SOLID MECHANICS

BALANCING

TUTORIAL 2 – BALANCING RECIPROCATING MACHINERY

On completion of this tutorial you should be able to solve problems involving balancing primary and
secondary forces and moments for reciprocating machines

Contents

1. Introduction

2. Derivation of Acceleration Equation

3. Force
3.1 Primary Force for a Single Cylinder
3.2 Secondary Force for a Single Cylinder
3.3 Representation with a Rotating Mass
3.4 Primary and Secondary Forces for Multiple Cylinders

4. Moments
4.1 Primary Moment
4.2 Secondary Moment

5. Balancing
5.1 Reciprocating Balance
5.2 Contra-Rotating Masses
5.3 Lanchester Balancing System

6. An Analytical Approach

© D. J. Dunn [Link] 1
1. Introduction

Reciprocating machines here means a piston

reciprocating in a cylinder and connected to a crank
shaft by a connecting rod. You can skip the
derivation of the acceleration by going to the next
page.

First let’s establish the relationship between crank

angle, and the displacement, velocity and
acceleration of the piston.

2 Derivation of Acceleration Equation

A crank, con rod and piston mechanism is shown below.

When  = 0 the piston will be furthest left at a distance of L+R from point O. Take this as the reference
point and measure displacement x from there. Remember that  = t and  = 2 x N. The displacement is
then

Let the ratio L/R = n

Differentiate to get the velocity.

Differentiate again and simplify to get the acceleration.

The diagram shows a plot of displacement, velocity and acceleration against angle when L=120 mm,
R=50 mm and  =  rad/s. It should be noted that none of them are sinusoidal and not harmonic (in
particular, the acceleration). The larger the value of n, the nearer it becomes to being harmonic.

© D. J. Dunn [Link] 2
The equation for acceleration may be expanded as a Fourier series into the form

A is a constant involving n. The following gives a very good approximation except at very high speeds.

3. Force
Using the close approximation for acceleration, the inertia force required to
accelerate the piston is given by

This may be thought of as two separate forces, the primary force Fp and the
secondary force Fs.

3.1 Primary Force for a Single Cylinder

The primary force must be thought of as a force with a peak value M2R that varies cosinusoidally with
angle .

WORKED EXAMPLE No. 1

Determine the primary out of balance force for a single cylinder machine with a piston of mass
0.5 kg, with a connecting rod 120 mm long and a crank radius of 50 mm when the speed of rotation is
3 000 rev/min.

SOLUTION
 = 2 3 000/60 = 100 rad/s

3.2 Secondary Force for a Single Cylinder

The secondary force must be thought of as a force with peak value M2R/n that varies Cosinusoidally
with the double angle 2.

WORKED EXAMPLE No. 2

Determine the secondary force produced in a single cylinder machine with a piston of mass 0.5 kg,
with a connecting rod 120 mm long and a crank radius of 50 mm when the speed of rotation is 3 000
rev/min.
SOLUTION
 = 2 3 000/60 = 100 rad/s n = 120/50 = 2.4

© D. J. Dunn [Link] 3
3.3 Representation with a Rotating Mass

The primary force is the same as the vertical component of

the centrifugal force of a rotating mass M at the crank radius
R and angular velocity .

Fp = M2 R cosθ

The secondary force is the same as the vertical component

of the centrifugal force of a mass M rotating at 2 at a
radius of Rs where

Hence

Note that this means that if the shaft is running at then

the mass must be M/4 in order to produce the same force.
This is important when balancing the system as covered later.

3.4 Primary and Secondary Forces for Multiple Cylinders

The primary and secondary inertia forces for multiple pistons are simply the resultant force of all the
force vectors. Problems are easier to solve when the radii and masses of all the pistons are the same but
the graphical method can be used quite easily with any combination.

In all the following it will be assumed that the reciprocating masses are all moving in the same vertical
direction with various crank angles. For simplicity the crank angles are referred to the axis of the
pistons and this is made to be vertical.

