Modern methods of aircraft engine computational models development for rotordynamics simulations

The study investigates advanced methods and techniques for aircraft engine computational models development for rotordynamics simulations. The research underlines the finite element modeling approaches for rotors, casings, and full-engine models creation and refinement implemented in DYNAMICS R4 program system. The study highlights key applications of these models in linear, transient, and nonlinear dynamic analyses. To enhance modeling efficiency and reduce human-induced errors an approach of numerical model creation with usage of automated geometry import module, which automatically retrieves the geometry from the CAD systems and transfer it into finite element model for rotor dynamics, is proposed. Developed approach minimizes manual input errors and measurement inaccuracies in the CAD system. Approbation of the proposed method of automated geometry import in rotodynamic model was performed using CAD geometry of F404-GE-400 afterburning turbofan engine, taken from open-access, proving effectiveness of the method for the real-world applications. Additionally, the paper explores the issues of computational model creation of aircraft engine cases with isogrid structure for rotordynamics simulations. On example of the full-engine model the paper emphasizes the approaches to form the architecture of the dynamic model using its structural units (assemblies and subsystems) for problems related to rotordynamics. The process of aircraft engine computational model usage for steady-state synchronous response analysis due to unbalances on its rotors was demonstrated. The issues of engine dynamics investigation using 3D operating deflected shapes, obtained for its model during linear forced response analysis at resonant and constant operating modes, were observed.