Geometrical Variability Modelling of Axial Compressor Blisk Aerofoils and Evaluation of Impact on the Forced Response Problem

Author(s):  
Marco Gambitta ◽  
Arnold Kühhorn ◽  
Sven Schrape

Abstract The present work focuses on the effect of the manufacturing geometrical variability on the high-pressure compressor of a turbofan engine for civil aviation. The deviations of the geometry over the axial compressor blades are studied and modeled for the representation in the computational models. Such variability is of particular interest for the forced response problem, where small deviations of the geometry from the ideal nominal model can cause significant differences in the vibrational responses. The information regarding the geometrical mistuning is extracted from a set of manufactured components surface scans of a blade integrated disk (blisk) rotor. The optically measured geometries are parameterized, defining a set of opportune variables to describe the deviations. The dimension of the variables domain is reduced using the principal component analysis approach and a reconstruction of the modeled geometries is performed for the implementation in CFD and FEM solvers. The generated model allows a stochastic representation of the variability, providing an optimal set of variables to represent it. The aeroelastic analyses considering geometry based mistuning is carried out on a test-rig case, focusing on how such variability can affect the modal forcing generated on the blades. The force generated by the unsteady pressure field over the selected vibrational mode shapes of the rotor blades is computed through a validated CFD model. The uncertainty quantification of the geometrical variability effect on the modal forcing is performed employing Monte Carlo methods on a reduced model for the CFD solution, based on a single passage multi-blade row setup. The amplitude shift of the unsteady modal forcing is studied for different engine orders. In particular the scatter of the main engine orders forcing amplitudes for the manufactured blades can be compared with the nominal responses to predict the possible amplification due to the geometrical variability. Finally the results are compared to a full assembly computational model to assess the influence of multiple variable blades.

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Marco Gambitta ◽  
Arnold Kühhorn ◽  
Bernd Beirow ◽  
Sven Schrape

Abstract The manufacturing geometrical variability is an unavoidable source of uncertainty in the realization of machinery components. Deviations of a part geometry from its nominal design are inevitably present due to the manufacturing process. In the aeroelastic forced response problem within axial compressors, these uncertainties may affect the vibration characteristics. Therefore, the impact of geometrical uncertainties due to the manufacturing process onto the modal forcing of axial compressor blades is investigated. The research focuses on the vibrational behavior of an axial compressor rotor blisk. In particular, the amplitude of the forces acting as source of excitation on the vibrating blades is studied. The geometrical variability of the upstream stator is investigated as input uncertainty. The variability is modeled starting from a series of optical surface scans. A stochastic model is created to represent the measured manufacturing geometrical deviations from the nominal model. A data reduction methodology is proposed to represent the uncertainty with a minimal set of variables. The manufacturing geometrical variability model allows to represent the input uncertainty and probabilistically evaluate its impact on the aeroelastic problem. An uncertainty quantification is performed in order to evaluate the resulting variability on the modal forcing acting on the vibrating rotor blades. Of particular interest is the possible rise of low engine orders due to the mistuned flow field along the annulus. A reconstruction algorithm allows the representation of the variability during one rotor revolution. The uncertainty on low harmonics of the modal rotor forcing can be therefore identified and quantified.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Gambitta ◽  
Arnold Kühhorn ◽  
Bernd Beirow ◽  
Sven Schrape

Abstract The manufacturing geometrical variability is a source of uncertainty, which cannot be avoided in the realization of machinery components. Deviations of a part geometry from its nominal design are inevitably present due to the manufacturing process. In the case of the aeroelastic forced response problem within axial compressors, these uncertainties may affect the vibration characteristics. For this reason, the impact of geometrical uncertainties due to the manufacturing process onto the modal forcing of axial compressor blades is investigated in this study. The research focuses on the vibrational behavior of an axial compressor rotor blisk. In particular the amplitude of the forces acting as source of excitation on the vibrating blades is studied. The geometrical variability of the upstream stator is investigated as input uncertainty. The variability is modeled starting from a series of optical surface scans. A stochastic model is created to represent the measured manufacturing geometrical deviations from the nominal model. A data reduction methodology is proposed in order to represent the uncertainty with a minimal set of variables. The manufacturing geometrical variability model allows to represent the input uncertainty and probabilistically evaluate its impact on the aeroelastic problem. An uncertainty quantification is performed in order to evaluate the resulting variability on the modal forcing acting on the vibrating rotor blades. Of particular interest is the possible rise of low engine orders due to the mistuned flow field along the annulus. A reconstruction algorithm allows the representation of the variability during one rotor revolution. The uncertainty on low harmonics of the modal rotor forcing can be therefore identified and quantified.


