DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment

UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG
Doornfontein Campus

WHIRLING OF SHAFTS
By

RAPATSA K.
220063389

A Semester report submitted.

in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the module

MECHANICS OF MACHINES 3B (MEMMIA3) B. ENG TECH

Engineering: Mechanical

LECTURER: Dr. K. Tekweme

Date: 31/05/2024
 DECLARATION
I, Koketso Rapatsa, hereby declare confirm that the information provided in this report is correct
to the best of my knowledge and information from third party sources has been referenced
using the IEEE method provided by the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering.

Signature: Date: 24/05/2024

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 ACKNOLEDGEMENTS
I would like to thank the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Technology for
giving me the opportunity to conduct this lab and compile a report as a way of incorporating
theory into practice. I would like to further give thanks to the lecturer Dr. K. Tekweme, the lab
technician Mr W Tlali and the module tutors for providing the necessary guidance, equipment,
and information.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
DECLARATION ................................................................................................................... ii
ACKNOLEDGEMENTS .......................................................................................................iii
1. OBJECTIVE ..................................................................................................................... 1
2. ASSUMPTIONS ............................................................................................................... 1
3. Theory ........................................................................................................................... 1
4. APPARATUS.................................................................................................................... 2
5. PROCEDURE .................................................................................................................. 2
6. READINGS ..................................................................................................................... 3
7. RESULTS ........................................................................................................................ 3
8. ANALYSIS OF RESULTS ................................................................................................... 4
8.1. Sample Calculations .............................................................................................. 4
9. DISCUSSION.................................................................................................................. 6
10. CONCLUSION ............................................................................................................ 7
11. References ................................................................................................................. 7
12. APPENDICES.............................................................................................................. 7

TABLE OF FIGURES
Figure 1: different modes of whirls of a shaft. [3] ...................................................................... 1
Figure 2: Experimental Setup. ................................................................................................. 2
Figure 3: Theoretical Mode speed vs Shaft diameter................................................................. 4
Figure 4: Actual Mode speed vs Shaft Diameter. ...................................................................... 4

TABLE OF TABLES
Table 1: Shafts Given Properties.............................................................................................. 3
Table 2: Measured Readings ................................................................................................... 3
Table 3: Theoretical Results .................................................................................................... 3
Table 4: Percentage Error. ....................................................................................................... 3
1. OBJECTIVE
The aim of this experiment is to:
1. To demonstrate basic whirling.
2. To observe 1st and 2nd mode whirling.
3. To compare the actual whirl speeds to theoretical whirl speeds.
4. To show that diameter affects whirling speeds.

2. ASSUMPTIONS
1. The shaft oscillates in simple harmonic motion.
2. The end conditions of the shaft are both fixed.
3. Homogeneity and Isotropic material – The physical properties of the shaft are the
same at every point and are identical in every direction. [1]
4. Linear Elastic Behaviour – The materials deform linearly according to Hooke’s Law
of elasticity [2]

3. Theory
Whirling of shafts is a phenomenon that occurs because of the dynamic instability in rotating
machinery. It can lead to significant undesirable vibrations that can lead to damage to the
machine or cause the shaft to fail. The whirl of shaft can occur in many patterns of vibration
depending on the on its speed of rotation. The following figure shows the patterns made by a
whirling shaft at different speeds.

Figure 1: different modes of whirls of a shaft. [3]

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 The second shaft indicated by (a) shows the shaft pattern at the first mode of whirling. The
shaft gets deflected from the axis of rotation where the maximum of deflection occurs at the
centre of the shaft. The second mode of deflection is shown by the shaft indicated by b. it shows
that the shaft gets deflects in different directions and happens at a higher speed than the 1st
mode of whirl.
The speed at which the 1st mode of whirl occurs can be calculated by the following formula:
𝐸𝐼𝑔
𝑁1 = 60√𝑊 4 × 𝐶1
𝑠𝐿

And the speed at which the 2nd mode of whirl occurs can be calculated by the following formula:

𝐸𝐼𝑔
𝑁1 = 60√ × 𝐶2
𝑊𝑠 𝐿4

𝜋𝐷1 4
Where: I = moment of inertia = 𝐼1 = 64

E = Young’s modulus.

W = weight of the shaft per unit length.

C = Whirl speed constant

4. APPARATUS
1. TM1001 Whirling of Shaft and Critical speed apparatus.

Safety Guard
Power Unit

Figure 2: Experimental Setup.

