MODEL ANALYSIS OF A VIBRATING

PIPING SYSTEM

by

ROBERT DWAIN BENNETT, B. S. IN M. E.

A THESIS

IN

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Submitted to the Graduate Faculty

of T e x a s Technological CoUege
in P a r t i a l FulfiUment of
the R e q u i r e m e n t s for
the Degree of

MASTER OF SCIENCE

IN

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Approved

^i^U*^t4Ly
Director

Accepted.

June, 19(
5^

ol

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I am indebted to Professor L. J. Powers for his direction

of this thesis, to Professor L. A. Reis for his assistance in the

design of the pipe vibrator and to Mr. Ben White and Mr. James

Alspaugh for their aid in constructing the experimental apparatus.

 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS v

LIST OF TABLES vi

LIST OF FIGURES vii

ABSTRACT viii

I. INTRODUCTION 1

Resonance 1

F u n d a m e n t a l s of Dimensional Analysis 2
Model Theory 5

II. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROTOTYPE AND MODEL 8

Selection of the Prototype 8

Dimensional Analysis of the Prototype 11

Design of the Model 14

ITL TEST OF THE MODEL 22

Method of Testing 22

E x p e r i m e n t a l Results 25

IV. TEST OF THE P R O T O T Y P E 26

Method of Testing 26

Experimental Results 28

V. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS 30

C o m p a r i s o n of the Prototype and Model T e s t s 30

Conclusions ^^

111
LIST O F R E F E R E N C E S 33

APPENDIX 35

A. DIMENSIONS O F T H E P R O T O T Y P E AND M O D E L . . . 36

B. D I F F E R E N T I A L EQUATIONS O F MOTION 38

C. CALIBRATION OF THE STROBOTAC 41

D. P R O T O T Y P E VIBRATOR S P E C I F I C A T I O N S 43

IV
 LIST OF TABLES

Number Title Page

1 VARIABLES OF THE P I P E VIBRATION 11

2 P R O P E R T I E S OF THE PROTOTYPE AND MODEL 15

3 NATURAL FREQUENCIES DETERMINED FROM

THE MODEL. 25

4 NATURAL FREQUENCIES DETERMINED FROM

THE PROTOTYPE 29

5 COMPARISON OF RESULTS 30

6 SPECIFICATIONS OF THE VIBRATOR 44

VI
 LIST O F F I G U R E S

Number Title Page

1 G e n e r a l D i m e n s i o n s of t h e P r o t o t y p e 8

2 L o c a t i o n of t h e P r o t o t y p e S u p p o r t s 9

3 View 1 of t h e P r o t o t y p e 9

4 View 2 of t h e P r o t o t y p e 10

5 View 3 of the P r o t o t y p e 10

6 G e n e r a l D i m e n s i o n s of t h e Model 17

7 L o c a t i o n of the M o d e l S u p p o r t s 18

8 View 1 of t h e Model 18

9 View 2 of t h e Model 19

10 View 3 of t h e Model 19

11 Model Experimental Apparatus 23

12 B l o c k D i a g r a m of t h e E x p e r i m e n t a l A p p a r a t u s , . . 24

13 Prototype Experimental Apparatus 27

14 B l o c k D i a g r a m of t h e E x p e r i m e n t a l A p p a r a t u s . . . 27

15 C o m p a r i s o n of R e s u l t s 32

16 D i m e n s i o n s of t h e P r o t o t y p e 36

17 D i m e n s i o n s of t h e M o d e l 37

18 I n s t r u m e n t a t i o n for C a l i b r a t i o n 41

19 C a l i b r a t i o n C u r v e for t h e S t r o b o t a c 42

20 Prototype Vibrator 43

Vll
 ABSTRACT

The natural frequencies of a prototype piping system and

its model were determined by vibrating both systems and noting

the resonant frequencies. A comparison of the actual prototype

frequencies, with those predicted from the model indicate that

model theory may be used to satisfactorily determine the natural

frequencies of a piping system.

Vlll
 CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
Resonance

An important p r o b l e m a s s o c i a t e d with the vibration of piping

s y s t e m s is that due to the phenomenon of r e s o n a n c e . Resonance

o c c u r s in a s y s t e m when it is excited periodically with a frequency

equal to or v e r y n e a r a natural frequency of the s y s t e m . At r e s o n a n c e ,

the a m p l i t u d e s of vibration may become l a r g e leading to high repeated

s t r e s s e s which can cause fatigue failure of the pipe or fittings. By

knowing the frequencies at which resonance o c c u r s the piping system

d e s i g n e r can select the rotating m a c h i n e r y , r e c i p r o c a t i n g c o m p r e s s o r s ,

and other s o u r c e s of vibration which will not force the system to v i b r a t e

at r e s o n a n c e . When this method to prevent resonance fails, the d e -

signer wiU at least know of the danger and be able to prevent it by

e i t h e r a change in the design o r , by the addition of damping d e v i c e s .

T h e r e a r e t h r e e methods that may be used to d e t e r m i n e the

n a t u r a l frequency of a p a r t i c u l a r piping s y s t e m . The first i s to

a n a l y s e the s y s t e m m a t h e m a t i c a l l y . This r e q u i r e s many simplifying

a s s u m p t i o n s and e x p e r i e n c e in dealing with piping s y s t e m s , and can

be c o n s i d e r e d a c c u r a t e only when the piping and supports a r e of simple

configuration. A second method i s to build and o p e r a t e the designed

s y s t e m i n c o r p o r a t i n g changes in the supports of the pipe o r , damping

d e v i c e s if r e s o n a n c e is o b s e r v e d . This t r i a l and e r r o r method is

adequate in some situations when coupled with some type of s i m p l i -

fied analytical t r e a t m e n t and e x p e r i e n c e . In some i n s t a n c e s ,

however, the method has been proven to be totally inadequate and

expensive. This t h e s i s , t h e r e f o r e , d i s c u s s e s a third method,

n a m e l y , that of experimentally determining the natural frequencies

through the u s e of m o d e l s .