Author(s):  
Luigi Carassale ◽  
Silvia Bruzzone ◽  
Andrea Cavicchi ◽  
Michela Marrè Brunenghi

Geometric uncertainties involved in the rotor blade manufacturing process are a major concern for designers. The deviation of the produced components from their nominal geometry have an impact on the Natural Frequencies (NF) that, under certain circumstances, may have negative effects on the dynamic forced response in operative conditions. Geometric defects are usually limited by imposing dimensional tolerances based on empirical considerations, simplified approach that may lead to costly manufacturing requirements that still may not guarantee safe results. This paper proposes a probabilistic representation of the geometric uncertainties for rotor blades and defines a procedure to evaluate their effects on the blade NFs. The deviation from nominal geometry is represented through the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) where it is expressed as a sum of characteristic geometric shapes (GUMs) modulated by mutually uncorrelated random variables (Principal Components, PC). The effect of each GUM is then linearly propagated on the blade NFs and a sensitivity matrix is finally defined. The procedure is applied to a case-study that concerns a set of 50 nominally identical compressor blades and the ability of GUMs to represent the effects of geometric uncertainties is tested.


1986 ◽  
Vol 108 (2) ◽  
pp. 117-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Hoyniak ◽  
S. Fleeter

High-performance aircraft engine fan and compressor blades are vulnerable to aerodynamically forced vibrations generated by inlet flow distortions due to wakes from upstream blade and vane rows, atmospheric gusts, and maldistributions in inlet ducts. In this paper, an analysis is developed to predict the flow-induced forced response behavior of an aerodynamically detuned rotor operating in a supersonic flow with a subsonic axial component. The aerodynamic detuning is achieved by alternating the circumferential spacing of adjacent rotor blades. The total unsteady aerodynamic loading acting on the blading, due to the convection of the transverse gust past the airfoil cascade and the resulting motion of the cascade, is developed in terms of influence coefficients. This analysis is then utilized to investigate the effect of aerodynamic detuning on the forced response characteristics of a 12-bladed rotor, with Verdon’s Cascade B flow geometry as a uniformly spaced baseline configuration. The results of this study indicate that for forward traveling wave gust excitations, aerodynamic detuning is generally very beneficial, resulting in significantly decreased maximum amplitude blade responses for many interblade phase angles.


Author(s):  
Yanling Li ◽  
Abdulnaser Sayma

Gas turbine axial compressor blades may encounter damage during service for various reasons. Debris from casing or foreign objects may impact blades causing damage near the rotor’s tip. This may result in deterioration of performance and reduction in the surge margin. Ability to assess the effect of damaged blades on the compressor performance and stability is important at both the design stage and in service. The damage to compressor blades breaks the cyclic symmetry of the compressor assembly. Thus computations have to be performed using the whole annulus. Moreover, if rotating stall or surge occurs, the downstream boundary conditions are not known and simulations become difficult. This paper presents an unsteady CFD analysis of compressor performance with tip curl damage. Tip curl damage typically occurs when rotor blades hit a loose casing liner. The computations were performed up to the stall boundary, predicting rotating stall patterns. The aim is to assess the effect of blade damage on stall margin and provide better understanding of the flow behaviour during rotating stall. Computations for the undamaged rotor are also performed for comparison. A transonic axial compressor rotor is used for the time-accurate numerical unsteady flow simulations, with a variable choked nozzle downstream simulating an experimental throttle. One damaged blade was introduced in the rotor assembly and computations were performed at 60% of the design rotational speed. It was found that there is no significant effect on the compressor stall margin due to one damaged blade despite the differences in rotating stall patterns between the undamaged and damaged assemblies.


Author(s):  
Natalie R. Smith ◽  
William L. Murray ◽  
Nicole L. Key

The unsteady flow field generated by the rotor provides unsteady aerodynamic excitations to the downstream stator, which can result in vibrations such as forced response. In this paper, measurements of the rotor wake and rotor tip leakage flow from an embedded rotor in a multistage axial compressor are presented. A unique feature of this work is the pitchwise traverse of the flow field used to highlight the changes in the rotor exit flow field with respect to the position of the surrounding vane rows. Results acquired at mid-span focus on characterizing an average rotor wake, including the effects on the frequency spectrum, from a forced response perspective. While many analyses use an average rotor wake to characterize the aerodynamic forcing function to the downstream stator, this study explores the factors that influence changes in the rotor wake shape and the resulting impact on the spectrum. Additionally, this paper investigates the flow near the endwall where the tip leakage vortex is an important contributor to the aerodynamic excitations for the downstream vane. For the first time, experimental data are presented at the rotor exit, which show the modulation in size and radial penetration of the tip leakage vortex as the rotor passes through the upstream vane wake. As computational models become more advanced, the ability to incorporate these aerodynamic excitation effects should be considered to provide better predictions for vane vibratory response.


Author(s):  
Christoph Sanders ◽  
Marius Terstegen ◽  
Magnus Hölle ◽  
Peter Jeschke ◽  
Harald Schönenborn ◽  
...  

