In the paper, the problem of determining of the worst mistuning patterns is formulated and solved as an optimization problem. Maximum resonant amplitudes searched across the many nodes of a large-scale finite element model of a mistuned bladed disc and across all the excitation frequencies in a given range are combined into an objective function. Individual blade mistuning is controlled by varying design parameters, whose variation range is constrained by manufacture tolerances.
Detailed realistic finite element models, which have so far only been used for analysing tuned bladed discs, are used for calculation of the forced resonant response of mistuned assemblies and for determination of its sensitivity coefficients with respect to mistuning variation.
Results of the optimum search of mistuning patterns for some practical bladed discs are analysed and reveal higher worst cases than those found in previous studies.