Governors

PORTER GOVERNOR

HARTNELL GOVERNOR
PRESENT BY

Mr.K.Vinoth Kumar, M.Tech,(Ph.D)

Assistant professor
DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL
ENGINEERING
R.M.K COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND
TECHNOLOGY

WHAT IS THIS ??

WHAT IS THE
GOVERNOR ??
The
function
of
governor is to Regulate
the mean speed of an
engine , where there
are variation in the
load.

Example: when the load on an engine

increases, its speed decreases, therefore
it becomes necessary to increase the
supply of working fluid. On the other
hand, when the load on the engine
decreases, its speed increases and hence
less working fluid is required .
3

HESTORY:-James Watt (1736-1819)

Scottish engineer and
inventor
Interest in steam engines
Work on steam engines and
improvements to older
models at University of
Glasgow
The Watt Governor

Introduction
Flywheel which minimizes fluctuations of
speed within the cycle but it cannot minimize
fluctuations due to load variation.

GOVERNORS
The function of governor is to increase the supply of
working fluid going to the prime mover when the load on the
prime-mover increases and to decrease the supply when the load
decreases so as to keep the speed of the prime-mover almost
constant at different loads.

Governors
The function of a governor is to regulate the
mean speed of an engine, when there are
variations in the load.
When the load on an engine increases, its
speed decreases, therefore it becomes
necessary to increase the supply of working
fluid. On the other hand, when the load on
the engine decreases, its speed increases
and thus less working fluid is required.
The governor automatically controls the
supply of working fluid to the engine with
the varying load conditions and keeps the
mean speed within certain limits.

Governors
The function of a flywheel in an engine
is entirely different from that of a
governor.
It controls the speed variation caused
by the fluctuations of the engine
turning moment during each cycle of
operation. It does not control the speed
variations caused by a varying load.
The varying demand for power is met
by the governor regulating the supply
of working fluid.

Types of Governors
The governors may broadly be classified as;
1. Centrifugal governors 2. Inertia governors.
Centrifugal Governor

Dead weight type

Pendulum type
Watt Governor

Loaded type

Dead weight Governors

Porter Governor

Hartnell
Governor

Hartung
Governor

Spring controlled Governors

Proell Governor

Wilson-Hartnell
Governor

Pickering
Governor

Types of Centrifugal
Governor
Centrifugal governor

Pendulum type
Watt governor Dead weight
governor
Porter governor

Hartnell
governor

Loaded type
Spring controlled
governor
Proell governor

Hartung Wilson - Hartnel

governor
governor

Pickering
governor

Governors

Centrifugal Governor
The centrifugal governors are based on the
balancing of centrifugal force on the rotating balls
by an equal and opposite radial force, known as
the controlling force.
It consists of two equal masses, which are attached
to the arms as shown in fig. These masses are
known as governor masses or fly balls.
The masses revolve with a spindle, which is driven
by the engine through bevel gears. The upper ends
of the arms are pivoted to the spindle, so that the
balls may rise up or fall down as they revolve
about the vertical axis.
The arms are connected by the links to a sleeve,
which is keyed to the spindle. This sleeve revolves
with the spindle ; but can slide up and down. The
balls and the sleeve rises when the spindle speed
increases, and falls when the speed decreases.

Centrifugal Governor
When the load on the engine increases, the
engine and the governor speed decreases. This
results in the decrease of centrifugal force on the
balls. Hence the balls move inwards and the
sleeve moves downwards.
The downward movement of the sleeve operates a
throttle valve at the other end of the bell crank
lever to increase the supply of working fluid and
thus the engine speed is increased. In this case,
the extra power output is provided to balance the
increased load.
When the load on the engine decreases, the
engine and the governor speed increases, which
results in the increase of centrifugal force on the
balls. Thus the balls move outwards and the
sleeve rises upwards. This upward movement of
the sleeve reduces the supply of the working fluid
and hence the speed is decreased. In this case,
the power output is reduced.

GOVERNOR

FLY WHEEL

Controls mean speed

Controls cyclic fluctuations in speed

Adjusts supply energy to demand energy

No influence on supply energy

Mathematically, controls
Mathematically, controls N

N/t
(rate of change of speed)

Its action is repeating (intermittent)

Its action is uniform and continuous

It is provided on prime movers such as

engines and turbines

It is provided on engines and fabricating

machines

Difference between flywheel and

governor??
FLYWHEEL

used because of variation of

speed due to variation in the
output torque of engine
during a cycle.
Limits the inertiable
fluctuation of speed during
each cycle which arises due to
fluctuation of turning moment
on crank shaft.
Stores excess of rotational
energy from the power stroke
and supply back during nonpower strokes of the cycle.
It controls the speed for one
cycle only so it is continuous.

