A Mechanical Engine Simulator for Development of Aero Engine Failure Analysis Methods

Abstract

AbstractA mechanical engine simulator for method development is under construction at Berlin Institute of Technology. The new experimental rig reflects nearly all mechanical characteristics of an aero engine. The mechanical engine simulator will enable the analysis of diverse failure cases that need to be considered for an aero engine certification. Based on the experimental results using the mechanical simulator, analytical and numerical methods will be developed in order to demonstrate the capability of future engine projects. Those experimentally validated methods will predict the behavior of aero engines due to failures and provide a better understanding of their behavior during past failure events such as compressor and turbine blade loss, continued rotation after a fan blade loss or bird strike. The paper gives an overview of the principle certification specifications regarding engine failure cases, explains the background of failure analysis and provides design drawings and sketches of the future simulator test rig at the institute.KeywordsWhole engine analysisEngine simulatorRotor dynamicsBlade lossVibrationImbalanceRotor-to-stator contactsActive and passive bearings