A Study on the Influence of Nonlinear Vibration on Fretting Damage of Involute Spline Pairs in Aero-Engines

Abstract

To meticulously examine the repercussions of nonlinear vibrations on fretting damage within aero-engine involute spline pairs, a dynamic model was constructed rooted in well-established theories and methodologies. MATLAB was engaged to resolve the model, where the vibration displacement function was treated under Fourier transformation. The emergent sub-model was then integrated into finite element analysis software to scrutinize the distribution curves of fretting damage over the external spline tooth surface. The analysis included a comprehensive comparison of the axial and radial distributions, in addition to scenarios with and without vibration interferences. Further, an empirical platform was devised to authenticate the outcomes harvested through finite element simulation. The results indicate that the principal mode of fretting damage failure in aero-engine involute spline pairs fundamentally comprises fretting wear. This wear occurs throughout the rotational period of the fretting cycle and reciprocally interacts with fretting fatigue phenomena. Significantly, it was ascertained that acute nonlinear vibrations escalate the magnitude of fretting damage and the quantity of worn teeth within aero-engine spline pairs. Beyond that, angular misalignment was recognized as an aggravating factor that compounds fretting damage in the secondary bond teeth of involute spline pairs. These newfound insights are of paramount significance for the strategic design of involute splines to combat wear.