In this investigation, CFD calculations are conducted to evaluate the differences between five-hole pressure probe-determined flow quantities and the unaffected flow quantities without the probe’s intrusive influence. The blockage effect of the probe is described and evaluated. Furthermore, the influence of this effect is used to estimate the error when using measured stator outflows as forcing functions for the following rotor blades. To compare the flow field, both with and without the probe’s influence, a five-hole pressure probe is traversed numerically at midspan behind each stator row of a 2.5-stage axial compressor. For reproducing the blockage of the probe accurately, the full annulus of the respective stator row has to be modeled. In order to minimize the calculation time, a study to reduce the number of stator passages was successfully performed. To evaluate the flow quantities using the probe, a calibration polynomial is set up numerically. CFD simulations of the probe geometry within a uniform flow field for each pitch and yaw angle, as well as Mach number combination, are performed for this purpose. Moreover, the pressure probe data for the numerical traverses are corrected to account for velocity gradients in the wake region. The comparison of Mach number, with and without the probe’s influence, shows differences both in the width and the depth of the wake. The results of the Fourier-transformed wake profile for both cases are compared and changes in the first harmonic of Mach number of up to −13% identified. Finally, the first harmonic of the flow quantities is used to perform linearized CFD calculations and to evaluate the influence of disturbed forcing functions on the aerodynamic work of the following rotor blade. The average difference in aerodynamic excitation is about −12% with a maximum deviation of more than −30%. The results presented aim to draw attention to intrusive probe influences and their consequences for validating numerical results against experiments. Special attention is given to the discrepancies of forced response calculations with varying gust boundary conditions.


2015 ◽  
Vol 138 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalie R. Smith ◽  
William L. Murray ◽  
Nicole L. Key

The unsteady flow field generated by the rotor provides unsteady aerodynamic excitations to the downstream stator, which can result in vibrations such as forced response. In this paper, measurements of the rotor wake and rotor tip leakage flow from an embedded rotor in a multistage axial compressor are presented. A unique feature of this work is the pitchwise traverse of the flow field used to highlight the changes in the rotor exit flow field with respect to the position of the surrounding vane rows. Results acquired at midspan focus on characterizing an average rotor wake, including the effects on the frequency spectrum, from a forced response perspective. While many analyses use an average rotor wake to characterize the aerodynamic forcing function to the downstream stator, this study explores the factors that influence changes in the rotor wake shape and the resulting impact on the spectrum. Additionally, this paper investigates the flow near the endwall where the tip leakage vortex is an important contributor to the aerodynamic excitations for the downstream vane. For the first time, experimental data are presented at the rotor exit, which show the modulation in size and radial penetration of the tip leakage vortex as the rotor passes through the upstream vane wake. As computational models become more advanced, the ability to incorporate these aerodynamic excitation effects should be considered to provide better predictions for vane vibratory response.


Author(s):  
Romuald Rzadkowski ◽  
Artur Maurin

Considered here is the effect of multistage coupling on the dynamics of an aircraft engine rotor with eight mistuned bladed discs on a drum-disc shaft during foreign object ingestion (FOI). In the dynamic model, each disc had a different number of rotor blades. Free and forced vibrations were examined using finite element models of single rotating blades, bladed discs and an entire rotor with bladed discs. Calculations of the mode shapes of flexible mistuned bladed disc-shaft assemblies took into account simultaneous excitations of the first and second stages of the compressor and the turbine bladed disc with 0EO, 1EO and 2EO. The thus obtained maximal stress values of all of the rotor blades were carefully examined and compared with a tuned system to discover resonance conditions and coupling effects. Our investigation has shown that mistuning changes the stress distribution in individual rotor blades and the level of maximum stress increases in relation to single or multiple bladed disc excitation.


2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mykhaylo Tkach ◽  
Serhii Morhun ◽  
Yuri Zolotoy ◽  
Irina Zhuk

AbstractNatural frequencies and vibration modes of axial compressor blades are investigated. A refined mathematical model based on the usage of an eight-nodal curvilinear isoparametric finite element was applied. The verification of the model is carried out by finding the frequencies and vibration modes of a smooth cylindrical shell and comparing them with experimental data. A high-precision experimental setup based on an advanced method of time-dependent electronic interferometry was developed for this aim. Thus, the objective of the study is to verify the adequacy of the refined mathematical model by means of the advanced time-dependent electronic interferometry experimental method. The divergence of the results of frequency measurements between numerical calculations and experimental data does not exceed 5 % that indicates the adequacy and high reliability of the developed mathematical model. The developed mathematical model and experimental setup can be used later in the study of blades with more complex geometric and strength characteristics or in cases when the real boundary conditions or mechanical characteristics of material are uncertain.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document