Frequently
Asked Questions
Question: Are strain gauge
alignment measurements worth conducting on my vessel?
Answer: For most vessels over
200 feet, YES. It is becoming more common to include the requirement for strain
gauge alignment measurements as part of the construction specifications.
Question: Are Gap and Sag
measurements as good as strain gauge alignment measurements?
Answer: For most shaftline
arrangements, NO. Gap and Sag values, which are based upon a theoretical model,
generally require higher tolerances than the theoretical model can provide.
However, Gap and Sag measurements are useful to provide a "rough"
alignment prior to strain gauge measurements.
Question: What is considered to
be the allowable span between bearings?
Answer: A span of 12 to 24
times the shaft diameter between bearings is a good guideline. However, a
complete alignment and vibration analysis is required to determine if the
bearings are spaced properly.
Question: The propulsion
machinery works well on many other vessels, why are components failing on this
one?
Answer: No two vessels are
exactly alike.
Question: What approach would
you recommend to determine the root cause of failure and the least cost
solution to marine propulsion machinery failures?
Answer: LLT applies a
"Systems Engineering" approach to all such cases. All aspects of the
propulsion system and component design, construction, operation, maintenance,
and installation are examined. LLT's extensive library of experience is drawn
upon for empirical support and a least cost solution is sought. A review of the
documentation, analytical modeling and full-scale testing is usually required.
Question: What is important to
consider for acceptable alignment and vibration characteristics in the design
of a marine propulsion shaftline?
Answer: Everything.
Question: What are the
recommended Golf courses near shipyards?
Answer:
Old Head –
Kinsale Co
No Golf Course at the Mayan
Temples –
Grand
Ireland:
Royal County Down, Lahinch, Ballybunion, Waterville, Old Head
Norfolk,
VA, USA: Byde-A-Wee, Norfolk Naval Base
Panama
City, Florida, USA: Lagoon Legend and Club Meadows (Marriot Bay Resort)
Pascagoula,
Mississippi, USA: Bayou Pines,
Philadelphia,
PA, USA: FDR, Cobbs Creek
Powel
River, BC, Canada: Myrtle Point
Punta
Arenas, Chile: Club de Golf Rio Los Cievos
San
Diego, CA, USA: Cornado, if time Torrey Pines;
San
Francisco, CA, USA:
Scotland:
St. Andrews - Old Course and New Course
Singapore:
Orchid Country Club, Santosa Island Golf Club
St.
Petersburg, Russia: Too much vodka
Tuktoyaktuk,
Northwest Territories: Make your own in the Tundra or on the Ice
Vancouver,
BC: Northlands, Squamish, UBC, Gleneagles, Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club
Victoria,
BC: Olympic View,
Please submit your questions to questions@lamalotech.com