It is usual to make one piston the reference crank (A) with θ = 0

The crank angles of the other are relative to A and are typically designated ,  and 

© D. J. Dunn [Link] 4
 WORKED EXAMPLE No. 3a

Two reciprocating pistons as shown have equal mass and crank radii and are
placed 180o apart. Determine the primary force.

SOLUTION
The force for each piston is
What ever the angle of the crank, the vertical components
of the forces will be equal and opposite so Fp = 0.

WORKED EXAMPLE No. 3b

Three reciprocating pistons have equal mass and crank radii and are placed 120 o apart from each
other. Determine the primary force.

SOLUTION

Represent the three pistons with a rotating mass at radius R as shown.

The force for each piston is

In order to draw the vectors choose that A is at zero degrees. Each vector has a value MR2 and
adding them we see there is no resultant so there is no resultant vertical component
(MR2 cosθ) either and so Fp = 0 and this will be true whatever the crank angle.

© D. J. Dunn [Link] 5
 WORKED EXAMPLE No. 3c

Four reciprocating pistons in the same line have equal mass and crank radii and are placed 90 o apart
from each other. Determine the primary force.

SOLUTION

Represent each mass as shown.

SOLUTION

The force for each piston is

In order to draw the vectors choose that A is at zero degrees. Each vector has a value M2R and
adding them we see there is no resultant so there is no resultant vertical component either so

Fp = 0 and this will be true whatever the crank angle θ.

WORKED EXAMPLE No. 4

Establish the secondary force for the same cases as example 3a to 3c.

4a. SOLUTION

2 Pistons. The angle between the two cranks is 180o so doubling we get 360o.
The vector A may be drawn at any angle but is normally vertically up.
Vector B is drawn at 360o to vector A and added. Each vector has a length M2R/n

The resulting vertical component is Fs = 2 M2(R/n) cos 2 so there is a resultant force that needs to
be balanced.

4b SOLUTION

3 Pistons. The angle between each cranks is 120 o so doubling,

vector B will be at 240 o and vector C will be at 480o all relative
to A. (A is drawn vertical for convenience).

Adding them we see there is no Resultant whatever the angle of vector A

so Fs = 0 at all crank angles and the secondary force is balanced

© D. J. Dunn [Link] 6
 4C SOLUTION

4 Pistons. The angle between each cranks is 90o so doubling, vector B will be at
180o, vector C will be at 360o and vector D will be 540o all relative to A.

Adding them we see there is no resultant force whatever the angle of vector A
so Fs = 0 at all crank angles and the secondary forces are balanced.

WORKED EXAMPLE No. 5

A machine has three reciprocating masses A, B and C

with cranks located as shown in the diagram.
Determine the primary and secondary forces produced
at a speed of 600 rev/min.

SOLUTION

The angle of the crank A is θ = 0 The angle of crank B relative to A is  = 90o

The angle of crank C relative to A is  = 225o  = 600 2/60 = 20 rad/s

Crank A Fp = MR2 cos  Fs = 2(M R/n) cos 2

Crank B Fp = MR2 cos  Fs = 2(M R/n) cos 2
Crank C Fp = MR2 cos  Fs = 2(M R/n) cos 2 (or ms2 cos 2)

The solution is best done with a table.

Mass R MR Angle n MR/n 2 angle
(kg) (mm) (kg mm) (deg) (kg mm) (deg)
A 0.5 60 30 0 4 7.5 0
B 0.25 30 7.5 =90 3 2.5 2=180
C 0.25 30 7.5 =225 3 2.5 2=450
Draw the MR and the MR/n polygons with A drawn at 0 degrees.

The resultant for the MR/n polygon is 5.59 kg mm 27o clockwise of A

The secondary force is Fs = (M R/n) 2 cos27o = 5.59 (20)2 cos27o =19.6 N 27o clockwise of A
The resultant for the MR polygon is 24.8 kg mm at 5o to A
Fp = 24.8 10-3 (20)2 cos5o = 97.5 N (the force in line with cylinders

© D. J. Dunn [Link] 7
4. Moments

Each force produces a moment about any point distance x from the centre line of the cylinder along the
axis of the crank shaft. Consider the crank below. The distance from the reference plane to the centreline
of each crank is x1, x2 and so on.

