Dynamic Characteristics of a Segmented Supercritical Driveline with Flexible Couplings and Dry Friction Dampers

Abstract

Helicopter tail rotors adopt a segmented driveline connected by flexible couplings, and dry friction dampers to suppress resonance. Modeling for this system can provide a basic foundation for parameter analysis. In this work, the lateral-torsional vibration equation of the shaft with continuous internal damping is established. The static and dynamic effects caused by flexible diaphragm couplings subject to parallel and angular misalignment is derived. A novel dual rub-impact model between the shaft and dry friction damper with multiple stages is proposed. Finally, a model of a helicopter tail rotor driveline incorporating all the above elements is formulated. Numerical simulations are carried out by an improved Adams–Bashforth method following the design flowchart. The dynamics of multiple vibration suppression, and the static and dynamic misalignment are analyzed to illustrate the accuracy and characteristics of the model. The coeffect of the rub impact and the misalignment on shafts and dampers are presented through the results of simulation and experiment. It provides an accurate and comprehensive mathematical model for the helicopter driveline. Response characteristics of multiple damping stages, static and dynamic misalignment, and their interaction are revealed.