Numerical Investigation of the Influence of Aerodynamic Loads on the Resonant Frequency of a Compressor Blade Made of EI-961 Alloy

Abstract

The aim of this work was to numerically determine the influence of aerodynamic loads on the value of the resonant frequency of the compressor blade. The object of the research was the 1st stage compressor blade of the PZL-10W engine. As part of the research, analytical calculations of the resonance frequency were performed and compared with the literature ones (first, second, and third forms of forced vibrations). In the next step of the investigation, a computational model of the compressor stage (fluid domain and rotors) was built and FSI analysis was performed. This analysis was based on CFD modeling of the state of aerodynamic loads on the blade surfaces, and then these values were imported as external loads for the structural analysis, which was the basis for the modal analysis, in which the resonant frequency of the first three vibration modes was determined. As part of the analyzes, both the influence of aerodynamic loads and the rotational speed of the compressor rotor were verified. Thus, it was possible to evaluate the influence of both the rotational speed (and the arising centrifugal force) and the influence of the emerging aerodynamic load. The results obtained will allow for the assessment of the impact of the aforementioned operating conditions of the aircraft engine on the resonance frequency, which in turn may translate into the durability of critical components of the aircraft engine.