Detection of Hidden Engine Mount Anomaly Through Torsional Physics
Customer Profile
- Customer: Operator of an ocean-going commercial vessel
- Asset: Auxiliary Engine
- Engine make & model: Hyundai-Himsen 6 H21/32
- Industry: Marine – Commercial Shipping
Context
Vib360 was installed on the vessel as a Proof of Concept (PoC) during normal commercial operation.
During routine monitoring and daily use of the system, Vib360 identified abnormal torsional behaviour that had not been flagged by conventional vibration monitoring.
No specific fault, alarm, or performance concern had been reported by the crew at the time.
Problem Statement
Structural support degradation, such as engine mount softening, is difficult to detect using conventional vibration techniques.
Such conditions are often misinterpreted as rotating imbalance or alignment issues, leading to repeated corrective actions without resolving the root cause.
Objective of Vib360 Assessment
- Identify the source of abnormal torsional behaviour raised by the system
- Differentiate between rotating faults and structural stiffness anomalies
- Support targeted and effective corrective action
Measurement Setup
- Flywheel-mounted Magnetic Pickup Unit (MPU)
- Continuous torsional vibration and angular acceleration monitoring
- Comparative analysis against established baseline behaviour under similar operating loads
Physics-Based Findings
Vib360 analysis revealed:
- Altered torsional stiffness response under load
- Harmonic behaviour inconsistent with imbalance or shaft misalignment
- Signatures indicative of reduced structural support stiffness
Mechanical / Operational Interpretation
Engine mount softening changes the effective stiffness of the driven system and alters load transfer between the engine and foundation.
The observed torsional harmonic patterns were consistent with loss of mount rigidity rather than rotating machinery defects.
Action Taken
- Physical inspection of engine mounts
- Identification of degraded mounts
- Corrective action taken to restore structural stiffness
Outcome and Value
- Root cause identified without unnecessary alignment or balancing work
- Persistent vibration complaints resolved
- Avoided repeated troubleshooting cycles and associated downtime
Technical Significance
This case demonstrates Vib360’s capability to detect structural support anomalies through torsional physics, enabling accurate root-cause diagnosis and CBM-aligned maintenance decisions.