F u n d a m e n t a l s of Dimensional Analysis

Dimensional analysis foUows from the fact that dimensional

homogeneity exists between the m e a s u r e s of physical quantities in

any physical equation This m e a n s that every part of a m a t h e m a t i -

cal equation that d e s c r i b e s a physical p r o c e s s has the same physical

dimensions. Suppose that

A +B +C = 0 (I-l)

r e p r e s e n t s a physical p r o c e s s . Then the dimensions of A, B, and

C a r e the s a m e . The dimensions of a mathematical equation a r e the

combinations of the fundamental units. In m e c h a n i c s t h r e e funda-

mental units a r e commonly used to d e s c r i b e the dimensions of a

physical equation. These units are m a s s (M), length (L), and t i m e

S u p e r s c r i p t s refer to like numbered r e f e r e n c e s in the appendix.

 If the v a r i a b l e s which enter into an equation are (vy, v^, . . . , v^);

the solution may be written as some function of these v a r i a b l e s . For

example,

f(vi, v^. . . . . v^) I 0. (1-2)

The equations d e s c r i b i n g the basic laws of mechanics a r e independent

of the size of the fundamental units. This m u s t be true since the

physical p r o c e s s acts in the same manner r e g a r d l e s s of the s y s t e m

of units used to d e s c r i b e the p r o c e s s . The principle of dimensional

homogenity then becomes a n e c e s s a r y r e s t r i c t i o n on a m a t h e m a t i c a l

equation, for if a fundamental unit is changed in one p a r t of the equation

the same change must take place in the other p a r t s of the equation if

the equation is to d e s c r i b e the same physical p r o c e s s . Then the

function f(vi, . . . , v^) is r e q u i r e d to r e m a i n unchanged as the size

4
of the fundamental units entering into the v a r i a b l e s a r e changed.

The v a r i a b l e s of equation (1-2) are now written in t e r m s of their

dimensions.

(v^) = (L^lM^^lT^l) (1-3)

(v^) = (L^^Mb'^T^^)

(v^) : (L^^M^^T'^")

where the a, b, c exponcnts r e p r e s e n t any positive or negative r e a l

r a t i o n a l number including z e r o . Now, one of the d i m e n s i o n s . say a^,

can be e l i m i n a t e d f r o m the e q u a t i o n s by the following c h a n g e of

var i a b l e s .

v/= V, =(L^^M^^T"^)
1 - ^l

v'2 -- v^v^ "M -- ( L " M " ^ T^^) (I-4)

- ^n
^r,'
n = Vn^( v ,1 i )' = (LO
^ M " T"" n)' .

T h e n , in t e r m s of the new v a r i a b l e s , e q u a t i o n (1-2) b e c o m e s

a^ a^
f(vi. v^' v^^l V^ v ^ ^ l ) = 0 (1-5)

w h e r e the (v'p, v ^ , . . . , v'j^) t e r m s now have no d i m e n s i o n d e s c r i b e d

in t e r m s of the fundamental unit of l e n g t h . The v a r i a b l e v, stiU

c o n t a i n s the unit of l e n g t h and m u s t t h e r e f o r e be e l i m i n a t e d in

a c c o r d a n c e with the p r e v i o u s a r g u m e n t . The o r i g i n a l e q u a t i o n

then b e c o m e s ;

f^(v^, V3',...,v'^) = 0 . (1-6)

The m a s s unit c a n now be e l i m i n a t e d t h r o u g h a like p r o c e d u r e by

letting
b ' c*
V ; = V ' = ( L M 2 T ^)
2 . c.

V ^= v' ( v ' / ^ ) M L M T ' ' ' ^ ) .

- 1 1 / '

The function then b e c o m e s :

b'i b'

fl (-1 - i - i " ^n^^ M =0 . (1-8)

 The variable v^" is now eliminated since it contains the m a s s unit.

Equation (1-8) is then written a s :

f^-s"' V " - " ^ n " ) = 0 . (1-9)

When the time unit is eliminated f^ b e c o m e s :

^3 (^4"' ^ 5 " - - ' ^ n " ) = 0 (I-IO)

where the v a r i a b l e s a r e now r e p r e s e n t e d as dimensionless n u m b e r s

This equation can be written in standard form through the foUowing

change in notation.

F = 3

rr, -- v ^ "

TT, - vJ"

III
TTn-3 = V
n
Equation (I-IO) then b e c o m e s :

F ("i.TT^ Tr,_3) = 0 (i-ii)

Model Theory

Dimensional analysis can be used to establish the relations

between the r e s u l t s of e x p e r i m e n t s on models and those obtained with

t h e i r fuU-scale p r o t o t y p e s . The following procedure may be followed

to obtain the n e c e s s a r y r e l a t i o n s between the model and the prototype.

1) The differential equations of the s y s t e m a r e d e r i v e d .

This m a k e s known all of the v a r i a b l e s which a r e

i m p o r t a n t to the p r o b l e m .

2) Equation ( I - l l ) is then used to a r r a n g e the v a r i a b l e s into

d i m e n s i o n l e s s groups. Each of t h e t T t e r m s is written to

contain one variable which does not appear in the other

TT t e r m s .

