Assessing operating conditions of silicone torsional vibration dampers of ship propulsion systems

The article considers the assessment of operational conditions of silicone torsional vibration dampers of ship propulsion systems. The static data of the foreign company “Holset” on the average time of preventive repairs of silicone dampers with removable covers are given, the performance indicators of these devices are presented. The parameters of efficiency and technical state of the silicone dampers are determined. As it has been found out from the technical operation, the replacement of torsional vibration dampers is needed only if there appear any clear signs of their malfunction or damage. The main methods of diagnostics of operating condition of silicone dampers are analyzed (diagnostics and determination of the residual resource based on the results of the torsiography procedure of the ship shafting, sampling the damper filler (silicone liquid) with further conducting the physico-chemical analysis. The key factors affecting the performance of silicone dampers are considered (state of the filler of polymethylsiloxane liquid (PMS-liquid), leakage of PMS-liquid, design of the silicone damper, resonant modes of the main engine operation). Conclusions are drawn about the optional correspondence of the appointed terms of operation of torsional vibration silicone dampers and their technical state; the need for periodic, timely troubleshooting; inefficient determining the operability and technical state of the dampers based on sampling the filler (silicone liquid).