening the screws attached to them. (The axially
free bearings should be placed in such a way that a clearance of about 5 mm is obtained
between the mass and the bearing. These bearings are used to prevent a greater than
permissible deflection of the shaft).

3. Connect the machine to 110V AC source. Make sure that the speed control knob is at the
zero position before the machine is switched on. Increase the speed of the shaft by turning
the speed control knob slowly and gradually. Make note of the speed from the dial when
the critical speed is attained. Enter the value in the data sheet and compare the value with
the theoretically calculated value. Repeat the procedure three times. One should take care
about not to keep the speed of the shaft at its critical level for more than 2 seconds.

DATA AND RESULTS

Diameter of the shaft, D = 6.0 mm

𝜋
Polar moment of inertia f the shaft, 𝐼 = 𝐷4
64

Format of the Table

Case-1: Two masses are together, but not at the mid point, a ≠ b

No. of Observed Average length of Length Length Length Calculated nc

Obs. nc (rpm) nc (rpm) shaft, L (m) a (m) b (m) y (m) (rpm)

Case-1: Two masses are together and at the mid point, a = b

No. of Observed Average length of Length Length Length Calculated nc

Obs. nc (rpm) nc (rpm) shaft, L (m) a (m) b (m) y (m) (rpm)

Case-3: Two masses are separate

Sheet\ME-350 17
No. of Observed Average length of Length a Length b Length y Calculated nc
Obs. nc (rpm) nc (rpm) shaft, L (m) (m) (m) (m) (rpm)
Without
node

With a
node

REFERENCES

Textbooks on Theory of Machine and Mechanical Vibrations (Chapters or sections on Critical

Speed).

Sheet\ME-350 18
 EXPERIMENT NO. 8
STUDY OF CAMS

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the experiments are as follows:

1. To measure the displacement of the follower at different cam angles.

2. To plot the displacement versus cam angle curves, and 3. To compare
the actual curves with the theoretical curves.

THEORY

(a) Rise with uniform motion:

The rise is given by-

𝑑
𝑌= 𝜃, 0<𝜃<𝜋
𝛽
𝑑
𝑌 = 𝜃, 𝜋 < 𝜃 < 2𝜋
𝛽

where, d = maximum rise in inches

𝛽= angle of cam displacement interval in radians
𝜃 = cam angle in radians

Different values of is substituted into eqn. (1) to get the corresponding values of Y.

(b) Rise with constant acceleration and deceleration:

The displacement Y is given by:

𝜃 2 𝜃
𝑌 = 2𝑑 ( ) ; ≤ 0.5
𝛽 𝛽
𝜃 2 𝜃
= 𝑑 [1 − 2 ( ) ] ; ≥ 0.5
𝛽 𝛽

With constant velocity, the angle of cam rotation is proportional to the time t.

(c) Simple harmonic motion

The displacement of the follower with simple harmonic motion is given by-

𝑑 𝜋𝜃
𝑌= cos
2 𝛽

where,

d = maximum rise in inches

= angle of cam displacement interval in radians
= cam angle in radians

Sheet\ME-350 19
PROCEDURE

1. Place a cam on the shaft and screw on a follower on the follower rod.
2. Wrap a graph paper on the drum
3. Place a dial gauge on the horizontal support plate with its pointer on the follower
attachment.
4. Rotate the cam shaft with the handle. The attached pencil will mark the displacement
diagram on the graph paper. Take readings from the dial gauge at different cam angle.
5. Repeat procedure 1 to 4 with other cam and follower combinations.

DATA AND RESULTS

Format of the table

No. Cam Dial Total Rise Maximum Theoretical Displacement

of Angle Gauge Angle (𝛽) Rise (d)
Obs (𝜃) Reading Radians Inches 𝑑 Constant Simple
Radians Inches 𝑌= 𝜃 Acceln
𝛽 Harmonic
Inches & Deceln
1
2
3
4
5

REFERENCES

Textbooks on Theory of Machines Applied Kinematics.

Sheet\ME-350 20