Plane damper

The plane damper is a component in large marine engines that is intended to prevent damage to the drive train from resonance vibrations.

Torsional vibrations occur in the crankshafts of marine diesel engines . These generate stresses in the crankshaft . In the case of resonance, the vibrations and thus the load can "swing" to an extreme level. A torsional vibration damper of the flat surface damper type at the end of the crankshaft limits this load and thus prevents the shaft from being destroyed.

Structure of a plane damper

The plane damper consists of a flywheel on the secondary side and a primary part that is directly connected to the crankshaft. Brake pads are attached to the primary part . The secondary mass is pressed against the brake linings with adjustable disc spring assemblies.

Mode of action

If no or only slight torsional vibrations occur in the crankshaft, the secondary part follows the movement of the primary part. If high amplitudes and fast frequencies occur, the secondary part can no longer follow the primary mass due to the inertia of its mass, and frictional work occurs. The work of friction removes vibration energy from the system, preventing an increase in the load on the shaft. In contrast to the dual-mass flywheel , the energy of the torque peaks is not converted back into useful energy with the plane damper, but is given off as waste heat to the environment.

history

In the years 1964 to 1972, MaK engines were equipped with this type of damper if necessary.

source

• About the structure, mode of operation, operating behavior and maintenance of MaK torsional vibration dampers by Ernst-Günther Kroos