Sliding Bearing

5. PROCEDURE
1. The Experiment was Setup according to figure 1 in the apparatus section.
2. The Apparatus was switched ON.
3. The speed was of the shaft was increased until the first mode of Whirl appeared.
4. The equipment was allowed to stabilize.
5. After the equipment stabilized the speed of the shaft was noted and recorded in table 2.
6. The speed was reduced, and the equipment was switched off.

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 7. The safety guard was removed, and the cord was attached to the shaft.
8. The safety guard was put back on the apparatus.
9. Step 2-6 was repeated, and the observations were recorded in table 2.

6. READINGS
Table 1: Shafts Given Properties.

Shaft Diameter (m) Length (m) Weight per Unit Length Young’s Modulus
(N/m) (GPa)
1 0.003 0.9 0.579 207
2 0.007 0.9 2.3 207

Table 2: Measured Readings

1st mode whirl 2nd mode whirl 1st mode whirl 2nd mode whirl
speed 𝑁1 speed 𝑁2 speed 𝑁1 speed 𝑁2
(rev/min) Shaft 1 (rev/min) Shaft 1 (rev/min) Shaft (rev/min) Shaft 2
2
Actual 901 1040 1149 1436

7. RESULTS
Table 3: Theoretical Results

Shaft 1st mode whirl speed 2nd mode whirl speed Whirl speed ratio,
𝑁1 (rpm) 𝑁2 (rpm) 𝑁2
𝑁1

1 987.5 2439.7 2.47

2 2698.0 6664.7 2.47

Table 4: Percentage Error.

%ERROR Shaft 1st Mode speed 2nd Mode speed

1 8.76 57.4

2 57.41 78.46

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8. ANALYSIS OF RESULTS
Theoretical Mode speed vs Shaft diameter
7000
Theoretical Mode speed (rpm)

6000

5000

4000
1st Mode speed
3000 Theoretical

2000 2nd Mode speed

Theoretical
1000

0
0 0.002 0.004 0.006 0.008
Shaft diameter (m)

Figure 3: Theoretical Mode speed vs Shaft diameter.

Actual Mode speed vs Shaft Diameter

1600
1400
Actual Mode speed (rpm)

1200
1000
800
1st Mode speed Actual
600
2nd Mode speed Actual
400
200
0
0 0.002 0.004 0.006 0.008
Shaft diameter (m)

Figure 4: Actual Mode speed vs Shaft Diameter.

8.1. Sample Calculations

For Shaft 1

Fixed – Fixed Ends: 𝑊𝑠1 = 0.579 𝑁/𝑚, 𝐶1 = 3.57, 𝐸 = 207 × 109 𝑁/𝑚2

Calculating moment of Inertia:

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 𝜋𝐷1 4
𝐼1 =
64
𝜋(0.03)4
=
64
= 3.976 × 10−12 𝑚4

Calculating 1st mode whirl speed 𝑁1 :

𝐸𝐼𝑔
𝑁1 = 60√𝑊 4 × 𝐶1
𝑠1 𝐿

(207×109 ×3.976×10−12 ×9.81

= 60√ × 3.57
0.579×0.94

∴ 𝑁1 = 987.5 𝑟𝑝𝑚
Calculating 2nd mode whirl speed 𝑁2 :

For Fixed−Fixed End conditions: 𝑊𝑠2 = 0.579 𝑁/𝑚, 𝐶2 = 3.57

𝐸𝐼𝑔
𝑁2 = 60√𝑊 4 × 𝐶2
𝑠2 𝐿

(207×109 ×3.976×10−12 ×9.81

= 60√ 0.579×0.94
× 8.82

∴ 𝑁2 = 2439.7 𝑟𝑝𝑚
Calculating Actual speed ratio,
𝑁2 1040
=
𝑁1 901
= 1.15
Calculating Theoretical speed ratio,
𝑁2 2439.7
=
𝑁1 987.5
= 2.47

Calculating Percentage Error For 1st Mode Whirl speed:

|𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 − 𝐴𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙|
% 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = × 100
𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙
|987.5 − 901|
= × 100
987.5
= 8.76 %

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Calculating Percentage Error For 2nd Mode Whirl speed:
|𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 − 𝐴𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙|
% 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = × 100
𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙
|2439.7 − 1040|
= × 100
2439.7
= 57.4 %

