Evaluation of torsional oscillations in paper machine sections

Torsional oscillations greatly affect performance and determine the bandwidth (BW) and damping of speed loops. Backlash due to gear reducers can also contribute to the triggering of oscillations, especially when the drive runs at very low load torque. This paper presents a detailed evaluation of these effects in typical electro-mechanical drive trains applied to paper machine sections. The cases evaluated consider torsional oscillations in two-mass and three-mass systems, and the effect of shaft diameter and length on the resonance frequencies of three typical paper machine sections. Time domain response plots are evaluated to show the effect of speed response overshoot, reducer backlash, and step or ramp speed commands. Based on these results, mechanical design guidelines are given for the most significant drive train components in order to minimize torsional oscillations of the speed controlled drive system.