How is shim thickness determined when using the feeler gauge method for shaft alignment?

The thickness of the shim is determined by using the feeler gauge leaf thickness multiplied by the shim ratio because this method provides a direct and practical way to achieve accurate shaft alignment. When assessing misalignment, the feeler gauge is utilized to measure the gap between the shafts, and the shim ratio comes into play to translate that measurement into the specific shim thickness required to correct the alignment.

This approach is effective because it allows for a systematic adjustment based on empirical measurements rather than arbitrary estimations. By applying the shim ratio to the feeler gauge thickness, technicians can create precise shim packs that compensate for any angular or parallel misalignment, ensuring that the rotating shafts align properly to mitigate excessive wear and vibration.

Other options, while they may involve aspects of alignment or machinery maintenance, do not provide a method specifically tailored for determining shim thickness with respect to feeler gauge readings. The thickness of the shaft does not directly inform shim thickness, measuring vibration levels is more indicative of misalignment rather than a calculation for shim thickness, and calculating load on bearings relates more to operational conditions rather than the specific requirements for shim sizing in alignment tasks.