Simulation of the Vibratory Behavior of Slender Shafts Subject to Transverse Loads Moving in the Axial Direction

Abstract

In various machines of the manufacturing industry, and in particular in paper converting machinery, there are shafts operating under conditions similar to that of a slender beam subjected to a transverse load moving in the axial direction. This condition can lead to vibrations and consequent deterioration of the machine performance and of the product quality. The problem has been theoretically studied in the literature since the 1990s. While shaft mass and stiffness are universally considered among the most influential parameters on its vibratory behavior, less obvious and not investigated in the literature is the influence of the spatial interval between two successive loads, an aspect that should be considered in the shaft design phase. In fact, if that is less than the length of the shaft, i.e., if there is more than one transverse load on the shaft at a given time, the vibration level may decrease with respect to the single-load configuration. This work describes the development of a mathematical model of a slender shaft hinged at its ends, representing the rotor of a paper roll perforating unit, with the SW Mathematica. The effect of a load moving axially at a given speed followed by similar loads after given spatial intervals was simulated investigating the influence of speed and load interval on shaft vibrations and resonance. The results showed how reducing the load interval can lead to a reduction of the shaft vibration which is a useful indication on possible design corrective actions.