What effect does exceeding the critical RPM have on an SSTG?

Exceeding the critical RPM (revolutions per minute) of a Ship Service Turbine Generator (SSTG) is a significant concern because it can lead to mechanical failure. The critical RPM is the operational speed at which the spinning components of the turbine may experience excessive stress and vibration. If the RPM goes beyond this threshold, the centrifugal forces acting on the rotor and associated components increase significantly. This can result in fatigue, deformation, or even catastrophic failure of parts, compromising the integrity of the generator and potentially leading to unsafe operating conditions.

Mechanical failure could manifest in various forms, such as bearing failure, blade breakage, or even complete disassembly of the rotor assembly. Such events not only halt power generation but also require extensive repairs, posing safety risks and potentially leading to long downtimes for the equipment. Therefore, maintaining operation within designated speed limits is critical for the safe and efficient performance of SSTGs.