3) The equation is solved for the TT t e r m involving the

variable which is of p r i m a r y importance; for example

TTj^ G (IT^.TT 3 , . . . . T r ^ . 3 ) .

4) The r e l a t i o n in step 3) is applied to both the model and

the prototype giving:

^ l p ^ G C t T ^ p . TTjp TT ( . 3 ) p )

"^lm^^C^Zm-^Bm "^ ( n - 3 ) m )

where the s u b s c r i p t p r e f e r s to the prototype and the sub-

s c r i p t m to the model. The function G, is the same for both

model and prototype if the motion of the two is s i m i l a r .

This r e q u i r e s the velocities at c o r r e s p o n d i n g points to

be in proportion, and likewise the a c c e l e r a t i o n s at these

points m u s t be in proportion. Since the a c c e l e r a t i o n is

p r o p o r t i o n a l to the r e s u l t a n t of the forces applied to the

s y s t e m , it foUows that the c o n s t r a i n t s on the prototype

 m u s t be p r o p o r t i o n a l to the c o n s t r a i n t s on the m o d e l if

the m o d e l and p r o t o t y p e a r e to have s i m i l a r m o t i o n ,

5) The m o d e l is t h e n built and t e s t e d u n d e r the following

conditions:

"^^m = ^ Zp
T T 3m
. = TT o3p

"'^(n-3)m = " ^ ( n - 3 ) p

T h e n the following will be t r u e ;

G('n"2p''n' 3p' "^(n-^^p) ' ^(^Zm'TT^m "^ ( n - 3 ) m ) -

6) The p r o t o t y p e b e h a v i o r c a n t h e n be d e t e r m i n e d u s i n g ;

TT, -- TT , .
Ip Im

The m e t h o d m a y be r e p e a t e d for any of the o t h e r v a r i a b l e s of the

p r o b l e m t h u s e s t a b l i s h i n g a m e t h o d to d e t e r m i n e any of the v a r i a b l e s

of the p r o t o t y p e ont e that v a r i a b l e is known for the m o d e l .

 CHAPTER II

DESCRIPTION OF THE PROTOTYPE AND MODEL

Selection of the Prototype

The s y s t e m selected was the boiler feedwater piping s y s t e m in

the standby p a r t of the coUege s t e a m plant. The foUowing r e a s o n s

a r e given for the selection of this p a r t i c u l a r s y s t e m :

The s y s t e m was not in u s e .

The s y s t e m had definite t e r m i n a l points

The s y s t e m was t h r e e - d i m e n s i o n a l .

The s y s t e m consisted of two sizes of pipe.

AU of the s y s t e m was a c c e s s i b l e .

6) This s y s t e m would be subject to forced vibration due to

p r e s s u r e pulsations from r e c i p r o c a t i n g feedwater pumps

The two figures given below are pictorial r e p r e s e n t a t i o n s of the

s y s t e m chosen.
LEGEND

nominal 3 " pipe

nominal 2" pipe

I8'-5
> OM

F i g . 1. - - G e n e r a l Dimensions of the Prototype

(refcr to Appendix A for compiete d i m e n s i o n s )

8
 LEGEND

AIl dimensions in inches

j ( Fixed support

I ^ Pipe to building

- Pipe to pipe

flit^llS^

* h
1^ K~5
^^r WTT

Fig. 2. Location of the Prototype Supports

jiniif-^/
n n 11

pig^ 3. View 1 of the Prototype

F i g . 5. View 3 of the Prototype
10
Dimensional Analysis of the Prototype

The differential equations of motion (refer to Appendix B) for

a vibrating hollow c i r c u l a r cylinder a r e :

Elly 4-m^-m^mK-^ ^^/ = 0 (II-1)

dx'
"6 u ; m ^ u
dx^ ^ ^t^

x^ G t^
The predominant v a r i a b l e s in the problem of a vibrating pipe a r e then

given in the table below.

TABLE 1
VARIABLES OF THE P I P E
VIBRATION
D e s c r iption Symbol Dimensions

An undampened natural frequency of the s y s t e m Pi

T-1

The outer d i a m e t e r of the pipe a L

The wall thickness of the pipe h L

The length of the pipe I L

The m a s s per unit length of pipe m ML'-^

The modulus of e l a s t i c i t y E ML'^T"'^

The c r o s s sectional a r e a of the metal A L^

The bending m o m e n t of inertia I L'^

Poisson's ratio s (MLT)

The amplitude of the forcing function on the F MLT"^

system

A frequency of the orcing function U)i

T-I

II
The l a s t two t e r m s in T a b l e I a c c o u n t for the f o r c e d v i b r a t i o n of the

system. The a m p l i t u d e of the f o r c i n g function is n e c e s s a r y only if

it is d e s i r e d to o b t a i n a r e l a t i o n b e t w e e n the a m p l i t u d e s of v i b r a t i o n .

The a m p l i t u d e h a s n o effect on the n a t u r a l and h e n c e r e s o n a n t

f r e q u e n c i e s of the s y s t e m .

F r o m the f u n d a m e n t a l s of d i m e n s i o n a l a n a l y s i s it is known t h a t

f(p, a, h, 1, m . E , A, I, F , 0 0 . S) = 0 (II-2)

is a s o l u t i o n t o the e q u a t i o n of v i b r a t i o n . T h i s e q u a t i o n can be

r e d u c e d to the d i m e n s i o n l e s s e q u a t i o n

F ( T r j , x ^ , T r 3 . . . . , T r g) = o (11-3)
by the following m e t h o d . The v a r i a b l e s in e q u a t i o n (II-2) a r e w r i t t e n

in t e r m s of t h e i r r e s p e c t i v e d i m e n s i o n s r a i s e d to s o m e p o w e r . This

is t h e n e q u a t e d to a function of a d i m e n s i o n l e ss n u m b e r .

