Rotor Balancing Without Trial Weights

Abstract

The traditional balancing methods using trial or calibration weights are quite effective, yet too many trials may result in a lengthy balancing process. It had been suggested in the literature that it is possible to balance flexible rotors without the use of trial weights, if a rotor model is available. A procedure is developed in this paper to balance flexible rotors using complex modes and complex vibration measurements. It is shown that a complex rotor model is essential for the success of the technique. Moreover, careful calibration of the rotor model is the major cornerstone of the procedure. Experimental results illustrate the success of the procedure.