State-Space Model for Arrival Time Simulations and Methodology for Offline Blade Tip-Timing Software Characterization

Blade tip-timing is an extensively used technique for measuring blade vibrations in turbine and compressor stages; it is one of the preferred techniques used for characterizing their dynamic behaviors using non-contact probes. Typically, arrival time signals are acquired and processed by a dedicated measurement system. Performing a sensitivity analysis on the data processing parameters is essential for the proper design of tip-timing test campaigns. This study proposes a mathematical model for generating synthetic tip-timing signals, descriptive of specific test conditions. The generated signals were used as the controlled input for a thorough characterization of post-processing software for tip-timing analysis. This work represents the first step in quantifying the uncertainty introduced by tip-timing analysis software into user measurements. The proposed methodology can also offer essential information for further sensitivity studies on parameters that influence the accuracy of data analysis during testing.

Automated summary

Blade tip-timing is a widely used technique in turbine and compressor stages to measure blade vibrations. This study proposes a mathematical model to generate synthetic tip-timing signals for specific test conditions, which are then used to thoroughly characterize post-processing software for tip-timing analysis. This work is the first step in quantifying the uncertainty introduced by tip-timing analysis software into user measurements and can provide essential information for sensitivity studies on data analysis parameters during testing.