The turning moment about the reference plane is

, ,  …. are the angles each crank has relative to crank A. This can be separated into primary and
secondary moments.

4.1 Primary Moment

4.2 Secondary Moment

Both may solved with vectors but this time it is MRx and MRx/n that we plot and evaluate.

© D. J. Dunn [Link] 8
 WORKED EXAMPLE No. 6

A machine has three reciprocating masses A, B and C with cranks located as shown in the diagram.
Determine the primary and secondary moments produced at 600 rev/min about plane X – X.

SOLUTION – PRIMARY MOMENTS

 = 600 2/60 = 20 rad/s

Mass R x MRx angle
(kg) (m) (m) (kg m2) (deg)
A 0.5 0.06 0.2 6 10-3 θ=0
B 0.25 0.03 0.3 2.25 10-3  = 90
C 0.25 0.03 0.4 3 10-3  = 225

Draw the MRx polygon

The resultant MRx vector is 3.9 10-3 kg m2 at 2o clockwise of A

The moment produced in plane XX is 3.9 10-3 2 cos2o = 15.4 Nm

© D. J. Dunn [Link] 9
 SOLUTION – SECONDARY MOMENTS

Mass R n x MRx/n angle

(kg) (m) (m) (kg m2) (deg)
A 0.5 0.06 4 0.2 1.5 10-3 2θ = 0
B 0.25 0.03 3 0.3 0.1 10-3 2 = 180
C 0.25 0.033 3 0.4 0.133 10-3 2 = 450

Draw the MRx/n polygon with A drawn at 0 degrees.

The resulting MRx/n vector is 1.4 kg m2 at 5o clockwise of A

The moment about XX is 1.4 10-3 2 cos5o = 5.51 Nm

WORKED EXAMPLE No. 7

A compressor has three inline pistons of mass 0.4 kg with a crank radius of 40 mm and ratio n of 3.
The cranks are equally spaced in angle and positioned as shown. Determine the primary and secondary
force and turning moment about the reference plane X when it revolves at 30 rad/s.

SOLUTION - PRIMARY
Mass Radius MR x MRx angle
(kg) (m) (kg m) (m) (kg m2) (degrees)
Piston A 0.4 0.04 16 10-3 0.050 800 x 10-6 θ =0
Piston B 0.4 0.04 16 10-3 0.1 1 600 x 10-6  =120
Piston C 0.4 0.04 16 10-3 0.15 2 400 x 10-6  = 240

Drawing the MR polygon with A vertical we see the resultant force is zero as expected.

Draw the MRx polygon and by scaling or calculation the resultant is 1 386 10-6 kg m2
The resulting moment about plane XX is Mx = 2 1 386 10-6 cos30o
Mx = 302 1 386 10-6 cos30o = 1.08 Nm

© D. J. Dunn [Link] 10
 SOLUTION - SECONDARY

MR n MR/n x MRx/n angle

(kg m) (kg m) (m) (kg m2) (degrees)
A 16 x 10-3 3 5.33 10-3 0.05 266.7 10-6 2θ = 0
B 16 x 10-3 3 5.33 10-3 0.1 533.3 10-6 2 = 240
C 16 x 10-3 3 5.33 10-3 0.15 800 10-6 2 = 480

Draw the MR/n polygon with double angles and we again get a closed triangle showing that the
secondary forces are balanced. Draw the MRx/n polygon with double angles and the resultant vector is
R = 462 10-6 kg m2

The resultant vector is 462 10-6 kg m2

The moment produced is 462 10-6 302 cos30o = 0.36 N m about plane (XX)

(Note the moment to balance this is equal and opposite)

© D. J. Dunn [Link] 11
5. Balancing

5.1 Reciprocating Balance

We know from the first balancing tutorial that in order to balance rotors we need to place balancing
masses on two planes making one of them a reference plane. Reciprocating machines can be balanced in
this way by placing reciprocating masses on two planes. To balance primary components the planes can
be placed on the crank shaft to rotate at the crank speed. To balance secondary components we would
place them on a second parallel shaft running at twice the speed. This gives us the double angles required
for the MRx/n and MR/n polygons.