GOVERNOR

used because of variation of

speed due to variation in the
load on the engine.
Controls the mean speed of
engine by varying the fuel
supply which arises due to
variation of load.
When load on the engine
increases, speed decreases, it
increases the flow of fuel to
keep the mean speed constant.
Itmaintains constant mean
speed over a period of time so
it is discrete.

TYPES
OF
GOVERNORS
:There are two main types of Governors
Inertia Controlled Governors .1
Not being used frequently
These governors are more sensitive than the
centrifugal governors but it becomes difficult
to completely balance the revolving parts

Terms Used in Governors

The following terms are used in governors;
1. Height of a governor. It is the vertical distance
from the center of the ball to a point where the axes
of the arms (or arms produced) intersect on the
spindle axis. It is usually denoted by h.

Terms Used in Governors

2. Equilibrium speed. It is the speed at which
the governor balls, arms ,etc., are in complete
equilibrium and the sleeve does not tend to
move upwards or downwards.
3. Mean equilibrium speed. It is the speed at
the mean position of the balls or the sleeve.
4. Maximum and minimum equilibrium
speeds. The speeds at the maximum and
minimum radius of rotation of the balls, without
tending to move either way are known as
maximum and minimum equilibrium speeds
respectively.
5. Sleeve lift. It is the vertical distance which
the sleeve travels due to change in equilibrium
speed.

Watt Governor
The simplest form of a centrifugal governor is a Watt governor, as shown in Fig.
18.2. It is basically a
conical pendulum with links attached to a sleeve of negligible mass. The arms of
the governor may
be connected to the spindle in the following three ways :
1. The pivot P, may be on the spindle axis as shown in Fig. 18.2 (a).
2. The pivot P, may be offset from the spindle axis and the arms when produced
intersect at O, as shown in Fig. 18.2 (b).
3. The pivot P, may be offset, but the arms cross the axis at O, as shown in Fig. 18.2 (c).

 Calculate The Vertical Height Of A

Watt Governor When Its Rotates At
60 Rpm. Also find the changes in
vertical
height
when
speed
decreases to 61rpm .

Porter Governor

Equilibrium Speed of a Porter

Governor

Let m = Mass of each ball in kg,

w = Weight of each ball in newton = mg
M = Mass of the central load in kg
W = Weight of the central load in newton = Mg
r = Radius of rotation in meters
h = Height of governor in meters
N = Speed of the spindle in rpm
= Angular speed of the balls in rad/s = 2N/60 rad/s
FC = Centrifugal force acting on the ball in newton =
m2r
= Angle of inclination upper links to the vertical
= Angle of inclination of the lower links to the vertical.

Equilibrium Speed of a Porter Governor

(by Instantaneous center method)
The instantaneous center I lies at the point of intersection of
PB produced and a line through D perpendicular to the spindle
axis, as shown in fig. Taking moments about the point I,
P

FC

w
I

D
M
W/2

Fc BM ( w IM )
ID
2

Mg

(mg IM )
ID
2

Mg
ID
IM

Fc mg

2 BM
BM

Mg
IM MD
IM

mg

2 BM BM
BM

Mg
mg (tan )
tan tan
2

Equilibrium Speed of a Porter

Governor
Dividing throughout by tan ,
P

FC

W
I

D
M
W/2

Fc
Mg
tan
mg
1

tan
2
tan
Mg
tan

mg
1 q L L Q q

2
tan

r
2
But Fc m r and tan
h
Mg
h
2
m r mg
1 q
2
r

Mg
mg
1 q
2

mh

Equilibrium Speed of a Porter

2 NGovernor

Substituting
2

2 N

=
60
N2 =

m+

60
M
(1 + q) g
2

m
h

M
M

(1
+
q)
m
+
(1 + q)
2

g 60
895
2
2

=
m
h 2
m
h

m+

Note :
If all links are equal & pivoted on the axis of rotation,
tan tan q 1. Hence the equation becomes;
895
m + M
N =

m
h

Effect of friction at sleeve:

When the loaded sleeve moves up and down
the spindle, the frictional force acts on it in a
direction opposite to that of the motion of
sleeve.
If F = Frictional force acting on the sleeve in
newton, then the equations for equilibrium
F
Mg
speed may
be
written
mg +
(1 +as;
q)

895
2

N2 =

mg
h
If all links are equal & pivoted on the axis of rotation,
tan tan q 1. Hence the equation becomes;
mg + (Mg F) 895
N2 =

mg
h

Problem 1
A Porter governor has equal arms each
250 mm long and pivoted on the axis of
rotation. Each ball has a mass of 5 kg
and the mass of the central load on the
sleeve is 25 kg. The radius of rotation
of the ball is 150 mm when the
governor begins to lift and 200 mm
when the governor is at maximum
speed.
Find
the
minimum
and
maximum speeds and range of speed
of the governor.

