Field Mistuning Inspection Tool

Blade Diagnostics Corporation’s IBR Field Mistuning Inspection System will help the DoD and engine manufacturers develop a systematic approach for assessing and managing mistuning in integrally bladed rotors (IBRs). Mistuning refers to small variations in the blade frequencies that can cause a large amplification of vibratory response and failure from high cycle fatigue (HCF). To improve robustness and safety, these components need to be inspected to determine their mistuning characteristics so that high-response rotors can be identified and the appropriate maintenance action taken. How to test IBRs for mistuning is a relatively new but important issue, since both military and the latest generation of commercial engines makes extensive use of IBRs. A machine to measure mistuning could extend the life and help maintain safety for both commercial and military engines. Phase I successfully demonstrated the Field Mistuning Inspection System concept that the measurement machine could be integrated with a database so that measured data could be readily transferred over the internet and the data could be analyzed to extract key mistuning information which, in turn, is used to perform probabilistic analyses and risk assessment. A prototype FMIS would be developed during Phase II.