CMRT Mechanical Systems and Alignment Flashcards
6 cards from real CMRT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 CMRT Mechanical Systems and Alignment flashcards as text
What is shaft alignment and why is it critical to equipment reliability?
Answer: Positioning two shafts so their rotational centerlines are collinear, minimizing vibration and bearing loads
Shaft alignment ensures that connected shaft centerlines are collinear, which reduces vibration, bearing and seal loads, and energy consumption, directly extending equipment life.
What are the two primary types of shaft misalignment?
Answer: Angular misalignment and parallel (offset) misalignment
The two primary types of shaft misalignment are angular misalignment (shafts at an angle) and parallel (offset) misalignment (shaft centerlines are parallel but offset from each other).
What is 'soft foot' in machinery alignment, and why must it be corrected before performing alignment?
Answer: A condition where one or more machine feet do not make solid contact with the base, causing frame distortion when bolts are tightened
Soft foot occurs when one or more machine feet do not uniformly contact the baseplate, causing the machine frame to distort when hold-down bolts are tightened and making accurate alignment impossible.
Which type of coupling is most tolerant of shaft misalignment while still transmitting torque?
Answer: Flexible elastomeric coupling
Flexible elastomeric couplings accommodate angular, parallel, and axial misalignment through the deformation of a rubber or polyurethane element while transmitting torque.
What is the purpose of using shims under machine feet during precision alignment?
Answer: To make fine vertical position corrections and eliminate soft foot conditions
Shims are thin metal plates inserted under machine feet to make precise vertical height adjustments needed to achieve correct shaft alignment and eliminate soft foot.
What alignment measurement tool provides the highest accuracy for modern industrial shaft alignment?
Answer: Laser alignment system with rotating targets
Laser alignment systems provide the highest accuracy and ease of use by projecting laser beams between shaft-mounted targets and computing misalignment values and correction moves automatically.