; Given : length of upper links = length of lower links =250 mm = 0.25 m

m = 5 kg ; M = 15 kg ; r1 = 150 mm = 0.15m; r2 = 200 mm = 0.2 m
The minimum and maximum positions of the governor are shown in Figs (a)
.respectively

and (b)

Minimum speed position :

Let N 1 be the minimum speed.
From fig (a), height of the governor
h1 0.252 0.152 0.2m
Since all links are equal & pivoted on
the axis of rotation, tan tan q 1.
Hence the equation becomes;
895
m + M
N =

m
h

8 95
5 + 15
2
N1 =
N 1 = 133.8 rpm

5
0.2

2
1

Maximum speed position :

Let N 2 be the maximum speed.
From fig (b), height of the governor
h2 0.252 0.22 0.15m
895
m + M
N =

m
h

895
5 + 15
2
N2 =

5
0.15

N 2 = 154.5 rpm
2
2

Hence the range of speed ( N 2 N1 ) (154.5 133.8) = 20.7 rpm

Problem 2
The arms of a Porter governor are each
250 mm long and pivoted on the governor
axis. The mass of each ball is 5 kg and
the mass of the central sleeve is 30 kg.
The radius of rotation of the balls is 150
mm when the sleeve begins to rise and
reaches a value of 200 mm for maximum
speed. Determine the speed range of the
governor.
If the friction at the sleeve is equivalent of
20 N of load at the sleeve, determine how
the speed range is modified.

; Given : length of upper links = length of lower links =250 mm = 0.25 m

m = 5 kg ; M = 30 kg ; r1 = 150 mm = 0.15m; r2 = 200 mm = 0.2 m
The minimum and maximum positions of the governor are shown in Figs (a)
.respectively

and (b)

Minimum speed position :

Let N 1 be the minimum speed.
From fig (a), height of the governor
h1 0.252 0.152 0.2m
Since all links are equal & pivoted on
the axis of rotation, tan tan q 1.
Hence the equation becomes;
895
m + M
N =

m
h

895
5 + 30
2
N1 =
N 1 = 177 rpm

5
0.2

2
1

Maximum speed position :

Let N 2 be the maximum speed.
From fig (b), height of the governor
h2 0.252 0.22 0.15m
895
m + M
N =

m
h

895
5 + 30
2
N2 =

5
0.15

N 2 = 204.4 rpm
2
2

Hence the range of speed ( N 2 N1 ) (204.4 177) = 27.4 rpm

Speed range when friction at the sleeve is equivalent of 20 N of load

(i.e. when F = 20 N)
We know that when the sleeve moves downwards, the friction force (F) acts
upwards and the minimum speed is given by

mg ( Mg - F ) 895
N

mg
h1
2
1

(5 9.81) (30 9.81- 20) 895

N 1 = 172 rpm
5 9.81
0.2
Also when the sleeve moves upwards, the friction force (F) acts
downwards and the maximum speed is given by

mg ( Mg F ) 895
N

mg
h2
2
2

(5 9.81) (30 9.81 20) 895

N 2 = 210 rpm
5 9.81
0.15

Hence the range of speed ( N 2 N1 ) (210 172) = 38 rpm

Problem 3
In an engine governor of the Porter type,
the upper and lower arms are 200mm
and 250 mm respectively and pivoted on
the axis of rotation. The mass of the
central load is 15 kg, the mass of each
ball is 2 kg and friction of the sleeve
together with the frictional resistance
equal to a load of 25 N at the sleeve. If
the limiting inclinations of the upper arms
to the vertical are 30 and 40, find,
taking friction into account, range of
speed of the governor.

