Tip-Timing Blade Mode Identification via Waveform Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current blade health monitoring systems for gas turbine engines face challenges in providing comprehensive and efficient inspection of fan blades due to limited access and information, leading to costly and time-consuming maintenance processes.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize sensors to analyze waveform features such as time of arrival, slope, and peak magnitudes to determine the condition of rotating airfoils, including fan blades, by measuring distances and identifying vibrational modes, allowing for more precise monitoring and maintenance planning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical inspection methods are used to examine fan blades, then comprehensive blade health information can be obtained, but inspection time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical mechanical inspection methods with a sensor-based electronic monitoring system. Sensors mounted on the engine casing detect vibrations and signals from fan blades during operation, eliminating the need for manual physical inspection while providing comprehensive blade health information through waveform analysis and vibrational mode identification.
2Loss of time
If sensors are used to detect fan blade conditions, then inspection time is reduced, but the information provided is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes mechanical vibration analysis to extract comprehensive blade health information. By mounting sensors to detect vibrational signals from fan blades and analyzing waveform features including time of arrival, slope, peak magnitudes, and vibrational modes, the system provides detailed blade condition assessment without requiring physical inspection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through continuous monitoring of blade vibrations during engine operation. Sensors provide real-time data that is processed to identify blade conditions, enabling ongoing health assessment rather than periodic limited inspections, thus providing complete information while minimizing downtime.
3Measurement precision
If detailed waveform analysis is performed to identify vibrational modes, then blade health assessment accuracy improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the waveform analysis into distinct measurable features: time of arrival, slope at zero crossing, peak magnitudes, and vibrational modes. Each feature is extracted and analyzed separately, allowing comprehensive blade health assessment through multiple independent parameters while managing system complexity through modular signal processing.
Data Source
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AI summary
A disclosed airfoil health monitoring system and method obtains a signal comprising a waveform indicative of an airfoil path with a sensor. Features of the waveform are determined and compared waveform characteristics indicative of a vibrational mode. A vibrational mode of the airfoil may then be determined based on the comparison between the predetermined waveform characteristics and the obtained waveform indicative of the airfoil path.