9. DISCUSSION
The results obtained from the lab and the calculated results significantly differ indicated by the
error analysis in table 2. For the 1st whirl speed of the first shaft the percentage error was very
low at 8.76% indicating that the theory implemented was correct but for the second whirl speed
the percentage error was at 57.4% indicating that the read value at the lab was significantly
higher than the expected value. For the second shaft both percentage error of the speeds of 1st
and 2nd whirl were significantly higher (both greater than 50%). The higher percentage error
could have been caused by the assumptions made, since they were ideal conditions only
achievable in theory not in practice. The assumption was that the shaft oscillates in perfect
harmonic motion which is not achievable due to external factors such as changing temperature,
imperfect balancing, stiffness of bearings etc [4]. The third assumption assumed that the
physical properties such as density, young’s modulus, temperature etc of the shaft are the same
everywhere which is not the case. This is because some impurities in the material and
manufacturing processes will weaken or make it stronger, thus compromising its physical
properties ultimately its performance in such experiments.

Both figure 3 and 4 show the relationship between diameter of the shafts and their first and
second whirl speed for both theoretical and recorded results. From the figures it can be
concluded that the bigger the diameter of the shaft the higher its first and second whirl speed.
This is because shafts with bigger diameters have more moment of inertia than shafts with
smaller diameters thus it will require more speed to get them to whirl. The graphs also show
that the first whirl mode whirl happens at lower speed and the second mode whirl happens at
higher speeds.

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10. CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the lab was a success as the aim of the experiment was achieved. The theoretical
and actual whirls speeds were compared for both 1st and 2nd modes and the reasons for their
differences was discussed in the discussion section. It can be concluded that the diameter of
the shaft is directly proportional to the whirl speed.

11. References

[1] “Standford University,” [Online]. Available:

https://web.stanford.edu/~cantwell/AA200_Course_Material/The%20NACA%20airfoil%20series.pdf. [Accessed
30 May 2024].

[2] J. Raymond A. Serway & John W. Jewett, PHYSICS for Scientists and Engineers, Belmont: thomson Higher
Education, 2008.

[3] [Online]. Available:

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.slideshare.net%2Fslideshow%2Fwhirling-of-
shaft%2F232097042&psig=AOvVaw1OSnL3bcds0hdPUy065ASW&ust=1717263931693000&source=images&cd
=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBIQjRxqFwoTCMDCp-i4uIYDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAE. [Accessed 31 May 2024].

[4] “lehman education,” [Online]. Available: https://www.lehman.edu/faculty/anchordoqui/chapter23.pdf.

[Accessed 30 may 2024].

[5] J. Singh, “Ranking South African provinces on the basis of MERRA,” South African Weather Service, Pretoria,
2016.

[6] a. Soyoye, O. C. Ademosun and E. O. Olu-Ojo, “Manually operated vertical seed-plate maize planter,” 2016.
[Online]. Available: https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:113400205.

12. APPENDICES
Calculations For Shaft 2

Fixed – Fixed End Conditions: 𝑊𝑠1 = 2.3 𝑁/𝑚, 𝐶1 = 3.57, 𝐸 = 207 × 109 𝑁/𝑚2

Calculating moment of Inertia:

𝜋𝐷1 4
𝐼1 =
64
𝜋(0.07)4
=
64
= 1.179 × 10−10 𝑚4

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Calculating 1st mode whirl speed 𝑁1 :

𝐸𝐼𝑔
𝑁1 = 60√𝑊 4 × 𝐶1
𝑠1 𝐿

(207×109 ×1.179×10−10 ×9.81

= 60√ 2.3×0.94
× 3.57

∴ 𝑁1 = 2698.0 𝑟𝑝𝑚
Calculating 2nd mode whirl speed 𝑁2 :

For Fixed−Fixed End conditions: 𝑊𝑠2 = 0.579 𝑁/𝑚, 𝐶2 = 3.57

𝐸𝐼𝑔
𝑁2 = 60√𝑊 4 × 𝐶2
𝑠2 𝐿

207×109 ×1.1179×10−10 ×9.81

= 60√ 02.3×0.94
× 8.82

∴ 𝑁2 = 6665.7 𝑟𝑝𝑚
Calculating Actual speed ratio,
𝑁2 1436
=
𝑁1 1149
= 1.25
Calculating Theoretical speed ratio,
𝑁2 6665.7
=
𝑁1 2698
= 2.47

Calculating Percentage Error For 1st Mode Whirl speed:

|𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 − 𝐴𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙|
% 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = × 100
𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙
|2698 − 1149|
= × 100
2698
= 57.41 %

Calculating Percentage Error For 2nd Mode Whirl speed:

|𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 − 𝐴𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙|
% 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = × 100
𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙
|6665.7 − 1436|
= × 100
6665.7
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 = 78.46 %

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