Given : length of upper links =200 mm=0.2 m

length of lower links =250 mm = 0.25 m

m = 2 kg ; M = 15 kg ; F=25N, 1 = 300; a2 = 400
The minimum and maximum positions of the governor are shown in Figs (a)
.respectively
200
h1

200

r2

r1

mg

250

h2

mg

250

Mg/2
Mg/2
Minimum Speed position

Maximum Speed position

and (b)

Minimum speed position : (sleeve is moving down)

Mg - F
mg +
(1 + q1 ) 895
2

N12 =

mg
h1
h1

200
r1

From the fig, r1 0.2sin 300 0.1m

h1 0.2 cos 300 0.1732m
tan 1 tan 300 0.5774

mg

250

0.1
sin 1
0.4 tan 1 0.4364
0.25
tan 1 0.4364
q1

0.756
tan 1 0.5774
Substituting the above values,

Mg/2
Minimum Speed position

15 9.81 25
2 9.81
(1 0.756)
2
895

N12

2 9.81
0.1732

N 1 = 183rpm

Maximum speed position : (sleeve is moving up)

N 22 =

200

h2

r2

Mg + F
(1 + q2 ) 895
2

mg
h2

mg +

From the fig,

r2 0.2sin 400 0.1268 m, h2 0.2 cos 400 0.1532 m

mg

tan 2 tan 400 0.8391, sin 2

250

0.1268
0.5072
0.25

tan 2 0.5885
tan 2 0.5885
q2

0.7013
tan 2 0.8391
Mg/2

Substituting the above values,

Maximum Speed position

15 9.81 25
(1 0.7013)
2
895

N 22

2 9.81
0.1532
N 2 = 223 rpm
2 9.81

Hence the range of speed ( N 2 N1 ) (223 183) = 40 rpm

Problem 4
The arms of a Porter governor are 300
mm long. The upper arms are pivoted on
the axis of rotation. The lower arms are
attached to a sleeve at a distance of 40
mm from the axis of rotation. The mass
of the load on the sleeve is 70 kg and the
mass of each ball is 10 kg. Determine
the equilibrium speed when the radius of
rotation of the balls is 200 mm. If the
friction is equivalent to a load of 20 N at
the sleeve, what will be the range of
speed for this position ?

Equilibrium speed when r = 200 mm : (neglecting friction)

N=

300
200

mg
300

40
D
Mg/2

Mg
(1 + q) 895
2

mg
h

mg +

From the fig, h 0.32 0.2 2 0.2236m

h

r
0.2

0.894
h 0.2236
0.2 0.04
sin
0.5333 tan 0.63
0.3
tan
0.63
q

0.705
tan 0.894
Substituting the above values,
tan

70 9.81
(1 0.705)
2
895

2
N

10 9.81
0.2236
N = 167 rpm
10 9.81

Speed range when friction at the sleeve is equivalent of 20 N of load :

Here, for the same radius of rotation, for impending upward or downward
motion of sleeve, speed range can be calculated. r, q & h values remain same.

Equilibrium speed : (for impending downward motion of sleeve)

Mg - F
mg +
(1 + q) 895
2

N12 =

mg
h
Substituting the above values,
70 9.81 20
10 9.81
(1 0.705)
2
895

2
N1

10 9.81
0
.2236

N1 = 164.9 rpm

Equilibrium speed : (for impending upward motion of sleeve)

Mg + F
mg +
(1 + q) 895
2

N 22 =

mg
h
Substituting the above values,
70 9.81 20
10 9.81
(1 0.705)
2
895

2
N2

10 9.81
0.2
236

N1 = 169.1 rpm
Hence the range of speed ( N 2 N1 ) (169.1 164.9) = 4.2 rpm

Problem 5
The arms of a porter governor are each
30 cm long and are pivoted on the
governor axis. Mass of each ball is 2 kg.
At the mean speed of 150 rpm, the arm
makes 300 with the vertical. Determine
the central load and the sensitivity of the
governor if the sleeve movement is 2.5
cm.

Given : length of upper links = length of lower links =300 mm=0.25 m

m = 2 kg ; M = ? = 300 ; N = 150 rpm

0.3 m
0.3 m

h1

0.3 m

h2

mg

mg

mg

0.3 m

0.3 m
0.3 m
2.5 cm

Mg/2

2.5 cm

Minimum speed Position

Mg/2
Mean Position

Mg/2
Maximum speed Position

0.3 m

Mean speed position :

Here, N 150 rpm .
From fig, height of the governor
h 0.3cos 300 0.2598m
Here, friction is neglected & = q=1

mg
0.3 m

895
m + M
N =

m
h

895
2 + M
2
150 =

2
0.2598

M = 11.06 kg
2

Mg/2
Mean Position

Minimum speed position :

(After a drop of 2.5cm of sleeve)
0.3 m

h1

mg
0.3 m

Mg/2
Minimum Speed Position

x
Due to symmetry, height of governor h1 h
2
3

x
2.5

10

h1 h 0.2598
0.2723m
2
2

895
m + M
N =

m
h1

895
2 + 11.06
2
N1 =
N 1 = 146.44 rpm

2
0.2723

2
1

Maximum speed position :

