Unravelling the Dynamics of Misalignment-Induced Vibrations in Two Jaw Elastomeric Couplings for Enhanced Industrial Reliability: A Comprehensive Analysis of Dynamics and Diagnostic Approaches

In industrial applications, couplings are widely utilised, primarily to connect prime movers to process machines. However, coupling must contend with various induced moments, additional load toque, stress under vibrations, and misalignment during operation. One of the most significant challenges it encounters is shaft misalignment. Furthermore, due to misalignment, a cyclic load generates additional moments at the bearing, escalating time-varying bearing reactions at the bearing cap.

The bearing cap vibrations are caused by this time-varying reaction. The dynamics of a two-jaw elastomeric coupling are evaluated in this context for three sixty-degree rotations while in a predetermined misalignment position.

The analysis reveals that the load on the jaws of coupling follows a cosine cyclic curve. Findings also reveal that certain misalignment angles increase vibration amplitude, with critical thresholds that affect coupling lifespan and machinery performance. As a result, the load induced at the motor shaft appears to fluctuate. The maximum bearing cap vibrations found as 0.00014 mm. The vibration pattern of a single coupling rotation is identified as periodic. This pattern is expected to become aperiodic as the induced jaw load cyclic pattern becomes distorted due to shaft pulling during coupling rotation. A comprehensive analysis will be expounded upon in the following sections. Shaft tugging can result from extreme misalignment. Because the second shaft pulled it inline when one shaft rotated fully.

This study helps to improve industrial machinery reliability by elucidating complex dynamics of coupling behaviour. Further research should focus on adaptive control strategies that dynamically adjust to misalignment to strengthen industrial systems against vibration-induced failures. The findings could also be applied to more industrial scenarios by analyzing different elastomeric materials.