Health monitoring of the shaft bearings in a micro turbojet based on vibration analysis

Abstract

In a recently implemented aerial target, the propulsion system consists of two JetCat micro turbojet engines. Due to the limited durability of the rotor support bearings, the engine operation time has been limited to two hours or two flights. In addition, after each flight, an engine bench test with vibration measurement is required. The adopted maintenance system is also labor-intensive and costly due to obligatory shaft bearing inspections performed frequently in the repair shop. These problems result from the limitations of the available high-speed bearing technology and the high rotor loads related to aircraft maneuvers in the air. The goal of the work is to develop a method for assessing the health of the main shaft bearings in the micro turbojet based on vibration signals. Methods known from full-scale jet engines were adapted for monitoring the health of the main shaft bearings. An accelerometer and rotational speed sensor were mounted on the engine. Vibration and other parameters of the engine were measured and analyzed, and then symptoms of damage were sought. The vibrations of seven JetCat engines were analyzed, selecting the one for further destructive testing. In all three axes X, Y and Z, the vibration components related to the rotational frequency and its orders are dominant, especially EO2 and EO3 related to rotor dynamics. Continuous engine vibration monitoring is a promising way of extending engine life and avoiding the deficiencies of microturbines related to their size and low-cost technology. The obtained results indicate that the tested JetCat engines have a life reserve, which has so far been used to a small extent.