For the solution we first we draw the MRx polygon and deduce the primary balancing component for the
moment about the reference plane. Adding this component we then draw the MR polygon to deduce the
balancing component needed for all the forces. This is placed on the other reference plane where it will
not add to the moment. We then repeat the process for the secondary forces and moments using the
MRx/n and MR/n polygons. These are placed on the parallel shaft.

WORKED EXAMPLE No. 8

Two lines of reciprocating masses at A and B are to be balanced for Primary forces and couples by
two lines of reciprocating pistons at C and D. Given MA = 0.5 kg and MB = 0.75 kg and that crank B
is rotated 70o relative to A, determine the masses MC and MD and the angle of their cranks. All crank
radii are the same.

Make D the reference plane.

Mass M kg Rm MR kg m xm MRx kg m2
A 0.5 R 0.5R 0.2 0.1R
B 0.75 R 0.75R 0.7 0.525R
C MC R MC R 1.0 MC R
D MD R MD R 0 0

Draw the MRx polygon and using calculation or scaling find that for balance we need 0.567 kg m2
120o anticlockwise of A. For the same radius the mass will be 0.567 kg. This would be placed at A

© D. J. Dunn [Link] 12
 Now draw the MR polygon with MC R = 0.567 at the same radius.

Using trigonometry or scaling from the diagram reveals that for balance we need 0.52 R so
MD = 0.52 kg at the same radius and it must be placed at 204o to crank A at located at D.

WORKED EXAMPLE No. 9

The system described in example 7 is to be balanced for primary forces and moments by placing a
reciprocating mass in planes X and Y with the same crank radius and ratio n. The secondary forces
and moments are to be balanced by using a parallel shaft running at double speed. Determine the
masses and angles of the cranks for primary and secondary balance.

SOLUTION PRIMARY BALANCING

Mass kg Radius m MR n x MRx angle

kg m m kg m2
X Mx 0.04 0.04 Mx 3 0 0
A 0.4 0.04 16 10-3 3 0.05 800 10-6 θ=0
B 0.4 0.04 16 10-3 3 0.1 1 600 10-6  = 120
C 0.4 0.04 16 10-3 3 0.15 2 400 10-6  = 240
Y My 0.04 0.04 My 3 0.2 8 My 10-3

Draw the MRx polygon. The resultant is 1 386 10-6 kg m2 at 30o as shown.
1 386 10-6 = 8 10-3My My = 0.173 kg located at Y.

© D. J. Dunn [Link] 13
 Evaluate 0.04My = 6.92 10-3 and draw the MR polygon.

The closing vector is equal and opposite of Y

0.04Mx = 6.92 10-3 at 30o as shown.
Mx = 0.173 kg located at X
For primary balance we need a piston mass of 173 g placed 30o to A at Y and another at 150o
clockwise to A at X.

SECONDARY COMPONENTS

Mass kg Radius n MR/n x MRx/n angle

m kg m m kg m2
X Mx 0.04 3 13.33 10-3Mx 0 0 0
A 0.4 0.04 3 5.33 10-3 0.05 266.7 10-6 2θ = 0
B 0.4 0.04 3 5.33 10-3 0.1 533.3 10-6 2 = 240
C 0.4 0.04 3 5.33 10-3 0.15 800 10-6 2 = 480
Y My 0.04 3 13.33 10-3My 0.2 2.66 10-3My

Draw the MRx/n polygon with double angles

From the MRx/n polygon we get a closing vector Y = 462 x 10-6 kg m2 at 30o as shown.

