Self-Tuning Impact Dampers for Turbomachine Blades

Self-tuning impact dampers have been proposed as improved means for suppressing vibrations in the rotor blades of turbomachines (turbines and compressors). Dampers are needed because aeroelastic blade/flow interactions in a turbomachine cause the blades to vibrate intensely, with resultant accumulation of damage in the blades and rotor over time. When sufficient damage has accumulated, the rotor and/or blades can fail explosively during operation. By reducing the amplitudes of vibrations and thereby reducing damage, improved vibration dampers could increase the safety and reliability and prolong the service life of the turbomachine.