Learning vibration phenomena of rotating systems by experimentation on virtual model

The contribution deals with visualization of rotor eccentricity due to its vibration during rotation. Except of the rotation, the rotor can move in two directions - horizontally and vertically. For easier interpretation of the vibrating phenomena a virtual model based on Graphic User Interface has been developed in the MATLAB environment. The involved mathematical model of the unbalanced rotor is based on the Jeffcott rotor described by four differential equations. Except of visualization of trajectories in various views and modes, the virtual model enables to observe and evaluate influence of changing system parameters of rotor to the oscillations. The model serves as an excellent and helpful teaching aid enabling students in advanced courses of mechanical and mechatronic engineering to understand the vibration phenomena and to find ways for their elimination by placement/removing balancing masses at the places calculated by mathematical model.