(After a raise of 2.5cm of sleeve)
0.3 m

h2

mg
0.3 m

x
Due to symmetry, height of governor h2 h
2
3

x
2.5

10

h2 h 0.2598
0.2473m
2
2

895
m + M
N =

m
h2

895
2 + 11.06
2
N2 =
N 2 = 153.68 rpm

2
0.2473

2
2

Mg/2
Maximum Speed Position

Range of speed 2( N 2 N1 ) 2(153.68 146.44)

Sensitivity

4.83%
Mean speed
( N 2 N1 )
(153.68 146.44)

Problem 6
Each arm of a porter governor is 250
mm long. The upper arms and the
lower arms are pivoted to links 40 mm
& 50 mm respectively from the axis of
rotation. Each ball has a mass of 5 kg &
the sleeve mass is 50 kg. The force of
friction at the sleeve is 40 N. Determine
the range of speed of the governor for
extreme radii of 125 mm & 150 mm.

Given : length of upper links = length of lower links =250 mm=0.25 m

m = 5 kg ; M = 50 kg ; F=40N, r1 = 125 mm; r2 = 150 mm

40

40

50
50
Minimum radius position

Maximum radius position

 125 40
0.34
250

(i ) When r = 125 mm , sin1 =

40

125 50
0.3
250

1 19.880 tan 1 0.362, sin1 =

1 17.460 tan 1 0.3145

50
Minimum radius position

q1 =

tan 1 0.3145

0.87
tan 1 0.362

Mg f

mr tan 1 mg
(1 q1 )
2

(50 9.81) 40

2
5 0.125 1 0.362 5 9.81
(1 0.87)
2

1 16.5rad / sec Or N 1 = 157.6rpm

2
1 1

 150 40
0.44
250

(ii) When r = 150 mm , sin 2 =

40

150 50
0.4
250

2 26.10 tan 2 0.49, sin 2 =

2 23.580 tan 2 0.4364

q2 =

50

Maximum radius position

tan 2 0.4364

0.891
tan 2
0.49

Mg f

mr222 tan 2 mg
(1 q2 )
2

(50 9.81) 40

5 0.15 22 0.49 5 9.81

(1 0.891)
2

2 18.97 rad / sec Or N 2 = 181.1rpm

Range of speed = N 2 - N 1 = 23.5 rpm.

Proell Governor

Proell Governor

The Proell governor has the balls

fixed at B and C to the extension
of the links DF and EG, as shown
in Fig. The arms FP and GQ are
pivoted at P and Q respectively.
Consider the equilibrium of the
forces on one-half of the governor
as
shown
in
Fig.
The
instantaneous centre (I) lies on
the intersection of the line PF
produced and the line from D
drawn perpendicular to the
spindle axis. The perpendicular
BM is drawn on ID.

 Taking moments about I, using the same

notations as discussed in Porter governor,

1. The equation (i) may be applied to any given

configuration of the governor.
2. Comparing equation (iii) with the equation (v) of the
Porter governor, we see that the equilibrium speed
reduces for the given values of m, M and h. Hence in
order to have the same equilibrium speed for the given
values of m, M and h, balls of smaller masses are used in
the Proell governor than in the Porter governor.
3. When = , then q = 1. Therefore equation (iii) may be
written as

Hartnell Governor

Hartnell Governor
The Hartnell governor is shown in Figure.
The two bell crank levers have been provided
which can have rotating motion about fulcrums O
and O.
One end of each bell crank lever carries a ball
and a roller at the end of other arm. The rollers
make contact with the sleeve.
The frame is connected to the spindle. A helical
spring is mounted around the spindle between
frame and sleeve. With the rotation of the spindle,
all these parts rotate.
With the increase of speed, the radius of rotation
of the balls increases and the rollers lift the sleeve
against the spring force. With the decrease in
speed, the sleeve moves downwards.
The movement of the sleeve are transferred to
the throttle of the engine through linkages.

Expression for stiffness of spring of a Hartnell Governor

Let r1 = Minimum radius of rotation of ball from spindle axis, in m,
r2 =
Maximum radius of rotation of ball from spindle axis, in m,
S1 = Spring force exerted on sleeve at minimum radius, in N,
S2 = Spring force exerted on sleeve at maximum radius, in N,
m = Mass of each ball, in kg,
M = Mass of sleeve, in kg,
N1 = Minimum speed of governor at minimum radius, in rpm,
N2 = Maximum speed of governor at maximum radius, in rpm,
1 and 2 = Corresponding minimum and maximum angular
velocities, in r/s,
F1 = Centrifugal force corresponding to minimum speed= mr1 ,
F2 = Centrifugal force corresponding to maximum speed = mr2
s = Stiffness of spring or rate of spring (N/m)
r = Distance of fulcrum O from the governor axis or radius of
rotation,
a = Length of ball arm of bell-crank lever, i.e. distance OA, and
b = Length of sleeve arm of bell-crank lever, i.e. distance OC.

