Vibration Issues in the Aero-Engine Domain

Speaker: Rob Sutton (Atkins)

Rob Sutton is a Principal Engineer with Atkins Limited and Member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. He has extensive experience of structural analysis of airframe and gas turbine components. He has spent a number of years working for and with Rolls-Royce plc gaining experience in various aspects of aero engine vibration assessment from preliminary design requirements through to detailed analysis, testing and support to in-service engines.

Synopsis

Vibration is an inherent problem in rotating machinery and one of the main concerns when designing aero engine components. The effects of vibration can be an ongoing issue during aircraft service and are a common feature of failure investigations. The presentation will provide a practical guide to the tools and methods commonly adopted in the assessment of aero engine vibration. The presentation will focus on the analysis of blades and vanes covering the following areas.

• Sources of blade vibration.
• Prediction of blade/assembly frequencies and resonances using finite element analysis.
• Rig testing of blades/vanes and assemblies.
• Blade strength assessments.
• Engine testing and vibration measurement techniques.
• Vibration management and mitigation methods.

Chairman: Ian G Smith (Atkins)

This evening meeting is organised by SECED. Non-members of the society are welcome to attend. Attendance at this meeting is free. Seats are allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. This meeting will not be recorded. For further information, please contact Greg James (tel. 020 7665 2229).