2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Mechanical vibrations is a fundamental topic in mechanical engineering education, and rotor balancing represents an ideal example of understanding the subject of harmonically forced vibrations. The aim of this study is to explore the potential benefits of incorporating a virtual lab for rotor balancing into the mechanical vibration course. The virtual lab provides a simulated environment where students can gain hands-on experience in balancing techniques, without the constraints of physical equipment and real-world operational risks. It includes interactive windows that guide students through the various steps of rotor balancing, from understanding the theoretical foundations to applying practical solutions.
The Virtual Rotor Kit (VRK) lab offers several advantages for educational purposes. It allows students to experiment with diverse rotor configurations and different imbalance scenarios. Providing immediate feedback and visualization of results facilitates a deeper understanding of the underlying principles and fosters problem-solving skills.
With the Rotor balancing example students will reinforce knowledge of vibration that occurs due to an external, periodic force applied to the rotor, and important concepts such as natural frequency, forcing frequency, frequency ratio, vibration amplitude, phase angle, and resonance. The student will learn a rotor balancing method, in this case, the Influence Coefficient Method, to calculate the amount and location of the correction weights while being exposed to measurement techniques.
This study assesses the effectiveness of the virtual lab by evaluating the reports submitted by students for a case study on rotor balancing in two different institutions and evaluating the learning outcomes and students' performance in fundamental concepts on harmonically force vibrations. Student surveys and feedback are also collected to gauge the perceived impact of the virtual lab on their learning experience. The results of this research aim to provide valuable insights into the pedagogical benefits of integrating virtual labs into engineering education, particularly in the context of mechanical vibration courses.
In conclusion, the utilization of a virtual lab for rotor balancing as an educational tool in mechanical vibration courses offers a promising avenue for enhancing the quality of education in mechanical engineering. The virtual lab not only supplements traditional teaching methods but also addresses practical challenges by providing a safe, low cost, and interactive platform for students to develop a comprehensive understanding of rotor balancing techniques. This research contributes to the ongoing exploration of innovative approaches to engineering education and underscores the importance of virtual labs in imparting critical engineering skills.