Measurement and analysis of vibrations of the axial-flow compressor caused by inlet flow instability during the flight of aircraft

This paper presents a practical example of the measurement and analysis of vibrations in the first two stages of the axial-flow compressor with intention to estimate a connection between inlet air flow distortions and appearance of stalling of the compressor blades. The inlet air flow distortions were tested during different regimes of the aircraft flight with a maximum thrust, with an assumption that the asymmetry of air flow through the twin-inlets existed and had effect on vibrations of the compressor. The paper shows the measurement of vibrations on the Galeb G-2 aircraft powered by the Rolls Royce Viper Mk22-6 engine with the aim to recognize and define the minimum necessary data for detection of the potential distorted air flow through the compressor, as consequences of an unequal air flow distribution in the inlets. The detection capability of this methodology of measurement is presented using the fast Fourier transform (FFT). The proposed methodology of measurement and analysis can be implemented in different types of aircraft in order to research the occurrence of stall and surge.