Stick-slip motion of turbine blade dampers

Abstract

Turbine blade dampers are small elements of a parabolic configuration usually fabricated from sheet steel. They are positioned loosely between the roots of turbine blades improving the damping of blade vibrations by generating dry friction from the relative motion of blades and damper. This paper presents a theoretical approach to these stick-slip vibrations and compares theory with measurements. Additionally, some design aspects of such dampers are discussed by considering the damping behaviour in relation to important design parameters.