Session: 25-01 Turbine Component Lifing

Submission Number: 179442

Health Monitoring of Bladed Rotors With Minimal Instrumentation 

Non-Contact Technologies has developed a health monitoring system for bladed rotors using only two non-intrusive Tip Timing (NSMS or BTT) sensors to observe each individual blade during operation and provide indications of blade or hub crack and potential rotor failure. The technique uses data trending and proprietary algorithms to determine blade health. Two rotors were fatigue tested to failure to demonstrate the technique. 

An existing 5” diameter Integrally Bladed Rotor (IBR) spin rig was modified to accept four (4) eddy current sensors for the Health Monitoring testing. A large excitation vane with six vanes was installed to allow the first bend mode of the blades to deflect much higher than the deflection limit. Two different rotors with different natural frequencies were cycled through the High Cycle Fatigue test and blade cracks were detected by only using two (2) Tip Timing (NSMS) probes. NCT developed probe health monitoring algorithms to detect the blade anomalies. This paper will detail the results of the testing and how to apply the data processing algorithms to current onboard health monitoring systems and plans for a new health monitoring system and how to incorporate other relevant parameters such as pressure and temperature into the health monitoring algorithm. 

Presenting Author: Bryan Hayes Non-Contact Technologies LLC

Presenting Author Biography: Bryan received his Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from Tennessee Technological University and his Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Tennessee. He worked at Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC) for almost 18 years primarily in the field of software and hardware development in support of the Non-Contact Stress Measurement System (NSMS). Bryan has applied NSMS to multiple turbine engines, wind tunnel compressors, and other unique applications. Currently Bryan is the President/CEO of Non-Contact Technologies (NCT). NCT develops NSMS software and hardware and provides test and data analysis support. NCT is based in Tullahoma, TN where Bryan currently resides with his wife and two kids

Authors:

Bryan Hayes Non-Contact Technologies LLC
Nam-Eung Kim Non-Contact Technologies LLC
Terry Hayes Non-Contact Technologies LLC
Ethan Warren Non-Contact Technologies LLC