Open NASA Blade Models for Nonlinear Dynamics Simulations

Abstract This contribution presents a catalogue of open turbomachinery blade models dedicated to nonlinear dynamics simulations. Based on a specifically developed in-house computer code, three-dimensional computer-aided design (CAD) models and finite element (FE) models of multiple-circular-arc (MCA) NASA airfoils are generated. Both the in-house code and the models are made freely accessible online. To cover a wide range of geometries, 39 blades are considered from different stages and with different aspect ratios. It is expected that this blade catalogue will provide an opportunity for the direct comparison of recently developed methodologies relative to nonlinear vibration phenomena in turbomachines, including rubbing events and blade-tip/casing contacts. To this end, the paper also contains original results for some of the most emblematic NASA blades, with an emphasis on nonlinear interaction maps and a detailed presentation of redesign operations to mitigate high amplitude of vibrations when blade-tip/casing contacts occur.