Equate 462 10-6 = 2.66 My 10-3 My = 0.173 kg located at Y

Now evaluate 13.33 10-3My = 2.306 10-3 and draw the MR/n polygon at double angles.

© D. J. Dunn [Link] 14
 The closing vector is equal and opposite to Y so 13.33 10-3Mx = 2.3 10-3 Mx = 0.173 kg.

Earlier it was argued that since the crank will revolve at double speed the mass to be used is M/4 so
secondary balance will be produced by a piston of mass 173/4 = 43.3 g. The crank will have an angle
of 30o clockwise of A on Y and 43.3 g at 150o anticlockwise to A on X.
These cranks to revolve at double speed.

© D. J. Dunn [Link] 15
5.2 Contra-Rotating Masses

A better method for balancing is to use equal contra-

rotating masses. With these, the centrifugal force produces
two components, one in line with the cylinder and one
normal to it.

The centrifugal force produced by each is (M/2)2R and

resolving horizontally and vertically we see the horizontal
components cancel and the vertical components add up to
M2Rcos and so cancel the force produced by the piston.
The mass and radius can be changed so long as the total
product of (MR)/2 is the same.

For the balance of primary components, the contra-rotating masses revolve at the crank speed.
For secondary components the contra-rotating cranks must rotate at twice the crank speed (2) in order to
satisfy the double angle requirement. It was argued earlier that the secondary mass is hence M/4 so the
masses on contra rotating wheels must be M/8.

If we balanced the compressor in example 9 in this way, the mass on X and Y would be 173/2 = 86.5 g
for primary balance and 21.6 g for secondary balance.

5.3 Lanchester Balancing System

The balancing principles described in the previous section are embodied in the Lanchester balancer.
Contra rotating parallel shafts are driven by the main shaft at double speed and have equal rotating
weights arranged to eliminate the vibration. This is also known as harmonic balancing and is often the
preferred balancing technique. The Lanchester balancer (inventor Frederick Lanchester 1907) is only used
for machines where the pistons slide on a radial line through the centre of rotation. The picture below
(unknown author) illustrates the principle. The weights are at C and D. There are many variations of this
old design.

© D. J. Dunn [Link] 16
 WORKED EXAMPLE No. 10

An air compressor has four cylinders in line with cranks as shown. The piston in each
cylinder has a mass m of 400 g and each crank is 30 mm radius. The length L of the
connecting-rod for each piston is 100 mm. The crankshaft is held in stiff bearings at ends A
and B and rotates at rad/s.

In order to balance the primary and secondary components, two pairs of contra-rotating discs,
to which balance weights can be attached, are fitted close to plane A and a further two pairs
of contra-rotating wheels are fitted close to plane B. One pair at each end rotates at
crankshaft speed,  and the second pair at each end rotates at 2 . Determine the imbalance
masses to be added given the radius is 30 mm. You may neglect the small distances between
the discs and the bearings.

You may assume that the vertical acceleration of the pistons is given by

Where  is the crankshaft angle and n = R/L

SOLUTION

The mass of the piston is M kg so the inertia force F produced is

M2R is also the centrifugal force produced by a mass M rotating at radius R when  is the angular
velocity.

= 2 500 = 100  rad/s R = 30 mm L = 100 mm n = 100/30 = 3.333 = 100 rad/s

Both the primary and secondary forces are balanced as the value of MR is the same for each and the
resultant is zero in both cases.

© D. J. Dunn [Link] 17
 Primary Turning Moment
Making A the reference plane the primary turning moment is M 2
Rx cos  where x is the distance
from the reference plane. The table is:

Cylinder M R 103 MR 103 x MRx 103 Angle

(kg) (m) (kg m) (m) (kg m2) (deg)
A MA 30 30 MA 0 0
1 0.4 30 12 0.15 1.8 θ=0
2 0.4 30 12 0.25 3.0  = 90
3 0.4 30 12 0.35 4.2  = 180
4 0.4 30 12 0.45 5.4  = 270
B MB 30 30 MB 0.60 18 MB
Draw the MRx polygon

The balancing MRx on plane B is {(2.4 10-3)2 + (2.42 10-3 )} = 3.394 10-3 kg m2
at 45o as shown.

