The production of bladed structures, e.g. turbine and compressor wheels, is a subject of statistical scatter. The blades are designed to be identical but differ due to small manufacturing tolerances. This so called mistuning can lead to increased vibration amplitudes compared to the ideal tuned case.
The object of this study is to create and validate numerical models to evaluate such mistuning effects of turbine wheels for automotive turbocharger applications. As a basis for the numerical analysis vibration measurements under stand-still conditions were carried out by using a laser surface velocimeter (LSV). The scope of this investigation was to identify the mistuning properties of the turbine wheels namely the frequency deviation from the ideal, cyclic symmetrical tuned system. Experimental modal analyses as well as blade by blade measurements were performed. Moreover 3D scanning techniques were employed to determine geometric deviations.
Numerical FE models and a simplified multi degree of freedom model (EBM) were created to reproduce the measured mistuning effects. The prediction of mode localization and the calculated amplitude amplification were evaluated. The best results were obtained with a FE model that employs individual sectorial stiffnesses. The results also indicate that the major contribution to mistuning is made by material inhomogeneities and not by geometric deviations from ideal dimensions.
With the adjusted FE model a probabilistic study has been performed to investigate the influence of the mistuning on the amplitude amplification factor. It has been found that at a certain level of mistuning the amplification factor remains constant or slightly decreases. By introducing intentional mistuning a lower sensitivity as well as a decrease of the amplitude amplification could be achieved.
