Diagnosing ship propulsion by vibration measurement for navigation safety

Abstract

Presently, as a result of the technical progress, more and more complicated machines are being used in our everyday life. This is especially the case in relation to technology used at sea, where highly specialised services are needed. Sophisticated marine devices require special diagnostic methods that take into account the specific conditions of use of this type of machinery. In this paper we present the diagnostic systems elaborated to support the exploitation of the vessel power plant with gas turbines. During engine assembly, the rotating components are mounted with great attention in order to minimise shaft unbalance. However, even while applying the highest standards, factors such as machines' imperfection or differential thermal expansion cause a small residual unbalance of the gas turbine rotor. The dynamic problems of Marine Gas Turbine Engines are directly related to such basic elements as rotors, bearings, struts of bearings, engine body and the type of substructure.