Expression for stiffness of spring of a Hartnell Governor

r1

Considering the position of the ball at

F1

radius r1, as shown in Figure (a) and

taking moments of all forces about O

(neglecting moment due to weight of

balls as it is negligible compared to

spring forces & neglecting friction &

Mg+S1
2
O

Fig (a)

obliquity of arms)
x1

Mg S1
F1 a
b L L (i )
2

where F1 m12 r1 (r1 must be in meters)

2 N1
& 1
60

Expression for stiffness of spring of a Hartnell Governor

r2

Similarly,

F2

considering

the

position of the ball at radius

r2, as shown in Figure (b)

r
a

and taking moments of all

Mg+S2
2
b

forces about O
x2

Fig (b)

Mg S 2
F2 a
b L L (ii )
2

where F2 m22 r2 (r2 must be in meters)

2 N 2
& 2
60

Expression for stiffness of spring of a Hartnell Governor

Subtracting (i ) from (ii),

S2 S1
( F2 F1 ) a
b
2

S2 S1 b
( F2 F1 )
L L (iii )
2 a

From similar triangles (neglecting obliquity of arms)

x1 r r1
x2 r2 r
r r1
r2 r

x1

x2
b &
b
b
a
b
a
a
a

But Total sleeve lift x ( x1 x2 ) Deformation of spring

b
r r1 r2 r
x
b
b x = (r2 - r1 )
a
a
a

Expression for stiffness of spring of a Hartnell Governor

Stiffness of spring :
Change in spring force S2 S1
s

deformation of spring
x
b
( S 2 S1 ) s x s (r2 - r1 ) ,Substituting for (S 2 S1 ) in (iii),
a
2
a 2 (F2 - F1 )
s (r2 - r1 ) b
( F2 F1 )
2 s=2 2
2 a
b (r2 - r1 )

Note :
For any intermediate radius of rotation 'r' between max & min values,
the centrifual force FC may be found by interpolation.
F2 F1
F2 F1
i.e. F F1
(r r1 ) OR F F2
(r2 r )
r2 r1
r2 r1

Problem 1
A Hartnell governor having a central sleeve
spring and two right-angled bell crank levers
moves between 290 rpm and 310 rpm for a
sleeve lift of 15mm. The sleeve arms and the
ball arms are 80 mm and 120 mm
respectively. The levers are pivoted at 120 mm
from the governor axis and mass of each ball
is 2.5 kg. The ball arms are parallel to the
governor axis at the lowest equilibrium speed.
Determine :
1. loads on the spring at the lowest and the
highest equilibrium speeds, and
2.Stiffness of the spring.
3.Initial compression of spring.

Given : N1 = 290 rpm or 1 = 2 290/60 = 30.4 rad/s ; N2 = 310 rpm or

=2 = 2 310/60 = 32.5 rad/s ; x = 15 mm = 0.015 m ; a = 120 mm = 0.08 m ;b = 120 mm
m ; r1 = 120 mm = 0.12 m ; m = 2.5 kg 0.12
.The minimum and maximum positions of the governor are shown in Figs below
r1

r2

F1

F2
Governor
axis

Governor
axis
a

S2
2

S1
2
b

O
Minimum Speed Position

Maximum Speed Position

Here,
1. Sleeve mass is negelcted, i.e. M = 0, and
2. The minimum speed position is same as mean position, i.e. r1 = r

Considering the position of the ball

r1

at radius r1, as shown in Figure (a)

F1
Governor
axis

and taking moments of all forces

about O

a
S1
2
b
O

S1
b L L (i )
2
where F1 m12 r1 2.5 30.42 0.12 277N
F1 a

Minimum Speed Position

Fig (a)

S1
Substituting in (i), 277 0.12 0.08
2
Spring force in minimum speed position S1 = 831N

Considering the position of the ball

r2

at radius r2, as shown in Figure (b)

F2
Governor
axis

and taking moments of all forces

about O

S2
2
b

O
Maximum Speed Position

Fig (b)

S 2
2

b
L
L
(
ii
)
where
F

2
2 r2

2
b
But sleeve lift x ( r2 r1 )
a
80
i.e.15 (r2 120)
r2 142.5mm 0.1425m
120
F2 2.5 32.52 0.1425 376.3N
F2 a

