Blades condition monitoring using shaft torsional vibration signals

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to validate mathematically the feasibility of extracting the rotating blades vibration condition from the shaft torsional vibration measurement.Design/methodology/approachA mathematical model is developed and simulated for extracting rotating blades vibration signatures from the shaft torsional vibration signals. The model simulates n‐blades attached to a rigid disk at setting angles and the shaft drives the disk is flexible in torsion. The model is developed using the multi‐body dynamics approach in conjunction with the Lagrangian dynamics. A three‐blade rotor system example is simulated for blades free and forced vibration under stationary and rotating conditions. Frequency spectrums for the shaft torsional and blades bending vibration are represented and studied for analysis verification purposes.FindingsThe torsional vibration frequency spectrums showed blades free and forced vibration signatures. The blade setting angle is shown to reduce the sensitivity of torsional vibration signal to blades vibration signatures as it increases. The torsional vibration signals captured the variation in blades properties and produced broadband frequency components for mistuned system. The shaft torsional rigidity is shown to reduce the sensitivity of torsional vibration signal to blades vibration if increased to extremely high values (approaching rigid shaft). The rotor inertia is shown to have less effect on the torsional vibration signals sensitivity. The method of torsional vibration as a tool for rotating blades vibration measurement, based on the proposed mathematical model and its simulation, is feasible.Practical implicationsThere is a growing need for reliable predictive maintenance programs that in turn requires continuous development in methods for machinery health monitoring through vibration data collection and analysis. Turbo machinery and bladed assemblies like fans, marine propellers and wind turbine systems usually suffer from the problem of blades high vibration that is difficult to measure. The proposed new method for blades vibration measurement depends on the shaft torsional vibration signals and can be used also for verifying the signals from other types of bearings sensors for possible blades vibration condition monitoring.Originality/valueThis paper presents a unique mathematical model and simulation results for the rotating blades vibration monitoring. The developed model can be simulated for studying coupled blades vibration problems in the design stage as well as for condition monitoring in maintenance applications.