18MB 10-3 = 3.394 10-3 MB = 0.188 kg or 188 g 30 MB = 30 MA = 30 0.188 = 5.64

For contra rotating masses at B this would be halved to 94.3 g and placed at 45 o either side (relative
to crank 1). This would produce a force that has to be balanced with the same arrangement on plane
A but rotated 180o. This will not affect the moment balance. This can be shown by drawing the MR
polygon

Draw the MR polygon. The closing vector A is equal and opposite to B.

5.64 10-3 = 30 10-3 MA MA = 0.188 kg so 94.3 g would be placed at 45o either side equal
and opposite to those at B.

© D. J. Dunn [Link] 18
 Secondary Turning Moment
The secondary turning moment about any reference plane is

Taking the reference plane as plane A for the turning moment for each cylinder (n = 3.333)

Cylinder M R 103 MR/n 103 x MRx/n 103 Angle

(kg) (m) (kg m) (m) (kg m2) (deg)
A MA 30 9 MA 0
1 0.4 30 3.6 0.15 0.54 2θ = 0
2 0.4 30 3.6 0.25 0.9 2 = 180
3 0.4 30 3.6 0.35 1.26 2 = 360
4 0.4 30 3.6 0.45 1.62 2 = 540
B MB 30 9 MB 0.60 5.4 MB

Draw the MRx/n polygon. All the vectors are vertical. The closing vector is hence 0.72 10-3 kg m2
vertically up.

5.4 10-3MB = 0.72 10-3 hence MB = 0.72/5.4 = 0.1333 kg. The contra rotating mass on B will be
133/8 = 16.6 g and would be placed on the contra-rotating discs at 180o to crank 1.

9 MB = 1.2 kg m. Now draw the MR/n polygon

The closing vector is 1.2 x 10-3 = 9 MA x 10-3 MA = 0.133 kg

The contra-rotating mass will be 133/8 = 16.6 g and would be placed on the contra-rotating discs at
100o to crank 1.

© D. J. Dunn [Link] 19
 SELF ASSESSMENT EXERCISE No. 1

1. Two inline reciprocating masses at A and B are to be balanced for primary forces and couples by two
reciprocating pistons at C and D in the same line as shown. A is 100 mm from D, B is 150 mm from
D and C is 250 mm from D. Given MA = 0.25 kg and MB = 0.45 kg and that crank B is rotated 120o
relative to A, determine the masses MC and MD and the angle of their cranks. All crank radii are the
same. Outline the procedure to balance the secondary forces and couples.
(0.236 kg at 81.5o anticlockwise of A for C and 0.167 kg at 69o clockwise of A)

2. A compressor has three inline pistons A, B and C positioned as shown with crank radii of 80 mm and
connecting rods 240 mm long. The compressor is to be balanced for primary and secondary
components by placing two sets of contra rotating masses at 50 mm radius at each bearing, one
running at the crank speed for the primary balance and one at double the speed for secondary balance.
Determine the masses and angles relative to crank A.

(For primary 255 g on Y at 31.7o either side of A and 255 g at X at 211.7 o and 148.3 o. For secondary
63.7 g on X and Y at the same angles)

3. An engine has four cylinders in line with cranks equally spaced in order from 1 to 4. The
piston in each cylinder has a mass m of 500 g and each crank is 40 mm radius. The length L
of the connecting-rod for each piston is 120 mm. The crankshaft is held in stiff bearings at
ends A and B and rotates at  rad/s. The bearings are 250 mm apart and the cranks are
equally spaced at 50 mm intervals with a 50 mm space between the end cranks and the
bearings.
In order to balance the primary and secondary components, two pairs of contr a-rotating discs,
to which balance weights can be attached, are fitted close to plane A and a further two pairs
of contra-rotating wheels are fitted close to plane B. One pair at each end rotates at crankshaft
speed,  and the second pair at each end rotates at 2. Determine the imbalance masses to be
added given the radius is 40 mm. You may neglect the small distances between the discs and
the bearings.
(141.5 g 45o either side of crank 1 and 25 g at 180o to crank 1)

