Experimental investigation of the impact of misalignment defects on the vibration behavior of drive systems using various coupling types (elastic and rigid) in rotating machinery and power generation equipment

¹ Higher Institute of Maritimes Studies, Casablanca
² Laboratory of Mechanics, Engineering and Innovation, National Higher School of Electricity and Mechanics, Hassan II University of Casablanca (UH2C), Maarif Casablanca 20100, Morocco
³ Higher Institute of Marine Fisheries, Agadir, Morocco
⁴ Laboratory of energy Engineering, Materials and Systems, ENSA, IbnZohr University, Agadir, Morocco.

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

This study explores how misalignment affects vibration patterns in drive systems using two common types of couplings: elastic (Rotex GS) and rigid flange couplings. By measuring vibrations in both vertical and horizontal directions under controlled conditions, the research reveals that vertical vibrations are consistently more intense than horizontal ones. In systems with elastic couplings, the stiffness of the material strongly influences how vibrations are transmitted and in some cases, increases the risk of failure. Rigid couplings, on the other hand, produce unique vibration signatures when misaligned, making it easier to detect mechanical issues. The type of misalignment matters too: axial misalignment causes strong, low-frequency vertical vibrations, while radial misalignment results in more complex patterns. These findings highlight the need to monitor vibrations in both directions and suggest that the ratio of vertical to horizontal vibration could serve as an early warning signal, helping teams catch problems sooner and plan maintenance more effectively.