Studuing and developing methods of propeller shaft technical diagnostics

The propeller shafts are the structural components that require increased attention. The results of studying the damage of propeller shafts are presented in accordance with the safety requirements (a case of the river vessels). It is shown that residual stresses greatly impact the reliability and operability of the shafts becoming a damaging factor. The residual stresses occur due to surfacing the propeller shaft by ST35 steel with SV-08A welding wire. There is considered the possibility of determining the magnitude of residual stresses by the acoustic method in the surfacing. To estimate stresses the phenomenon of acoustoelasticity was used: the dependence of the elastic waves propagation velocity on the magnitude of the acting stresses. The process of determining the acoustoelasticity coefficients was carried out using standard samples (in accordance with GOST1497). Samples modeling surfacing were manufactured and tested. Metallographic studies were carried out to assess the influence of the material composition of the propeller shaft on the structure and strength properties of the propeller shafts. The influence of the structure on the amount of residual stresses was evaluated. It has been inferred from the tests results that the speed of elastic waves depends on the residual stresses. The results of the work can be used in production conditions for the control of products made of 35 steel with surfacing. In conclusion, the proposed method can be used to determine the residual stresses directly on the propeller shafts in operation conditions during the appropriate maintenance of ships.