Optimizing Textile Spindle Design Using Finite Element Analysis

A discussion is presented on developing a finite element model to predict natural frequencies and mode shapes of an existing oil-lubricated spindle, testing the ability of the model to accurately predict the effect of changes in the spindle mass and stiffness, and using the model to determine a method of increasing the second natural frequency, thus reducing spindle vibration. In each step, model results are verified by making appropriate modifications in the existing spindle and testing the modified spindle under static conditions. Results appear promising and show an effective means of reducing spindle vibration. There is also a brief discussion of the expected performance of the modified spindle. Performance considerations are based on mode shape deflection at the top of the spindle. Results predict that the modified spindle will not cause increased performance problems.