Compressor Blade Health Monitoring with Use of Tip Timing and Modal Analysis Method

The intended aim of this report is to deliver a short review of AFIT experience in the field of the blade health monitoring. A special attention has been put down for diagnostic methods (tip timing, modal analysis, metal magnetic memory) and symptom verification. Knowledge, which is necessary for reliable diagnosis and prognosis, during engine operation, as well as during overhaul and numerical simulation. It has been proven that the resonance characteristic shape analysis gives an ability to determinate if we deal with fatigue or with a blade crack. Early fatigue symptoms, i.e. modal properties of material strengthening and weakening phases have been shown. A new source of diagnostic information to ‘actively’ control blade fatigue (VHCF, HCF & LCF) has been described. The discussed problems have been illustrated with some examples. (© 2009 Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)