S 2
Substituting in (ii), 376 0.12 0.08
2
Spring force in maximum speed position S 2 = 1128N

Stiffness of spring :
S2 S1
1128 831
s

19.8N / mm
x
15

Initial compression of spring :

S1 831
Initial compression of spring =
42mm
s 19.8

Problem 2
In a spring loaded governor of the Hartnell
type, the mass of each ball is 1kg, length of
vertical arm of the bell crank lever is 100
mm and that of the horizontal arm is 50 mm.
The distance of fulcrum of each bell crank
lever is 80 mm from the axis of rotation of
the governor. The extreme radii of rotation of
the balls are 75 mm and 112.5mm. The
maximum equilibrium speed is 5 per cent
greater than the minimum equilibrium speed
which is 360 rpm. Find, neglecting obliquity
of arms, initial compression of the spring and
equilibrium speed corresponding to the
radius of rotation of 100 mm.

Given : m = 1 kg ; a = 100 mm = 0.1 m ; b = 50 mm = 0.05 m ; r = 80 mm

m ; r1 = 75 mm = 0.075 m ; r2 = 112.5 mm = 0.1125 m ; N1 = 360 r.p.m. or 0.08=
1 = 2 360/60 = 37.7 rad/s
.The minimum and maximum positions of the governor are shown in Figs below
75 mm

112.5 mm
F2

F1
80 mm

80 mm
a=100 mm

a=100 mm
S2
2

S1
2

x2
O

b=50 mm

O
b=50 mm

Maximum Speed Position

Minimum Speed Position

x1

Considering the position of the ball

75 mm
F1

at radius r1, as shown in Figure (a)

and taking moments of all forces

80 mm
a=100 mm

about O
S1
2

O
b=50 mm
Minimum Speed Position

x1

S1
F1 a b L L (i )
2
where F1 m12 r1 1 37.7 2 0.075 106.6 N

Fig (a)

S1
Substituting in (i), 106.6 0.1 0.05
2
Spring force in minimum speed position S1 = 426.4N

Considering the position of the ball

112.5 mm
F2

at radius r2, as shown in Figure (b)

80 mm

and taking moments of all forces

a=100 mm
S2
2

about O

x2
O

b=50 mm

Maximum Speed Position

Fig (b)

S 2
F2 a b L L (ii ) where F2 m22 r2
2
Given the increase in speed =5%,
2 1.05 1 1.05 37.7 39.6 rad / sec
F2 1 39.62 0.1125 176.4 N

S 2
Substituting in (ii ), 176.4 0.1 0.05
2
Spring force in maximum speed position S2 = 705.6 N

Stiffness of spring :
b
S 2 S1
where
x

r
2 1

x
a

0.05
x 0.1125 0.075
0.01875m
0.1
705.6 426.4
s
14890.67N / m = 14.89N / mm
0.01875

Initial compression of spring :

s

S1 426.4

28.65mm
s 14.89
Equilibrium speed at a radius of 100 mm :

Initial compression of spring =

F2 F1

176.4 106.6
F F1
(r r1 ) 106.6
(0.1 0.075)
r2 r1
0.11252 0.075

Centrifugal force at 100 mm radius F = 153N

2

2 N
Also, F=m 2 r 153 1
0.1
60

Equilibrium speed at a radius of 100 mm N=373 rpm

Properties of governors
Sensitiveness:
Consider two governors A and B running at the same
speed. When this speed increases or decreases by a certain
amount, the lift of the sleeve of governor A is greater than
the lift of the sleeve of governor B. It is then said that the
governor A is more sensitive than the governor B.
In general, the greater the lift of the sleeve corresponding
to a given fractional change in speed, the greater is the
sensitiveness of the governor.
The sensitiveness is defined as the ratio of the
difference between the maximum and minimum
equilibrium speeds to the mean equilibrium speed.

( N 2 N1 )
N N2
where N Mean speed 1
N
2
2( N 2 N1 )
Sensitiveness
( N1 N 2 )
Sensitiveness

Properties of governors
Stability:
A governor is said to be stable when for every
speed within the working range there is a
definite configuration i.e. there is only one
radius of rotation of the governor balls at which
the governor is in equilibrium.
For a stable governor, if the equilibrium speed
increases, the radius of governor balls must
also increase.
Note: A governor is said to be unstable, if the
radius of rotation decreases as the speed
increases.

Properties of governors
Isochronism:
A governor is said to be isochronous when the
equilibrium speed is constant (i.e. range of
speed is zero) for all radii of rotation of the balls
within the working range, neglecting friction.
A Porter governor can not be isochronous since
the height of the governor will not be same for
all radii of rotation.
However, a spring controlled governor of
Hartnell type can be made isochronous by
adjusting the spring tension.

