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Class 2 (2nd Engineer) MEKG 📅 Dec 2024

Exam Question

With reference to shaft alignment: (16)

(a) Explain the meaning of fair curve or rational alignment;

(b) Shaft alignment is often verified using hydraulic jacks to obtain a simple graph. Sketch such a graph, indicating the following:

(i) Static load

(ii) Hysteresis

(iii) Influence numbers.

(c) Explain the limitations of checking shaft alignment solely by hydraulic jacking methods.

Reference Answer

### (a) Fair Curve or Rational Alignment
**1. Concept:**
Fair curve, or rational, alignment is a modern engineering approach to shafting installation. It intentionally deviates from a traditional straight-line (bore-sight) alignment. In this method, the shaft bearings are deliberately offset vertically from a straight reference line when the vessel is in a static, cold condition (e.g., in dry dock). This creates a pre-calculated, smooth, or 'fair' curve in the shaft line.
**2. Purpose and Rationale:**

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