obalanserade

Obalanserade describes a state in which the distribution of mass or load is not symmetric around the intended center, most often around the axis of rotation. In Swedish, obalanserad or obalanserat is used for mechanical imbalance, describing rotating bodies whose center of gravity does not align with the axis of rotation.

In mechanical systems, a rotating component with imbalance produces centrifugal forces that increase with the square of speed. This leads to vibrations, increased noise, wear on bearings, and potential fatigue of supports. Common causes include manufacturing tolerances, uneven wear, impact damage, loose fasteners, or uneven cooling that creates mass irregularities.

Measurement and correction typically distinguish static and dynamic balancing. Static balancing offsets the mass in a single plane, while dynamic balancing accounts for imbalances during rotation across multiple planes. Balancing machines, vibration analyzers, and run-out gauges are used to diagnose and quantify the imbalance. Corrections involve attaching balancing weights or redistributing mass, and in some cases redesigning the component to minimize mass eccentricity. For wheels, tire uniformity and wheel runout also influence balance and ride quality.

Applications and implications: unbalanced wheels on vehicles can cause steering vibration at speed; unbalanced rotors in turbines or fans can lead to mechanical stress and reduced efficiency. Maintaining balance is a standard practice in production quality control and in routine maintenance of rotating equipment.