Properties of governors
Hunting:
A governor is said to be hunt if the speed of the engine
fluctuates continuously above and below the mean speed.
This is caused by a too sensitive governor which changes
the fuel supply by a large amount when a small change in
the speed of rotation takes place.
For example, when the load on the engine increases, the
engine speed decreases and, if the governor is very
sensitive, the governor sleeve immediately falls to its
lowest position.
This will result in the opening of the control valve wide
which will supply the fuel to the engine in excess of its
requirement so that the engine speed rapidly increases
again and the governor sleeve rises to its highest
position.
Due to this movement of the sleeve, the control valve will
cut off the fuel supply to the engine and thus the engine
speed begins to fall once again. This cycle is repeated
indefinitely.

Properties of governors
Effort and Power of a Governor:
The effort of a governor is the mean force exerted at the
sleeve for a given percentage change of speed.
It may be noted that when the governor is running
steadily, there is no force at the sleeve. But, when the
speed changes, there is a resistance at the sleeve which
opposes its motion.
It is assumed that this resistance which is equal to the
effort, varies uniformly from a maximum value to zero
while the governor moves into its new position of
equilibrium.
The power of a governor is the work done at the sleeve
for a given percentage change of speed.
It is the product of the mean value of the effort and the
distance through which the sleeve moves.
Mathematically,
Power = Mean effort lift of sleeve

Controlling Force
In case of a governor running at a steady speed, the
inward force acting on the rotating balls is known as
controlling force. It is equal and opposite to the
centrifugal reaction.
Controlling force, FC = m.2.r
The controlling force is provided by the weight of the
sleeve and balls as in Porter governor and by the
spring and weight as in Hartnell governor (or spring
controlled governor).
When the graph between the controlling force (F C) as
ordinate and radius of rotation of the balls (r) as
abscissa is drawn, then the graph obtained is known
as controlling force diagram. This diagram enables
the stability and sensitiveness of the governor to be
examined and also shows clearly the effect of friction.

Controlling Force Diagram for Porter &

Hartnell Governors

Controlling Force Diagram for Porter Governor

Controlling Force Diagram for Hartnell Governor

Controlling Force Diagram for Springcontrolled Governors

The controlling force diagram for the spring controlled governors is a straight
line, as shown in Fig. We know that controlling force, F C = m.2.r or FC /r =
m.2
The following points, for the stability of spring-controlled governors, may be
noted :
1. For the governor to be stable, the controlling force (F C) must increase as
the radius of rotation (r) increases, i.e. F C / r must increase as r increases.
Hence the controlling force line AB when produced must intersect the
controlling force axis below the origin, as shown in Fig.
The relation between the controlling force (F C) and the radius of rotation (r)
for the stability of spring controlled governors is given by the following
equation
FC = a.r b . . . (i) where a and b are constants.
2. The value of b in equation (i) may be made either zero or positive by
increasing the initial tension of the spring. If b is zero, the controlling force
line CD passes through the origin and the governor becomes isochronous
because FC /r will remain constant for all radii of rotation.
The relation between the controlling force and the radius of rotation, for an
isochronous
governor is, therefore, FC = a.r . . . (ii)
3. If b is greater than zero or positive, then F C /r decreases as r increases, so
that the equilibrium speed of the governor decreases with an increase of the
radius of rotation of balls, which is impracticable. Such a governor is said to
be unstable and the relation between the controlling force and the radius of
rotation is, therefore FC = a.r + b

Problem 7
In a spring loaded governor, the
controlling force diagram is a straight
line. The balls are 400 mm apart when
the controlling force is 1500 N & 240
mm when it is 800 N. The mass of each
ball is 10 kg. Determine the speed at
which the governor operates when the
balls are 300 mm apart. By how much
should the initial tension be increased to
make the governor isochronous? Also
find the isochronous speed.

240 mm
F1

F1

400 mm
F2

F2

Controlling force (F)

The equation of a straight line is F=ar+b.

when r 0.2m, 1500 0.2 a b L L (i)
when r 0.12m, 800 0.12 a b L L (ii)
Solving (i) & (ii), a 8750 N / m, b 250
F = 8750r - 250 It is a stable governor.
Radius of rotation (r)

When r = 150 mm = 0.15m, F=(8750 0.15) 250 1062.5 N

We have F 8750r - 250
When F = ar, the governor is isochronous(i.e. to make the governor isochronous,
the spring tension should be increased by 250 N)
m 2 r 8750 r 10

2 N
r 8750 r Isochronous speed = 282.5 rpm
60