System and method for monitoring torsional vibrations and operating parameters of rotating shafts

Abstract

An optical system for monitor vibration, particularly applicable to power shafts in rotating power systems such as those found in trucks, naval vessels, turbogenerators, hydroelectric and nuclear generators, and helicopters, has an optical unit including IRLED radiation sources aimed at grid lines applied around the circumference of the shaft. The reflection of the radiation is imaged through lenses and a matching Ronchi grid onto a photodiode which produces a periodic wave signal from which indications of rotational irregularities can be derived. In one embodiment, duplicate radiation sources and imaging apparatus are arranged in diametric opposition across the shaft to permit compensation for pitch and plunge shaft vibration. In another preferred embodiment, a second, duplicate optical unit is located at a distance along the shaft from the first unit. The output signals of the two units are passed through a comparator and a EX-NOR gate, then low-pass filtered to produce a signal indicative of torsional deflection. Quadrature techniques can be used to provide shaft directional information. Also disclosed are a method and apparatus for precisely applying finely spaced grid lines to an existing shaft on site. A photosensitive material is applied to the shaft, and a strobe light synchronized to the rotation of the shaft exposes the photosensitive material as the shaft is rotated to create finely spaced grid lines on the material.