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

SACSTM
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 its 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 Roarks 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.