Section Six

Looseness

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Looseness

• Objectives
– Identify looseness by examining both
spectral and waveform data.
– Understand the variations to mechanical
and structural looseness

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Looseness

• Two Types, Structural and Component.

– Mechanical looseness occurs when
components do not fit properly.
• Look for a large number of harmonics.
• Possibly ½xTS
• Highest amplitude usually in the vertical.
• May also see truncation in the waveform.
• Phase varies and is unsteady.
• Mech. Looseness has several stages.

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Looseness
Stage Stage Stage
1 4 7

0.0 0. 5 1.0 1. 5 2. 0 2. 5 3. 0 3.5 4.0 4. 5 5.0 5. 5 6. 0 6.5 7.0

0.0 0. 5 1.0 1. 5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3. 5 4. 0 4.5 5. 0 5. 5 6. 0 6. 5 7. 0 0.0 0. 5 1.0 1. 5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3. 5 4. 0 4.5 5. 0 5.5 6.0 6. 5 7. 0
Frequency in "Orders"
Frequency in "Orders" Frequency in "Orders"

Stage Stage
2 5

0.0 0. 5 1.0 1. 5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3. 5 4. 0 4.5 5. 0 5.5 6.0 6. 5 7. 0 0.0 0.5 1. 0 1. 5 2.0 2. 5 3.0 3. 5 4. 0 4.5 5. 0 5.5 6. 0 6. 5 7. 0
Frequency in "Orders"
Frequency in "Orders"

Stage Stage
3 6

0.0 0. 5 1.0 1. 5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3. 5 4. 0 4.5 5. 0 5.5 6. 0 6. 5 7. 0 0.0 0. 5 1.0 1. 5 2.0 2.5 3. 0 3. 5 4.0 4. 5 5.0 5. 5 6. 0 6. 5 7. 0
Frequency in "Orders" Frequency in "Orders"

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Looseness
Loose bearing housing is caused by looseness of the bolts
holding the pillowblock bearing down. This causes a wobble
effect.
The spectrum demonstrates a pattern of synchronous harmonic
peaks similar to mechanical looseness. It often appears at 4xTS
radially.
The waveform looks like mechanical looseness because of its
random and nonperiodic nature.

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Looseness
TYPES OF LOOSE MACHINE FEET

BENT UP
LOOSE MACHINE FOOT CHECK
BENT DOW N

PARALLEL BASEPLATE

END CAUSES DUE TO

LOOSE MACHINE FEET

1. Frame distortion
2. Internal bearing misalignment
3. Increased number of bearing load zones
4. Static Eccentricity (induction motors)

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Looseness
Loose machine feet, also called soft foot, is caused by a
structural weakness or looseness in the foundation, baseplate, or
machine feet.
The dominant frequency in the spectrum is at 1xTS radially. The
waveform is periodic and should demonstrate a strong cycle-per-
shaft revolution.
The phase measurement provides the determining factor to
distinguish this condition from imbalance and other 1xTS
problems. Measure the phase of the frame or base, baseplate
and machine foot vertically. If the phase shifts 180° between
those measurements, soft foot is the source.

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Looseness

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Looseness

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Rotor Rub
Rotor Rub Shaft Rotation

1xTS
2xTS
3xTS
4xTS

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Rotor Rub
Rotor rub is often a significant problem in rotating machinery
and is frequently caused by Looseness or Misalignment.
Rubbing occurs when rotating elements come in contact with
stationary components of a machine.
The pattern fractional subharmonics of TS radially, usually
harmonics of 1/3xTS.
The pattern in the time waveform is quite distinct. The waveform
appears truncated or flattened on one side. The truncation
demonstrates the lack of freedom of movement incurred by the
rotor as it rubs the stationary component. The phase shows
constant change.

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Rotor Rub

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Rotor Rub

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Case History #1 Stack Fan

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Case History #1 Stack Fan

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Case History #1 Stack Fan

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Case History #1 Stack Fan

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Case History #1 Stack Fan

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Case History #3

• 200-HP, 1200-RPM motor

• Overhung fan, direct driven

M2H,M2V,M2A

Direct Driven Overhung Fan

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Case History #3

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Case History #3

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Case History #3

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Case History #3

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Case History #3
– The waveform shows the impacting and ringing
down pattern. Also, notice the level of g’s indicated
in the waveform.
– Why is the waveform showing this pattern instead of
a random looseness pattern?
– This is an indication of bearing looseness showing
impacting in the waveform, as opposed to structural
looseness.
– Structural Looseness typically shows more of a
random pattern in the waveform.

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Case History #3

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Case History #3

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