Hybrid composite shaft of High-Speed Rotor-Bearing System - A rotor dynamics preview

Abstract

In this present study, the detailed rotor dynamic evaluation of hybrid composite material rotating shaft of a power turbine high-speed rotor-bearing system is presented. The slender power turbine shaft of front driving turboshaft engine powering the rotorcraft requires a stiffer and lighter material to exhibit better rotor dynamics. Based on the preliminary investigation which predicted substantial rotor dynamic advantages, the laminated composite material shaft is proposed in the compressor section of the rotor-bearing system. To avoid the direct exposure of composite material to the harsh environment of gas turbine engine, hybrid metal fiber form of rotating shaft is employed. The hybrid metal fiber shaft is comprised of a core laminated carbon-epoxy tube sandwiched by steel tubes both inside and outside. The effect of parametric variation in the laminate and length of the hybrid shaft is evaluated and compared with the existing steel shaft. The viscoelastic material damping of carbon-epoxy laminate is also included as a rotating internal damping to evaluate the rotor dynamic instability threshold of the rotor-bearing system. From the analysis, it is found that the combination of metal and fiber-reinforced material can effectively leverage the combined strengths of both materials. © 2020 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.