TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Air Platform, Materials/Processes

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: Joint Strike Fighter

OBJECTIVE: Develop advanced multi-source digital signal processing techniques that utilize data from multiple acquisition sources and analytical models for use in characterization of complex vibratory behavior in turbine engine blade during test.

DESCRIPTION: Characterization of turbomachinery response dynamics is growing increasingly difficult with the introduction of advanced designs like integrally bladed rotors (IBR). These rotors can contain modes of vibration that are coupled among blades. Standard techniques for acquisition and processing of dynamic signals from these rotors are often inadequate to fully characterize these responses. Turbine engine testing has benefited from improvements in measurement technology over the last several years with particular advances being made in laboratory test techniques, the application and use of non-interference stress measurement systems (NSMS) and improvements in digital dynamic data acquisition systems and signal processing with optimally placed strain gages. Combining these techniques (and others) through advanced signal processing and judicious placement of sensor locations can improve the characterization of complex vibratory behavior. This effort will develop, demonstrate and apply innovative advanced processing techniques to specific rotor types in laboratory and component/engine testing environments.

PHASE I: Develop laboratory test apparatus to induce known rotor vibration characteristics. Demonstrate feasibility of integration of multiple dynamic data sources for characterization of test-rotor responses.

PHASE II: Extend the Phase I effort to include optimum placement of sensors for component response characterization. Apply advanced algorithms to test-rotor to demonstrate vibration characteristics. Assess the performance of the advanced algorithms against current state-of-the-art techniques. Demonstrate technology in a production or demonstration rotor.

PHASE III: Develop, validate, and deliver algorithms for application to be used on turbine blades of several aircraft engine systems. Apply this technology to new aircraft development program like the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF).

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: The development of this technology to military aircraft engines can be easily translated into application for commercial engines and land-based turbine systems and other power plant parts. Results and understanding gained from applying this technology to particular turbine blades would significantly help decrease life cycle cost through reduced inspections and design improvements.

REFERENCES:
1. Holistic T&E and the Role of Model Validation, Seventh National HCF Conference, Monterey CA., April, 2003.

2. Development of the Structural Dynamics Response Analysis Capability, Proceedings of the Third National HCF Conference, San Antonio, Texas, February, 1998.

3. A Model Modification Method Using Perturbed Finite Elements, Proceedings of the 37th AIAA/ASME/AHS/ASC Structures, Structural Dynamics, and Materials Conference, Salt Lake City, Utah, April 1996.

KEYWORDS: Response Dynamics; Multi-Source Digital Signal Processing; Vibration testing; Response characterization; Turbine engine testing; Integrally Bladed Rotor

TPOC: (301)757-0472
2nd TPOC: (301)757-0434

** TOPIC AUTHOR (TPOC) **

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