Fr(T-^)^(L)^(L)^(L)^(ML-^)^(ML-^T-'^)8(L^)'(L'*)J(MLT"'^)^

(T )''(MLT)J =F[(MLT)] .

And, it is s e e n t h a t the e x p o n e n t s of M, L, T m u s t add to z e r o .

f -I- g -I- k= 0 for the p o w e r s of M

- b - 2k - n - 2g = 0 for the p o w e r s of T (II-5)

c + d + a - f- g +-^1 + 4 j + K = 0 for the p o w e r s of L.

The n a t u r a l f r e q u e n c i e s for b e a m s with u n i f o r m m a s s d i s t r i b u t i o n and

s i m p l e c o n f i g u r a t i o n s a r e u s u a l l y d e s c r i b e d as a function of the m o d u l u s

of e l a s t i c i t y , the m o m e n t of i n e r t i a , and thc m a s s p e r unit l e n g t h of

12
pipe. T h e r e f o r e the three equations above may be solved for the

exponents of these t h r e e v a r i a b l e s . This would involve finding the

fourth r o o t s of the moment of inertia in the d e s c r i p t i o n of some of the

other v a r i a b l e s . To reduce e r r o r in the computation of the r o o t s , the

outer d i a m e t e r of the pipe wiU be used as a variable in place of the

m o m e n t of inertia in the description of the other v a r i a b l e s . This is

possible since

1= % I 4 ( a - - ( a - 2 h ) 4 ) . (11-6)

Solving equation (II-5) for c, f, and g yields:

c = -d-e-2k-2i-4j
b n (11-7)
f = 2 +
^ k - ^
2 2

Seven of theTTterms may now be found by setting equal to one each of

the t e r m s b, d, e, k, n, i, and j in succession while the others excluding

c, f, and g a r e z e r o . The e i g h t h T T t e r m may be taken to be Poisson's

ratio.
For b = ; c = 0, f = 1/2, g = - 1/2, and TT 1 = P V ^

For d = ; c = -1. f = 0, g = 0, and TT ^ h

a
For e = ; c = -1, 1 = 0, g = 0, and TT 3 1

For k = ; c = -Z, f :: 0, g = -1, and TT ,

a-^E
For n = ; c = 0, f = 1/2, g = -1/2, and TT ^ = U)/ m

For i = ; c = -2, f = 0, g -- 0, and TT _A_

,2
For j = ; c = 0, f = 0, g = 0, and TT 7 = - 1

nd TT 8
13
C o m b i n i n g t h e s e TT t e r m s and s o l v i n g for the n a t u r a l f r e q u e n c y

t e r m gives;

/ m ' ^ / h 1 F / m ' A I v ,,., v

PV^ =G( , _ , - ^ , , V - ^ , -^. _ . S). (II-8)

D e s i g n of tlie M o d e l

E q u a t i o n (II-8) w a s now w r i t t e n in t e r m s of both the m o d e l

and t h e p r o t o t y p e . When t h i s was done the d e s i g n c o n d i t i o n s for the

m o d e l , a s given in s t e p 5) of the m o d e l t h e o r y , b e c a m e a s foUows:

h z (2L ) h
m ^ ap ' p
1m {nL)' 1p
= ^ap

F^ = (^)^(|l23-)F
1P f^
OL'rn '- / ""P ^ ^ c O p
y mr Ep ^ (II-9)

A. = Ci^ )' Ap
P
I^ m = (^m
\- )^ I
' ^p

S = S^ .
m p
At t h i s point in the d e s i g n it w a s d e c i d e d to m a k e the m o d e l out of

s t e e l , the s a m e m a t e r i a l a s that of the p r o t o t y p e , so that s ^ = s

P
and E m = E^- The d e s i g n p a r a m e t e r s for the m o d e l then b e c a m e ;
'^- = (7-)>^P
'm - ( | ^ ) ' p

^ m - ^ ^ ' ^P

lij 3 J "^P U; (II-10)

^"^ V "^m P
a >
A = ( 22_)" A
^m ^p ' p
1 = ( a,
^ m )4 ^
^m \ a ' p
14
 w h e r e h^^, l ^ , A ^ , I ^ d e t e r m i n e the size of the model and F , and

^ ^ d e t e r m i n e the amplitude and frequency with which the model was

vibrated.

Next, model pipe (rigid conduit) sizes of 3/4 and 1/2 inch

nominal d i a m e t e r s w e r e selected to r e p r e s e n t the prototype pipe

(schedule 40) of 3 inch and 2 inch nominal d i a m e t e r s respectively.

The m e a s u r e d p r o p e r t i e s of both the prototype and model a r e shown

in Table 2.

TABLE 2

PROPERTIES OF THE
PROTOTYPE AND M O D E L
1
Nominal Outer Wall Weight p e r C r o s s Sec. M o m e n t of
Diam. Diam. Thickness Unit L e n g t h Area Inertia
a h m A I
2 4
in. in. in. Ib/in. in. in.

