Vibration and Alignment

Vibration

Aerodyn slip rings are typically very tolerant of vibration without signal degradation. They have operated in harsh environments such as gear boxes, diesel engines, and blade-off tests. The slip ring is only one part of an overall system. A system vibration analysis to identify structural modes and responses should be performed on each installation. Aerodyn can perform this work or supply necessary input data for customer analysis.

Aerodyn specializes in replicating as much of the engine installation as possible during final testing to identify any issues prior to actual installation. Modal testing can also be performed on installations. The quill shaft effectively isolates the slip ring from the engine rotor precession and vibration. Provisions for mounting accelerometers are typically made on all of our slip rings. Operating limits are typically set at 3 in/sec peak.

Alignment

Alignment is critical to the success of the installation. Shaft alignment typically must be within .003 inches total indicated run out (TIR). Perpendicularity of the slip ring mounting interface to the rotating spin axis must be .001 inches or less. Verification of the alignment and perpendicularity must be done at installation of the slip ring. Special tooling may be required to perform this check.

Aerodyn can offer design and manufacturing support to control the interface limits and fits to achieve the necessary alignment.

When using an IBA or nose cone configuration, the quill shaft can tolerate operation through engine critical excursion or other high precession events.