Nonlinear characteristics and radial-bending-torsional vibration of a blade with breathing crack

Abstract

Rotor failures due to cracked blades are frequently observed in rotating machinery. The identification of cracking state of rotating blade based on vibration characteristics has garnered a lot of attention. However, nonlinear characteristics and vibration combining in radial, bending and torsional directions of a rotating blade induced by the crack breathing is yet not clear. This paper proposes a radial-bending-torsional dynamic model of rotating blade with breathing crack. A time-varying integration method is proposed for determining the crack state based on the strain energy release rate. The crack breathing behavior is described by Boolean operation and the numerical integration are applied to open or close the crack. The model is validated through modal analysis, vibration responses and contact state of crack surface. Frequency veering is changed between the 2nd flap and 1st edgewise frequency due to the existence of crack. Strong nonlinear behaviors are found in the radial and torsional vibrations because of the crack breathing. Nonlinearities are also found in the combined vibrations between the radial-bending and the bending-torsional directions. Radial and torsional vibration amplitude levels can be used as an indication of blade crack failure, but the applicability depends on the absolute response decided by the aerodynamic excitation and resonant vibration. These findings can serve as guidance in crack identification and cracking state monitoring of rotating blades.