PROTOTYPE
3 3. 500 0. 216 0. 632 2. 260 3.062

2 2. 375 0. 154 0. 304 1.082 0. 666

MODEL

3/4 0. 925 0.050 0.036 0. 137 0.013

1/2 0.707 0.041 0.025 0.091 0.005

15
For the model s i z e s given in table 2 the calculated conditions (page 14)

gave:

F o r 3/4 in. conduit r e p r e s e n t i n g nominal 3 in. pipe:

m.=M25=
ap 3, 500
0.264
>oo
hm= (0- 264)(0. 216) = 0. 057

A ^ = (0. 264)^(2. 260) = 0. 157

Ij^= (0. 264)^^(3.062) = 0. 015 .

For 1/2 in. conduit r e p r e s e n t i n g nominal 2 in. pipe:

a^ 0.707.
-^ = 2.375 "-^^^

h ^ = (0. 298) (0. 154) = 0. 046

A ^ = (0.298)^(1.082)= 0.096

l^ = (0. ^^^^'^(O. 666)= 0.005 .

These calculated values for h , A , and I a r e seen to be in good

a g r e e m e n t with the actual values given in table 2. The r e m a i n i n g

design condition was that of length reduction. This was given by the

foUowing:

F o r 3/4 in. conduit r e p r e s e n t i n g nominal 3 in. pipe:

l m - ( i ^ ) l p = 0.264 1p . (II-U)

F o r 1/2 in. conduit r e p r e s e n t i n g nominal 2 in. pipe

a
lm = ( ^mH p = 0-298 1p (11-12)

16
When these length reduction factors were applied to the prototype,

the d i m e n s i o n s of the model became as shown in the foUowing figures

LEGEND

nominal 3/4 in. cond.

nominal 1/2 in. cond.

3 'I - 2O l l

Fig. t . General Dimensions of the Model

(refer to Appendix B for complete d i m e n s i o n s )

l'~
 LEGEND
All dimensions a r e in inches,
I I Fixed end support

^-< Pipe to building

I-4 Pipe to pipe

F i g . 7. Location of the Model Supports

F i g . 8. View 1 of the Model

18
F i g . 9. View 2 of t h e M o d e l

F i g . 10, View 3 of t h e M o d e l

19
 The m a s s of the fittings in the prototype s y s t e m was neglected

m the m o d e l . This imposed the r e s t r i c t i o n that the m a s s supported

by a length of pipe m u s t be s m a l l as c o m p a r e d to the m a s s of that

length of pipe. The e x p e r i m e n t a l r e s u l t s appeared to validate this

a s s u m p t i o n in this p a r t i c u l a r c a s e .

Having met all of the design conditions for the model the theory

of m o d e l s gave the foUowing relation between a natural frequency of

the prototype and that of the model:

' ^ - ^ ^ ^ ^ - ^ ^ r . - (11-13)
'p ^ m

When in r e s o n a n c e the s y s t e m vibrates at the same frequency as the

exciting force. Then, since the entire system vibrates with one

frequency (the natural frequency), the r a t i o between m^^ and m

should be the same in all p a r t s of the s y s t e m . AIso, since each

n a t u r a l frequency is a s s o c i a t e d with one p a r t i c u l a r mode of vibration.

the mode of vibration at one of the natural frequencies of the prototype

will be the s a m e as that of the model at its corresponding natural

frequency. In this case for the 3/4 in. conduit r e p r e s e n t i n g the nominal

3 in. pipe:

Pp - 0-^^9 p ^

and for the l / 2 in. conduit r e p r e s e n t i n g the 2 in, nominal pipe:

Pp=0.287p^.

20
T h i s difference of about twenty p e r cent was due to a difference in

the wall t h i c k n e s s of the conduit and thus a difference in the ratio

of the a r e a s . An a v e r a g e value of p was used:

p^p = 0.26 p^m

21
 CHAPTER III

TEST OF THE MODEL

Method of Testing

The n a t u r a l frequencies of the model were determined by

vibrating the model and noting those frequencies which caused the

a c c e l e r a t i o n of the pipe to become a m a x i m u m . When the amplitude

of the a c c e l e r a t i o n was a m a x i m u m , the amplitude of the pipe

d i s p l a c e m e n t was a m a x i m u m . The forcing function of the vibrator

may be d e s c r i b e d as foUows:

f = F Q cost*;t (III-1)

where F is the constant amplitude of the forcing function, and LV

is the angular frequency of the vibration. The displacement of the

pipe may then be written a s ;

X = X Q COSOt

s i n c e , F^^ = -M U^^^X^ and f = mx (III-2)

where X^ is the amplitude of the displacement, and M is the m a s s

of the s y s t e m . Differentiating equation (II1-2) twice with r e s p e c t to

time yields;

X '- -^o^^ cosuMt . (in-3)

Then from equation (III-3) the a c c e l e r a t i o n is seen to be a m a x i m u m

when the d i s p l a c e m e n t is a m a x i m u m , {(J is held constant). It was

d e s i r a b l e to d e t e r m i n e the n a t u r a l frequencies in this manner since

Zl
 4
\he dependence of the a c c e l e r a t i o n on the square of the frequency

e n a b l e s a fine tuning of the frequency. In other w o r d s , a s m a l l

change in the frequency produced a large change in the a c c e l e r a t i o n ,

The e x p e r i m e n t a l apparatus is illustrated in figures II and 12,

w h e r e the n u m b e r s in the figures refer to the various i n s t r u m e n t s used:

