OPTIMIZATION OF TEXTILE SPINDLE DESIGN BY USE OF FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS (SAP IV, MODE SHAPES, FREQUENCY, IMPACT TESTING, NOISE CONTROL)

It is commonly known that the textile ring spinning frame is a major source of noise in the textile industry. Dominant sources of noise on a ring spinning frame can be attributed to the spindle-bobbin system, the ring-traveller system, and the vacuum-end-collection system. Other noise contributing factors are drive tapes, gears, idler pulleys, drive cylinder and motor. Although these noise sources have already been identified, little has been done to reduce the noise radiated by spinning frames. Previous noise control techniques have been limited to ear protection, acoustic barriers and absorptive paneling. Redesign or optimization of a textile spindle is done to eliminate the noise at the source, rather than isolating and reducing the noise along its transmission path. Finite element analysis is utilized here in this attempt to reduce the noise radiated by the spindle by redesign of the spindle system.; This research involves the following steps: (1) developing a finite element model to predict natural frequencies and mode shapes of a Whitin oil lubricated spindle; (2) testing the ability of the model to accurately predict the effect of making changes in the spindle mass and stiffness; (3) using the model to determine a method of increasing the second natural frequency, and thus reducing spindle vibration. In each step the model results are verified by making the appropriate modifications in a Whitin spindle. The results appear promising and show an effective means of reducing spindle vibration.