SACSTM – ENGINE VIBRATION ANALYSIS

The goal of the Engine Vibration Analysis is to determine the joint displacement due to
unbalanced forces. Joint displacements are compared versus various allowable
deflection specifications and expressed as displacement unity check ratios.

Basic Knowledge
Before starting the Dynamic analysis try to get familiar with the following terminology:
1. Why Unbalanced forces are present in the Compressor
2. Understand Gas Torque Loading Curves
3. Mass Moment of Inertia
4. Retain Degrees of Freedom
5. Mass participation factor
6. Mode Shapes
7. Relation – Frequency (CPS), Time Period (sec.), Engine Speed (RPM)
8. Actual Deflections are compared with the Allowable Deflections for the Following
Specifications:

 SNAME (society of Naval Architect and Marine Engineers)

 Military Specifications
 DLINE
9. Harmonic Number
10. Convert Vibration Levels: MILS OR INCHES/SEC TO INCHES
11. Natural Frequency of the structure (Global & local)
The frequency associated with the mode 1 is Global natural frequency of the
structure. The local frequency is determined by examining the response of structure
at each mode. The frequency of a structure at a mode where the interested(point of
interest) responses is the natural frequency of the structure. i.e if a beam/beams or
any structural component responses (deflects) at mode 15, then the frequency at
the mode 15 is the natural frequency of the aceess platform or beam/beams. The
local frequency cannot be deretermined accurately unless the structure is modelled
very accurately..

Information Needed to perform Engine Vibration Analysis in SACS TM

1. Engine Skid Drawings

2. Operating Weights and Corresponding C.G location of Compressor and Engine
3. Unbalanced Forces & Couples and Gas Torque Loading of Compressor (See Sample
data)
4. Need information on all the exisiting skids present on the deck
5. Need Operating weight of all the existing Equipment including C.G location

It is always important to capture all the data accurately including the skid beams,
stiffeners… The error in engine vibration anlaysis can vary from 5 to 35 % depending
on the accuracy of the model and other modelling techniques.

SACSTM Engine vibration analysis is performed in following step process.

1. Set up the basic SACS model with appropriate loads and retain degrees of
freedom
2. Set up the dynpac file to extract mode shapes and mass files
3. Extract the mode shapes and mass files
4. Set up the Dynamic Response input file
5. Run the Dynamic/Engine vibration analysis
6. Check the deflection unity ratio or go through the plots

Preparing SACS Model for Dynamic Analysis

The accuracy of SACS model is very critical in Engine Vibration/Dynamic analysis. The
results may vary approx. 5 % to 35 % depending on the accuracy of the model

1. Model the compressor skid beams (complete skid package) including the bearing
pads if present.
2. Model the structure accurately including all the existing skid beams. Apply the
equipment weights at true Vertical C.O.G location.
3. Model all the access platforms including the stair landings
4. Connects all the joints together if it’s a plated deck. Pay attention while meshing the
plates. For plated decks connect each and every single joint with the plate to
account for the stiffeness.
5. Delete the Jacket i.e the topsides should be adequate for engine vibration study
6. Locate the C.G of the compressor and the engine and connect the c.g. of
compressor and engine to the skid beams with stiff members at respective location.
(See Figure XX.)
7. Connect the C.G of Engine and Compressor with horizontal member (Crank Shaft).
8. Release the moments at the engine end so that all shear transfers from compressor
to engine.
9. Prepare the SACS model for the Dynamic analysis.
10. Work from top deck level to the bottom level retaining the degrees of freedom
(222000) based on the load path.
11. Consider the boundary joints to be pinned (Reason check with Gavin)
12. Environmental loads are not considered
 Extract Mode Shapes

Files Needed
1. SACS Model File
2. SEATATE File (Optional)
3. Dynpac Input File (DYNINP.NAME)

Dynpac Input File: Used to extract mode shape file and Dynamic mass file, which are
need for the Dynamic response analysis.

1. Extract sufficient number of modes to obtain frequency greater than 4 times the
engine running speed (Ex: 1400RPM = 4x1400/60 = 93.3 cps, therefore extract mode
shapes such that frequency greater than 93.3 cps).
2. Calculate the mass moment of inertia of compressor and engine assuming it to be a
box or prism.
3. Apply the weight of compressor and engine as joint weights in all directions (X,Y,Z)
along with the mass moment of inertia calculated above
4. Check the structural response at various mode shapes in order to determine the any
errors/disconnected joints in the model
5. Make sure that the mass participation is above 90 % (min 80 %). Retained degrees of
freedom directly affects the mass participation factor.
6. Make sure that there is no negative mass/loading or any other warnings. Fix any kind
of warnings or errors..

Natural frequency of beams from SACS and hand calculations using Roark’s can be
verified if we exclude the option “include shear deformations” in SACS
Monitor the structural response at different modes to see the axis about which it
responses. Use that axis inertia in Hand calculations…
Vibration Analysis

Mass Participation factor: Should be nearly 90%. Retained degrees of freedom affect the
mass participation factor.