Measurement of Hydraulic-Turbine Vibration

This paper describes a test program used to measure and eliminate the vibration which had produced extensive cracking in the blading of a slow-speed, 40,000-hp hydraulic turbine. Strains, accelerations, and pressures were measured at various locations on the turbine runner while the unit was in operation. The instruments used for these measurements were of the resistance type. Instrument signals were transmitted through collector rings and brushes to direct-writing oscillographs. The vibration was eliminated successfully by an inexpensive modification of the runner blading which is described in the paper.