© D. J. Dunn [Link] 20
6. An Analytical Approach

The equations for force and moments developed earlier for multiple equal masses were

All of these may be expanded using the trigonometry identity cos (A+B) = cos A cos B – sin A sin B
This gives us:

If the system is balanced, these would equate to zero. If the mass M and radius R are the same for all
cylinders, we can split each into two expressions that must be equated to zero.

{1 + cos  + cos ….} = 0……………..…(1) primary force

{sin  + sin  + …..} = 0………………....(2) primary force
1+cos(2) + cos(2)+…= 0..…..…………(3) secondary force
sin(2) + sin(2)+… = 0….………….…..(4) secondary force
x1 + x2cos  + x3cos  + x4cos  +….= 0 ...(5) primary moment
x2sin  + x3sin  + x4sin  + … = 0 ...…….(6) primary moment
x1 + x2 cos2 + x3 cos2 …. = 0 …...…....(7) secondary moment
x2 sin2 + x3 sin2…. = 0 ……………….(8) secondary moment

These may be used to determine how to balance a system.

© D. J. Dunn [Link] 21
 WORKED EXAMPLE No. 11a

Using the criteria just developed determine the state of balance for the 2 crank system in
worked example 3a with x 1 = c x 2 = 2c

SOLUTION
We must satisfy equation 1, 2, 5 and 6 with  = 180 o
(1) 1 + cos  = 1 – 1 = 0 primary force balanced
(2) sin  = 0 primary force balanced
(3) 1 + cos(2) = 1 + 1 = 2 secondary force not balanced
(4) sin(2) = 0 secondary force balanced
(5) x1 + x2cos  = x1 - x2 = -c primary moment not balanced
(6) x2sin  = 0 primary moment balanced
(7) x1 + x2 cos2 = x1 + x2 = 3c secondary moment not balanced
(8) x2 sin2 = 0 secondary moment balanced

Only the primary force is completely balanced.

There is a primary moment of TM p =-cM 2 Rcos 
a secondary force of Fs =2M 2 (R/n)cos(2)
a secondary moment of Fs = 3cM 2 (R/n)cos(2)

WORKED EXAMPLE No. 11b

Using the criteria just developed determine the state of balance for the 3 piston system in
worked example 3b given x 1 = c x 2 = 2c x 3 = 3c

SOLUTION
 = 120 o and  = 240 o
(1) 1 + cos  + cos = 1 - 0.5 - 0.5 = 0 primary force balanced
(2) sin  + sin = 0.866 - 0.866 = 0 primary force balanced
(3) 1 + cos(2) + cos(2) = 1 - 0.5 - 0.5 = 0 secondary force balanced
(4) sin(2) + sin(2) = - 0.866 + 0.866 = 0 secondary force balanced
(5) x1 + x2cos + x3cos  = c - 0.5(2c)- 0.5(3c) = -1.5c primary moment not balanced
(6) x2sin  + x3 sin  = 0.866(2c) - 0.866(3c) = - 0.866c primary moment not balanced
(7) x1 + x2 cos2 + x3 cos2 = c - 0.5(2c) - 0.5(3c) = -1.5c secondary moment not balanced
(8) x2 sin2 + x3 sin2 = - 0.866(2c) + 0.866(3c) = 0.866c secondary moment not balanced

There is complete force balance but there are unbalanced moments of

Fp = 0.866c M 2 R sin -1.5c M 2 R cos = c M 2 R{0.866 sin - 1.5 cos)

Fs = -1.5c M 2 (R/n) cos2 - 0.866c M 2 (R/n) sin2 = -c M 2 (R/n){1.5 cos2 + 0.866 sin2

© D. J. Dunn [Link] 22
 WORKED EXAMPLE No. 12

Two lines of reciprocating parts at A and B are to be balanced for primary forces and couples
by two lines of reciprocating parts C and D. Given M A = 500 g M B = 750 g and  = 80 o, find
the masses and angles for C and D. Determine the unbalanced secondary components.