1. Ling E l e c t r o n i c s Model RA-250 Power Supply

2. Calidyne Model A-88 Electrodynamic Shaker

3. Hewlett P a c k a r d Model 52I-A Electronic Counter

4. General Radio Co. Type 1553-A Vibration Meter

5. General Radio Co. Type 1560-P5I Vibration Pickup

F i g . 11. Model E x p e r i m e n t a l Apparatus

23
 VIBRATION VIBRATION
METER PICKUP
1
MOUNTED ON P I P E
CONNECTED TO P I P E
I
I
SHAKER POWER COUNTER
SUPPLY

Fig. 12. Block D i a g r a m of the E x p e r i m e n t a l A p p a r a t u s

V i b r a t i o n s w e r e induced into the m o d e l t h r o u g h the e l e c t r o d y n a m i c

shaker. The f r e q u e n c y of the v i b r a t i o n was t h e n slowly i n c r e a s e d a n d ,

the v i b r a t i o n m e t e r w a s o b s e r v e d while the a c c e l e r a t i o n i n c r e a s e d to a

m a x i m u m and b e g a n t o d e c r e a s e . At t h i s point the f o r c i n g f r e q u e n c y w a s

t h e n d e c r e a s e d until the a c c e l e r a t i o n w a s once a g a i n a m a x i m u m . By

o b s e r v i n g the e l e c t r o n i c c o u n t e r , the f r e q u e n c y of the s h a k e r w a s

determined. Since the s y s t e m was at r e s o n a n c e , the f r e q u e n c y of the

s h a k e r w a s e q u a l to that of one of the n a t u r a l f r e q u e n c i e s of the piping

system. The f r e q u e n c y of the s h a k e r w a s a g a i n i n c r e a s e d until the

next n a t u r a l frequency was r e a c h e d . By r e p e a t i n g the above s t e p s , a

l a r g e p o r t i o n of the s p e c t r u m of n a t u r a l f r e q u e n c i e s for the m o d e l was

obtained.

24
Experimental Results

The foUowing are the natural frequencies determined by the

above method.

TABLE 3

NATURAL FREQUENCIES
DETERMINED F R O M THE M O D E L

E l e c t r o n i c Counter Calculated Prototype

Readings Frequencies
Pm p^p = 0 . 2 6 p'^m

cycles / second cycles / second

7.0 1.8
18. 7 4.9
33.0 8.6
41.2 10.7
52.8 13.7
81.2 21. 1
105.0 27. 3
115. 5 30.0
154.2 40.0

25
 CHAPTER IV

TEST OF THE PROTOTYPE

Method of Testing

A v i b r a t o r was built to i m p r e s s sinusoidal vibrations on the

model. A photograph and specifications for the v i b r a t o r a r e given

in the appendix.

The n a t u r a l frequencies of the prototype were then determined

by noting those frequencies of the vibrator which caused the a c c e l e r a -

tion of the s y s t e m to be a m a x i m u m . The experimental apparatus is

i U u s t r a t e d in figures 13 and 14, where the n u m b e r s in the figures

r e f e r to the v a r i o u s i n s t r u m e n t s and equipment used:

1. Vibrator, r e f e r to the appendix for specifications

2. G e n e r a l Radio Co. Type 1531-A Strobotac

3. E l e c t r i c Motor

4. G e n e r a l Radio Co. 115 volt Variac

5. G e n e r a l Radio Co. Type 1553-A Vibration Meter

6. G e n e r a l Radio Co. Type 1560-P51 Vibration Pickup.

Vibrations w e r e induced into the prototype through the v i b r a t o r

which was driven by an e l e c t r i c m o t o r , the speed of which was varied

with a V a r i a c . The v i b r a t o r was attached at a point in the system where

it was felt that it would produce the m a x i m u m a c c e l e r a t i o n s of the

system. When the vibration m e t e r indicated a m a x i m u m a c c e l e r a t i o n .

26
F i g . 13. Prototype E x p e r i m e n t a l Apparatus

6 5
VIBRATION VIBRATION
PICKUP METER
1
MOUNTED ON P I P E

MOUNTEDjON P I P E
2 1
STROBOTAC VIBRATOR

115 VOLT 4 3
SUP PLY VARIC ilii-iiLiV.
M01roR

F i g . 14 Block D i a g r a m of the E x p e r i m e n t a l
Apparatus

27
the frequency of the v i b r a t o r was d e t e r m i n e d by the calibrated

Strobotac. The Strobotac was calibrated against the electronic

counter which has a c h r y s t a l controlled time base (refer to Appendix

D). The Strobotac was used to obtain the rotational speed of the

vibrator. The clocking function of the Strobotac was inaccurate

for d i s p l a c e m e n t s below about 0. 1 inches. Since the amplitude of

the d i s p l a c e m e n t was below this value, the strobotac was not

d i r e c t l y used to clock the motion of the pipe.

The position of the vibration pickup on the pipe was not the same

as in the t e s t on the model. This did not effect the values obtained

for the n a t u r a l frequencies, since the entire system was vibrating at

the s a m e frequency. The location chosen was m o r e one of convience.

E x p e r i m e n t a l Results

Given in the table below are the values of the natural frequencies

obtained from the prototype test.

28
 TABLE 4

N A T U R A L FREQUENCIES
OF THE P R O T O T Y P E

The Natural F r e q u e n c i e s as
Determined by

the Strobotac the Calibration

Rev. /Minute cycles/second

410 7.0

650 11.0

880 15. 5

1240 21. 0

1560 26.5

1750 29. 5

2390 37.0

29
 CHAPTER V

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

C o m p a r i s o n of the Prototype and Model T e s t s

Given in Table 5 is a comparison of the natural frequencies

d e t e r m i n e d in the prototype and model t e s t s .

