High-fidelity rotor gap measurements in a short-duration turbine rig

The distance between the tip of rotating airfoils and the stationary casing, i.e., the tip clearance, is a vital parameter to characterize turbomachinery performance. The larger the tip clearance, the lower the turbine efficiency due to the increased loss associated with the hot jet flowing through the gap without generating work. Following the increasing demands in efficiency, these small clearances must be surveyed to avoid mechanical rubbing. The appropriate design of control systems to adjust these small clearances requires a constant monitoring during the whole engine envelope. This paper describes the complete implementation of a high-frequency capacitive sensor on the shroud of a large transonic turbine stage. The presented system and data analysis procedure allow the accurate measurement of the tip clearance of each rotating airfoil. The measurement system performances are first assessed in a simplified test bench and uncertainty analysis is provided. The technique is demonstrated in an aero-propulsion turbine, tested in a short duration rig. The turbine facility has running times of less than 0.5 s, characterized by temperature and rotor speed transients, which requires particular in-situ sensor calibrations. Extensive running tip clearance measurements of the large aero-engine turbine stage validate the system concept and design. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.