SOLUTION

We must modify equations equation 1, 2, 5 and 6 to take account of the different masses and
distances. They become:
(1) MA + MB cos  + MC cos  + MD cos  = 0 primary force
(2) MB sin  + MC sin + MD sin = 0 primary force
(5) MA xA + MB xBcos + MC xCcos  + MD xDcos  = 0 primary moment
(6) MB xBsin  + MC xC sin  + MD xD sin  = 0 primary moment

 is the angle of MC and  is the angle of MD

(1) 0.5 + 0.75 cos 80o + MC cos  + MD cos  = 0
(2) 0.75 sin 80o + MC sin + MD sin = 0
(5) (0.5 x 0.8) + (0.75 x 0.3)cos 80o + 0 + MD cos  =0
(6) (0.75 x 0.3)sin 80o + 0 + MD sin  = 0

Rearrange

(1) MC cos  + MD cos  = - 0.63

(2) MC sin + MD sin = -0.74
(5) MD cos  + 0 = - 0.439
(6) MD sin  = - 0.222

From (5) and (6) tan  = sin/cos = 0.22/0.439 = 0.506  = 26.8 o or 206.8 o
Since sin  and cos are both negative,  must lie between 180 o and 270 o
From (6) M D = - 0.439/cos = 0.492 kg

From (1) MC cos + 0.492 cos206.8 o = - 0.63 MC cos  = - 0.191

o
From (2) MC sin + 0.492 sin206.8 = -0.74 MC sin = - 0.518
tan = sin/cos = 0.518/0.191 = 2.71  = 69.8 or 249.8
Since sin and cos are negative it must be the angle between 180 o and 270 o
It follows that MC = -0.518/sin249.8 o = 0.552 kg

© D. J. Dunn [Link] 23
 Secondary Components

We must modify equations (3), (4), (7) and (8)

(3) MA + MBcos(2) + MCcos(2) + MDcos(2) = 0 secondary force balanced

(4) MBsin(2) + MCsin(2) + MDsin(2) = 0 secondary force balanced
(7) MA xA + MBxB cos2 + MC xCcos2 + MDxD cos2 = 0 secondary moment not balanced
(8) MBxB sin2 + MCxC sin2 + MDxD sin2 = 0 secondary moment not balanced

From (3) MA + MBcos(2) + 0.492cos(2) + 0.552cos(2)

0.5 + 0.75cos(160o) + 0.552cos(413.6o) + 0.552cos(499.6o) = -0.333 kg

From (4) MBsin(2) + MCsin(2) + MDsin(2)

0.75sin(160o) + 0.492sin(499.6o) + 0.492sin(413.6o) = 1.01 kg

From (7) MA xA + MBxB cos2 + MC xCcos2 + MDxD cos2

(0.5 x 0.8) + (0.75 x 0.3)cos(160) + (0.552 x 0)cos(499.6o) + (0.492 x 1)cos(413.6o)
= 0.4 - 0.211 + 0 + 0.29 = 0.481 kg m

From (8) MBxB sin2 + MCxC sin2 + MDxD sin2 = 0

(0.75 x 0.3) sin(160) + (0.552 x 0)sin(499.6o) + (0.492 x 1)sin(413.6o)

= 0.0769 + 0 + 0.396 = 0.473 kg m

The unbalanced moment is M 2 (R/n)(0.481 cos2 - 0.473 sin 2)

Further studies in this area would include cylinders not in one line such as the Vee configuration.

© D. J. Dunn [Link] 24