Dynamic similarity design method for an aero-engine dualrotor test rig

This paper presents a dynamic similarity design method to design a scale dynamic similarity model (DSM) for a dual-rotor test rig of an aero-engine. Such a test rig is usually used to investigate the major dynamic characteristics of the full-size model (FSM) and to reduce the testing cost and time for experiments on practical aero engine structures. Firstly, the dynamic equivalent model (DEM) of a dual-rotor system is modelled based on its FSM using parametric modelling, and the first 10 frequencies and mode shapes of the DEM are updated to agree with the FSM by modifying the geometrical shapes of the DEM. Then, the scaling laws for the relative parameters (such as geometry sizes of the rotors, stiffness of the supports, inherent properties) between the DEM and its scale DSM were derived from their equations of motion, and the scaling factors of the above-mentioned parameters are determined by the theory of dimensional analyses. After that, the corresponding parameters of the scale DSM of the dual-rotor test rig can be determined by using the scaling factors. In addition, the scale DSM is further updated by considering the coupling effect between the disks and shafts. Finally, critical speed and unbalance response analysis of the FSM and the updated scale DSM are performed to validate the proposed method.