Review article: Research on coupled vibration of multi-engine multi-gearbox marine gearing

Abstract

Abstract. The type and working principle of multi-engine multi-gearbox gearing are introduced. The global dynamic modeling method, based on the generalized finite element theory, and the layered dynamic modeling method, based on the idea of whole first and then partial are proposed, and the dynamic models of three operation modes in the four engines with two shafts are established. The effects of coupling, rotation speed, configuration and power loss on the dynamic response of the system are studied by using the dynamic model. The research results show that the coupling vibration of multi-engine multi-gearbox gearing is obvious at low speed, and the coupling vibration weakens with the increase in speed. Reducing the coupling stiffness can weaken the coupling vibration of the system. The symmetrical structure of the transmission system has the same dynamic response at the symmetrical position. Meshing friction has little effect on the dynamic response of the system. The more power flowing through the cross-connect gearbox, the greater the system power loss. This research provides theoretical support for the low-vibration design of multi-engine multi-gearbox marine gearing and has a positive significance for understanding the coupled vibration characteristics of complex gear systems.

Coupled dynamics characteristics analysis of the marine multi-gearbox system under multi-source excitation

“…1,2 The Multi-gearbox system has various configurations, which are generally composed of parallel gearbox, cross-connect gearbox, and two-speed gearbox, etc. 3 The gearboxes are connected by couplings. The power of multiple engines can be transmitted to the propeller shafts respectively or simultaneously by multi-gearbox system.…”