Experimental validation of impact energy model for the rub–impact assessment in a rotor system

An experimental setup which can simulate the rotor-to-stator rub in a rotor system is installed. A rub screw is used to simulate the condition of local rub–impact fault. Based on the theory of elastic collision and energy conservation, an Impact Energy Model (IEM) is proposed to evaluate the probability or severity of rub–impact fault. To prove this model, the paper conducts the experiment in two steps i.e. hammer test and rub–impact fault validation. The wave signal, spectrum and axis orbit are used to analyze the severity of the rub–impact fault when it occurs. The analysis result shows that the proposed Impact Energy Model (IEM) is effective in the assessment of rub–impact fault. Furthermore, the proposed IEM can also provide a reference for the design and operation of a rotor system.

► An Impact Energy Model (IEM) is proposed to evaluate severity of rub-impact fault.
► An experimental setup is installed to simulate the condition of local rub-impact fault.
► IEM can provide a reference for the design and operation of a rotor system.