Subproject T4 Automated Re-Contouring of Fan Blades

Within the scope of the transfer project, the findings from CRC 871 with regard to the automated planning of the re-contouring of compressor blades are transferred to the re-contouring of fan blades, taking into account an individual target shape. For this purpose, the automated planning algorithm from subproject C1 is generalized, focusing on the determination of an individual target shape, the automated adaptation of the tool path taking into account the local allowances and the transfer of the geometric simulation model. This tool is used to determine the influence of process control variables on dimensional accuracy. For this purpose, the simulated process parameters within a test series are compared with the with the actual shape. This results in a set of rules for re-conturing which is integrated into the current repair process in conjunction with the automated planning algorithm.

Motivation and objectives

The LUH and MTU project partners

The recontouring of fan blades is an important sub-process in the repair of aircraft engines. When using automated recontouring processes with simultaneously high variances in the initial shape, the fanblades show geometric errors after machining. As a result, the aerodynamics of the fan blade deteriorate, resulting in reduced performance and effectiveness of the entire engine. The aim of this project is therefore to transfer the methods from the subproject C1 to the recontouring process of the leading edge of fan blades under consideration of specific geometric target criteria. In order to achieve this goal, the current recontouring process at the application partner MTU will first be analyzed. The results will then be used to transfer the methods from the subproject C1 to the application case and thus to make an individual adaptation of the process with the aim of achieving an optimum leading edge geometry for each fan blade. Finally, the new method will be researched and the technology evaluated.

Results

So far, the recontamination process at MTU has been investigated and the data structure of the automated process analyzed. The generated laser scan data could be read out and linked in a usable way. With the help of this data, the first geometric simulations could be carried out and evaluated. In the process, parts of the system were identified that have a strong impact on the measuring accuracy and the resulting dimensional accuracy.  Furthermore, the analysis of the process identified further potentials for improvement (e.g. control of the metal removal rate, consideration of the cutting conditions during the surface-forming cut, etc.).

Current research and outlook

Currently, methods are being investigated to increase the applicability of the automatically generated laser scan data of the fan blade. In order to scientifically investigate the influence of different processing strategies on shape and surface, an analogy process is currently being developed that simulates the recontouring process under laboratory conditions in order to identify influences of three-dimensional material removal. In the further course a transfer of partial aspects of the planning algorithm of the subproject C1 to the present application case is planned. In particular, this includes the methodology for interference geometry-dependent 5-axis path planning. The resulting findings from the transfer project will be back-reflected over the course of the project to topic-related subprojects from SFB 871. In addition to SP C1, these include SP B2 (skillful repair cell), A2 (multiscale geometry acquisition), B3 (losses of complex surface structures), C2 (fast testing of complex geometries) and D6 (interaction and overall system behavior).


Subproject leader

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Berend Denkena
Address
An der Universität 2
30823 Garbsen
Building
Room
113
Address
An der Universität 2
30823 Garbsen
Building
Room
113

Staff

Robert Kenneweg
Address
An der Universität 2
30823 Garbsen
Building
Robert Kenneweg
Address
An der Universität 2
30823 Garbsen
Building

Publications

All publications of the Collaborative Research Centre