TABLE 5

COMPARISON OF RESULTS

Mode Natura I F r e q u e n c i e s in c y c l e s / s e c o n d Percent

Model P r e d i c t e d Prototype Actual Prototype . ERROR
1 7.0 1.8

2 18.7 4.9

3 33.0 8. 6 7.0 18.6

4 41. 2 10.7 11.0 -2.8#

5 52.8 13. 7 15.5 -13. 1

6 81. 2 21. 1 21. 0 0.5

7 105.0 27. 3 26. 5 2.9

8 115. 5 30. 0 29. 5 1.7

9 154. 2 40.0 37.0 7.3

* P e r c e n t E r r o r is defined as the difference of the predicted prototype

frequency and the actual prototype frequency divided by the
p r e d i c t e d prototype frequency.

# The negative sign on the p e r c e n t e r r o r indicates that the predicted

prototype frequency is l e s s than the actual prototype frequency.

30
 Table 4 shows that the model t e s t yielded two r e s o n a n t frequencies

below those obtained for the prototype. This was due to the inability

to r o t a t e the prototype vibrator at speeds l e s s than 5 cycles per second.

The differences in the predicted and actual prototype frequencies

a r e a t t r i b u t e d to the following:

1. The stiffness of the frame used to support the model was not

the same as that used to support the prototype. At this time

t h e r e s e e m s no way of accurately determining the effect of

the stiffness on the frequencies and m o d e s . It may be stated

in g e n e r a l that the stiffer the supports the higher the natural

frequencies.

2. Although the frequencies obtained from the prototype test were

taken to be the actual values of the natural frequencies, the

variable speed c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s of the vibrator driving motor

produced some e r r o r in these values.

3. The model may not completely describe the prototype. Some

v a r i a b l e , or v a r i a b l e s p r e s e n t in the prototype may not be

accounted for in the design of the model. One of these

v a r i a b l e s not considered is that of the valves, fittings, and

r e g u l a t o r s in the line. This m a s s would cause the natural

frequency of the prototype to be l e s s than that of the model.

This is the case for all but two of the frequencies obtained.

31
 150 .

W
-<
u 100 ^
2; IDEAL CURVE
w p^ = 0. 26 p
'^p *^m
D
a EXPERIMENTAL
w CURVE
o

w D E N O T E S THE
w SAME MODE
Q OF VIBRATION
O

10 20 30 40
P R O T O T Y P E F R E Q U E N C I E S (CPS)

F i g . 15 C o m p a r i s o n of the R e s u l t s

Conclusions

The e x p e r i m e n t a l r e s u l t s show t h a t the n a t u r a l f r e q u e n c i e s of

a p i p i n g s y s t e m , c o m p l e x or s i m p l e , can be d e t e r m i n e d by p r o p e r l y

d e s c r i b i n g the s y s t e m with a m o d e l . The n a t u r a l f r e q u e n c i e s of the

m o d e l c a n be d e t e r m i n e d , and t h e n the n a t u r a l f r e q u e n c i e s of the

p r o t o t y p e c a n be found t h r o u g h the a p p l i c a t i o n of m o d e l t h e o r y .

The l a r g e r d i f f e r e n c e s b e t w e e n the a c t u a l p r o t o t y p e f r e q u e n c i e s

a n d the p r o t o t y p e f r e q u e n c i e s as d e t e r m i n e d f r o m the m o d e l i n d i c a t e

the n e e a for a m o r e e x t e n s i v e study of the s y s t e m c o n s t r a i n t s .

32
LIST OF REFERENCES
 LIST OF REFERENCES

1. Kellogg Company, M. W.: "Design of Piping Systems. " John

Wiley and Sons, Inc. , New York, 1956.

2. Duncan, W. J . : " P h y s i c a l Similarity and Dimensional Analysis. "

Edward Arnold Company, London, 1953.

3. T i m o s h e n k o , S. , and D. H. Young: "Advanced D y n a m i c s . "

McGraw-HiU Book Company, Inc. , New York, 1948.

4. Housner, G. W. , and D. E. Hudson: "Applied Mechanics

D y n a m i c s . " D. Van Nostrand Company, Inc. ,
P r i n c e t o n , New J e r s e y , 1959.

5. Love, A. E. H. : "A T r e a t i s e on the Mathematical Theory

of E l a s t i c i t y . " Dover Publications, New York, 1944.

6. R o g e r s , G. L . : "Dynamics of F r a m e d S t r u c t u r e s . " John Wiley

and Sons, Inc. , New York, 1959.

7. Den H a r t o g , J . P . : "Mechanical Vibrations. " McGraw-Hill

Book Company, Inc. , New York, 1956.

34
 APPENDIX

A. DIMENSIONS O F T H E P R O T O T Y P E AND M O D E L

B. D I F F E R E N T I A L EQUATIONS O F MOTION

C. CALIBRATION O F THE STROBOTAC

D. P R O T O T Y P E VIBRATOR S P E C I F I C A T I O N S

35
A P P E N D I X A: DIMENSIONS O F T H E P R O T O T Y P E AND M O D E L

r'

36
37
A P P E N D I X B : D I F F E R E N T I A L EQUATIONS OF MOTION

F L E X U R A L EQUATION

Shown b e l o w is a f r e e body d i a g r a m of a s e c t i o n of a c i r c u l a r
cylinder.
mAx
M

V+ M A X

^^'*t'+ 7

W h e r e V is the s h e a r in the y - d i r e c t i o n , M is the bending m o m e n t

a b o u t the z - a x i s , F is the a x i a l force in the x - d i r e c t i o n , T is the

t o r s i o n a b o u t tlie x - a x i s , and m is the weight of the pipe p e r foot of

length.

