Motor-Rotor Deck-Fan-Generator

This experimental rotor dynamics platform was designed and fabricated for research of turbine blade crack propagation.

The machine consists of an induction motor with variable speed controller, extended length rotor deck, variable pitch fan module with strain gauges attached to the blades, telemetry system, generator, and rheostat mounted within the enclosure. Weights to change the mass moment of inertia are installed on the rotors. The protective cover over the fan module has been removed to improve visibility. An adjustable blade rub excitation device is attached to the baseplate at the circumference of the blades.

The generator is used as a braking mechanism. The output from the generator is fed to a variable resistor (rheostat) where the load can be easily adjusted.