Consider the following statements:1. The condition of stability of a g...
Centrifugal Governor
A centrifugal governor is a device used to control the speed of an engine. It consists of a set of revolving masses, called balls or weights, which are attached to a central spindle by means of connecting arms. The spindle is connected to the engine's throttle or fuel valve. As the engine speed increases, the centrifugal force acting on the balls causes them to move outwards, which in turn moves the spindle, thereby closing the throttle or fuel valve and reducing the speed of the engine.
Statement 1:
The condition of stability of a governor requires that the slope of the controlling force curve should be less than that of the line representing the centripetal force at the equilibrium speed under consideration.
This statement is true for a centrifugal governor. The controlling force curve represents the force exerted on the balls by the governor mechanism, which is proportional to the speed of the engine. The centripetal force curve represents the force exerted on the balls by the centrifugal force acting on them. At equilibrium speed, these two forces are balanced, and the spindle remains in a fixed position. If the slope of the controlling force curve is greater than that of the centripetal force curve, the equilibrium position becomes unstable, and the spindle may oscillate around it, leading to unstable engine speed.
Statement 2:
For a centrifugal governor when the load on the prime mover drops suddenly, the sleeve should at once reach the lower-most position.
This statement is false. When the load on the prime mover drops suddenly, the engine speed tends to increase. As a result, the balls move outwards, and the spindle moves inwards, opening the throttle or fuel valve and reducing the speed of the engine. The sleeve, which is attached to the spindle, moves upwards along with it, and does not reach the lower-most position. The lower-most position is reached only when the engine is shut down.
Conclusion:
Hence, the correct answer is option B, only statement 2 is true. The condition of stability of a governor requires that the slope of the controlling force curve should be less than that of the line representing the centripetal force at the equilibrium speed under consideration, is true for a centrifugal governor. However, for a centrifugal governor, when the load on the prime mover drops suddenly, the sleeve should not reach the lower-most position.
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