Gearbox vibrations are classified as synchronous or nonsynchronous depending on whether or not they are related to the rotational speed of an internal or connected component. This chapter presents a turbogenerator case study that demonstrates the source of nonsynchronous vibration. It then provides a detailed discussion on spiking vibrations and presents design improvement and reduction of spiking vibrations.

This chapter covers a wide range of finishing and coating operations, including cleaning, honing, polishing and buffing, and lapping. It discusses the use of rust-preventative compounds, conversion coatings, and plating metals as well as weld overlay, thermal spray, and ceramic coatings and various pack cementation and deposition processes. It also discusses the selection and use of industrial paints and paint application methods.

Gearbox vibrations can often be dealt with in the field by modifying, replacing, and repositioning components and adjusting operating conditions and control parameters. Every gearbox design, however, eventually reaches a point where problems due to vibration are not so easily addressed. This chapter discusses such a case, that of an epicyclic reducer plagued by subsynchronous vibration, and explains how the gearbox was redesigned, improving lifetime as well as efficiency.

In the case of gearboxes, vibration is the primary mode of failure even at the mid-range of operating speeds. Avoiding such failures requires an understanding of gearbox design, vibration theory, and material properties. This chapter details sources and types of gearbox vibrations; characteristics of gearbox vibrations; fundamentals of periodic vibrations; and vibration theory. It provides housing design for single-stage offset parallel gearboxes, high-speed gearboxes, and epicyclic gearboxes. The chapter then provides an analysis and selection of design factors for vibration reduction. It presents five types of gear tooth geometry errors. The chapter also focuses on gear quality inspection and on bearing-induced vibrations.

Aluminum is the second most widely used metal in the world. It is readily available, offers a wide range of properties, and can be shaped, coated, and joined using a variety of methods. This chapter discusses some of the key attributes of wrought and cast aluminum alloys and the classifications, designations, and grades of available product forms. It also explains how aluminum alloys are used in aerospace, automotive, rail, and marine applications as well as in building and construction, electrical products, manufacturing equipment, packaging, and consumer durables such as appliances and furniture.