S e t t i . i i the s u m of ti v e r t i c a l f o r c e s e q u a l to the m a s s t i m e s

the a c c e l e r a t i o n ;
5^
(V+-- Ax) + m A x - V = mAx. (1)
dx
Z>t^

T is m . / oe r e d u c e d to give

(2)

N e x t , the s u m of the m o m e n t s about the point at x = Ax and y = 0 is

s e t eq'i.il to the m a s s m o m e n t ol i-^^ertia t i m e s the a c c e l e r a t i o n of

the point.

(M + | M a . ) + M ^ - M -VAX = j ' ^ (3)

^V
3^
Since Ax is s m a l l , the t e r m containing x^ is neglected. Equation

(3) is then simplified to give,

^ ^ ^ AX ^tT^ ('^)
Where,

J' = J ^ A x K ^ d A : ^AxK^A = ^ AxJ . (5)

J is the polar m o m e n t of inertia, K is the radius of gyration, and ^

is the m a s s per unit volume. For small d i s p l a c e m e n t s ,

<P = 4 ^ a n d - ^ = - ^ . (6)

Substituting (6) and (5) into (4) and differentiating with r e s p e c t to

X gives,

5^M ^v 2 Z)^y

Now, for a constant moment of inertia (I) and a constant modulus

of e l a s t i c i t y (E), the bending moment is r e p l a c e d by,

M - - E I 9.y . (8)
bx^
Equation (8) is derived from Hooke's law and the bending formula.

The final form of the equation of motion for bending is then

written by substitution of equations (8) and (2) into (7).

EI - ^ + m A?y - m + m 2 ^^ V ^ . (9)

39
LONGITUDINAL EQUATION

Setting the sum of the longitudinal forces equal to the m a s s times

the a c c e l e r a t i o n gives,

F + - X x - F = mx - ^ . (10)
dx ht"^

Where u is the displacement of a c r o s s section of the cylinder in the

x-direction. The s t r a i n due to the displacement u is then AU/AX.

Now^from Hooke's law and since force = s t r e s s times a r e a ,

F= AEC = AE - ^ - ^ . (11)
Tix
Substituting equation ( I I ) into (10) and simplifying gives the equation

o motion for longitudinal vibrations.

^^u . m 5 u . (12)
dx^ AE "bt^
TORS ONAL EQUATION

The torque (T) acting on the left section of the cylinder may be

represented as,

T= GJt - ^ (13)
^ O X

where G is the modulus of rigidity, J^ is the polar moment of inertia

of the c r o s s section, and e is the angle of twist. Application of

Newton's second law of motion leads to
^ T . X T - o T ^'^Q (l^)
T + - ^ A x ) - T - ^ Jt ^ - ^ '
O X 0 t
where ^ is the m a s s p e r unit v o l u m e . S u b s t i t u t i n g e q u a t i o n (13) into

(14) and s i m p l i f y i n g yields,

d^e , __ 5 e
^x^ G ^t^

40
APPENDIX C: CALIBRATION OF THE STROBOTAC

To obtain good a c c u r a c y of requency m e a s u r e m e n t in the test

of the p r o t o t y p e , the strobotac was calibrated with a c r y s t a l - c o n t r o l l e d

t i m e base e l e c t r o n i c counter. Instruments used to accomplish this a r e

shown in the figure below, where the n u m b e r s in the figure refer to the

equipment used:

1. Hewlett P a c k a r d Model 521 - A, Electronic Counter

2. Hewlett P a c k a r d Model 506 - A, Tachometer Head Phototube

3. G e n e r a l Radio Co. Type I53I - A, Strobotac

YQ. 18. Instrumentation for Calibration

41
 T h e S t r o b o t a c w a s s e t to v a r i o u s f r e q a e n c i e s ( r e v o l u t i o n s p e r

m i n u t e ) and a l l o w e d to flash d x r e c t l y mto the phototube. The e l e c t r o n i c

c o u n t e r , c o n n e c t e d d i r e c t l y to the phototube output. r e c o r d e d the n u m b e r

of f l a s h e s r e c e i v e d by the phototube p e r s e c o n d .

2500 -

2000

1500 ,
u
<
H
O
CQ
O
o 1000 .
H

500 -

10 20 30
ELECTRONIC COUNTER (CPS)

Fip. 19. C a l i b r a t i o n C u r v e for the S t r o b o t a c

42
APPENDIX D: P R O T O T Y P E VIBRATOR SPECIFICATIONS

The vibrator used in the prototype t e s t consisted of two

unbalanced aluminum r o t o r s geared together to rotate in opposite

directions. This v i b r a t o r produced sinusoidal motion in a plane

p e r p e n d i c u l a r to that through the c e n t e r s of the r o t o r s . The maxi-

m u m force produced by the vibrator is given by

F = Mrii)

where M is the total unbalanced m a s s , r is the eccentricity of the

unbalanced m a s s , and w is the square o the angular frequency

(radians per second) of the r o t o r s . Below is a photograph of the

v i b r a t o r mounted on a 3 inch pipe

direction of vibration

F i g . 20. Prototype Vibrator

43
 TABLE 6

SPECIFICATIONS OF THE VIBRATOR

Total Unbalanced Mass 0. 894 Ibs.

Eccentricity 0. 875 inches

Maximum F o r c e Produced 89. 0 Ibs.

(at 2000 rpm)

44