Non-intrusive Turbomachinery Blade Vibration Detection and Monitoring System using Casing Unsteady Pressure Sensors Array

Rotor forced response vibration is a leading cause of premature blade failure. Traditional methods for monitoring turbomachinery blade vibration, such as strain gauges and blade tip timing, feature high implementation cost.

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a non-intrusive turbomachinery blade vibration detection and monitoring system using casing unsteady pressure sensor arrays. This technology detects the pressure waves associated with blade vibration. Since pressure sensor arrays are already included in most research and commercial gas turbine engines for other purposes, this new method can measure and monitor blade vibration at the same time, providing a lower cost and more efficient solution.

Advantages:

-Lower Cost

-Non-intrusive

Potential Applications:

-Gas Turbine Engines

Related Publications: Leng, Y., and Key, N. L. (February 20, 2020). "Utilization of Fast Response Pressure Measurements to Non-Intrusively Monitor Blade Vibration in Axial Compressors." ASME. J. Turbomach. March 2020; 142(3): 031001. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4045472

TRL: 5

Intellectual Property:

Keywords: turbomachinery blade vibration detection, non-intrusive blade vibration monitoring, casing unsteady pressure sensor arrays, gas turbine blade failure prevention, lower cost blade vibration solution, blade tip timing alternative, strain gauges alternative, axial compressor blade vibration, rotor forced response vibration, turbomachinery health monitoring, Aeronautics, high cycle fatigue, Mechanical Engineering, pressure sensor array, rotor blade vibration, turbines