Torsional Vibrations Apparatus

Technical Description
The model enables rotary vibration on torsion bars to be investigated. The model
consists of a wall mounted base frame made of aluminum. The carrier plate has a
strong chuck with the aid of which the torsion bars can be clamped in position. In
the same way the mass disc and the mass ring are clamped to the torsion bar using
a chuck. The effective length is easy to adjust.
Theoretical Background
Torsional vibration is angular vibration of an object commonly a shaft along its
axis of rotation. Torsional vibration is often a concern in power transmission
systems using rotating shafts or couplings where it can cause failures if not
controlled. In ideal power generation, or transmission, systems using rotating parts,
not only the torques applied or reacted are "smooth" leading to constant speeds, but
also the rotating plane where the power is generated (or input) and the plane it is
taken out (output) are the same. In reality this is not the case. The torques
generated may not be smooth (e.g., internal combustion engines) or the component
being driven may not react to the torque smoothly (e.g., reciprocating
compressors), and the power generating plane is normally at some distance to the
power takeoff plane. Also, the components transmitting the torque can generate
non-smooth or alternating torques (e.g., elastic drive belts, worn gears, misaligned
shafts). Because no material can be infinitely stiff, these alternating torques applied
at some distance on a shaft causes twisting vibration about the axis of rotation.
The following formulas are used for torsional vibration and can be verified by
experimentally.

Learning Objectives / Experiments

- Experiment Setup:
Objective: Determination of the period of torsional vibration as a function of:
1. Torsion wire length
2. Torsion wire diameter
3. Rotating mass and its form

Procedure
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Fix the bracket at convenient position along the beam

Grip the shaft at bracket by means of chuck and tighten it tighten key
Fix the rotor on the other end of shaft
Note the length of shaft with a measuring tape
Twist the rotor through some angle and release.
Note down the time required for 50 oscillations with a stop watch
Repeat the procedures for five times

Observation:
Sr.
No.
1
2
3
4
5

Length of Time taken for 50 oscillations

Shaft (m) (sec)
t1
t2
t3
t4
t5

Period of vibration
( Sec)
Texp
Ttheo