Two-Stage Acoustic Method for Paddle Wheel Parameter Determination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Accurately measuring and determining mechanical parameters, such as damping and stiffness, of integrally manufactured paddle wheels, which exhibit complex vibration modes and time-variant properties due to mistuning and aerodynamic effects.

Innovation Solution

A method involving two excitation stages: first, using a multi-frequency acoustic sweep signal to measure the system response, and second, selectively exciting specific frequencies with a sine signal to determine mechanical parameters like damping and stiffness based on amplitude and phase responses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If purely frequency-based measurement methods are used, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurement precision is insufficient for integrally manufactured paddle wheels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedamping determination accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement method complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement process is divided into multiple sequential stages: initial frequency-based screening to identify resonance frequencies, followed by targeted time-domain measurements at specific frequencies. This segmentation allows the complex measurement task to be broken down into manageable steps, each optimized for specific parameter determination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A preliminary frequency-based measurement is performed first to identify the natural frequencies and vibration modes of the paddle wheel. This preliminary information guides the subsequent time-domain measurements by indicating which frequencies require detailed analysis, thereby optimizing the overall measurement process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If traditional single-frequency excitation is used, then the measurement process is straightforward, but it cannot capture the complex vibration modes and mistuning effects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration mode detection accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement system applies periodic excitation signals at multiple discrete frequencies, systematically sweeping through the frequency range to excite different vibration modes. This periodic multi-frequency approach ensures comprehensive coverage of all relevant vibration characteristics while maintaining a structured measurement process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The excitation frequency parameter is varied across multiple discrete values during the measurement process. By changing the excitation frequency and observing the system response at each frequency, the method captures the full vibration behavior including mistuning effects and different mode shapes that would be invisible at a single frequency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If high excitation amplitudes are used to improve signal detection, then the measurement sensitivity increases, but the object may experience fatigue-causing vibrations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal detection sensitivityVSAvoidfatigue-causing vibrations
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement uses partial action by applying excitation only at specific discrete frequencies rather than continuous broadband excitation. This allows concentrated energy at measured frequencies to achieve sufficient signal-to-noise ratio while minimizing total energy input and avoiding excessive vibrations that would cause fatigue.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system substitutes mechanical contact-based excitation with acoustic field excitation using loudspeakers. This non-contact method reduces mechanical stress and friction at contact points, thereby minimizing fatigue-causing vibrations while still providing sufficient excitation energy for accurate measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Measurement precision

If multiple measurement points are used to capture all vibration modes, then the measurement completeness improves, but the measurement complexity and data processing burden increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration mode characterization accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Different measurement points are strategically selected based on the local vibration characteristics of each blade. By placing sensors at locations that are most sensitive to specific vibration modes and mistuning effects, the system achieves comprehensive mode characterization with a reduced number of measurement points, optimizing the balance between completeness and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This method allows for precise determination of mechanical parameters, effectively addressing the challenges of mistuning and time-variant properties in integrally manufactured paddle wheels, thereby improving the accuracy of vibration analysis and reducing fatigue-causing vibrations.

Implementation Method 1

exciting the object with a multi-frequency signal; detecting a first response signal of the object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic excitation: Acoustics

Implementation Method 2

system response is measured at selected measuring points on the blades of the blisk and by laser vibrometry

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser vibrometry: Laser Doppler Vibrometry

Data Source

PatentEP4070065B1Method for determining at least one mechanical parameter of a mechanical object
Publication Date: 2025.06.04 MTU AERO ENGINES GMBH
  • EP4070065B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4070065B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a method comprising the steps: - first exciting of the object by means of a multi-frequency signal; - detecting a first response signal of the object at one or more measurement points on the object; - transforming the first response signal from a time range to a frequency-dependent range; - selecting from one or more frequencies on the basis of the frequency-dependent range; - second exciting of the object on the basis of the selected frequencies; - detecting a second response signal of the object at one or more measurement points of the object; - determining a mechanical parameter on the basis of the second response signal.