Vibration analysis of marine propulsion shafting by the coupled finite element method

Abstract

Marine propulsion shafting connects the main engine and propeller, and plays an important role in promoting the movement of ships. Along with the operation of shafting system, various vibration forms couple with each other and cause different kinds of coupled vibrations, which seriously threaten the safety and reliability of ships. In this paper, a finite element model of marine propulsion shafting is established with coupled constraint on the elements of propeller, and the coupled torsional and transverse vibration under idling and loading conditions are studied at different rotational speeds. According to comparison of numerical simulation results and experimental tests, the coupled finite element method can reveal the basic principles of coupled dynamics of marine propulsion shafting and provide good technical support for predicting the coupled vibration, thus improving the safety and reliability of sailing performance of the ships.