Test rig and simulation environment for model-based monitoring

With the aim to provide the basis for model-based monitoring of rotor systems a test rig and an appropriate simulation environment has been developed. Therewith several damages shall be replicated and investigated. In a first approach an unbalanced rotor system and an increasing clearance in a journal bearing are analysed. Therefore extensive experiments with the rotor test rig have been conducted. The implemented test system is modelled with a simulation environment called MBSim (http://mbsim.berlios.de). This simulation environment, developed at the Institute of Applied Mechanics, is based on a framework for the efficient simulation of multi-body-systems with unilateral contacts and elastic elements. Therewith typical defects in rotating machinery can be replicated and critical effects can be investigated. The simulation includes a spatial bending-torsional beam and unilateral contacts with friction and impacts. So it 's possible for instance to model unilateral contacts in journal bearings with clearance between shaft and bearing. Experiment and simulation are consistent with each other in a very wide range, so the basis for the higher aim of a model-based fault detection and identification is provided.