BANDO PRIN 2022D. D. N. 104 DEL 2 FEBBRAIO 2022

TITOLO DEL PROGETTO Development of calibration procedures of Tip Timing systems for non-contact turbine blade vibration measurements

CODICE CUP D53D23004130006

Budget: € 66.149 

P.I. o Responsabile U.R. Laura Fabbiano

Altre Unità di Ricerca o eventuali Sub 

• Università degli studi di Perugia (Coordinatore: ROSSI Gianluca)
• Università Politecnica delle Marche
• Università degli studi di Messina

A brief summary of the project:

The project addressed the absence of standardized calibration procedures for Blade Tip Timing (BTT) measurement systems used to monitor turbine engine blade vibrations. BTT is essential for preventing engine failure but lacks the metrological maturity needed for certification purposes. The consortium developed an innovative test bench based on kinematic inversion (rigid rotating blades with vibrating sensor support) targeting reference uncertainties of ~0.001 mm in amplitude and

Purpose of the project: 

The project's main goal was to develop a metrologically based methodology for calibrating Blade Tip Timing Measurement Systems through the creation of a traceable testbed based on kinematic inversion, the definition of a complete uncertainty model, and the execution of experimental campaigns on various sensor technologies. The final goal is to support the metrological maturation of BTTMS systems to make them suitable for supporting the certification of conventional and next generation turbomachinery (including hydrogen-powered engines), and to set the basis for future international guidelines and standards.

Expected results: 

The project was expected to develop a complete and traceable test bench for the calibration of Blade Tip Timing Measurement Systems (BTTMS), providing a solid experimental and metrological basis for future calibration procedures and pre-normative guidelines. Within this framework, the POLIBA operational unit was mainly expected to contribute through the development, realization and testing of magnetoresistive sensors, which represented a key sensing technology investigated within the project. Specific attention was therefore devoted to the validation of calibration procedures involving magnetoresistive probes and to the assessment of their applicability to Blade Tip Timing measurements. In addition, the POLIBA operational unit was expected to support the dissemination activities of the project through the creation and management of the public project website, ensuring visibility of the project objectives, progress and results.

Achieved results: 

The project resulted in the design, construction, and operation of the BTTMS calibration test bench, with a significant contribution from the POLIBA operational unit, which exceeded the scope of activities initially planned. Besides the development and testing of magnetoresistive sensors, POLIBA designed and realized the main experimental infrastructure (rotating disk, mechanical assembly, and motor control system) needed to reproduce controlled operating conditions. The test bench became the main infrastructure for the experimental activities of the project, and the trials were performed at POLIBA with the involvement of all operational units. Particular attention in the activities made by POLIBA was devoted to the calibration and testing of magnetoresistive sensors, for which POLIBA and UNIPG carried out dedicated experimental campaigns to evaluate their suitability for Blade Tip Timing measurement. POLIBA also designed and managed the public project website for the communication of the project goals, progress, and outcomes. Overall, the POLIBA operational unit provided a substantial contribution to the experimental implementation of the project, the validation of magnetoresistive sensing solutions, and the development of future BTTMS calibration procedures.