Fault isolation through test data analysis

The Turbine Research Facility recently experienced a mechanical failure resulting in contact between the eddy current brake’s drum and coils. A review was conducted to determine the cause and determine contributing factors that led to the failure. The structural analysis combined with an analysis of the test data identified the failure mechanism and damage progression. There was a high degree of shaft misalignment that led to a higher rotor dynamic and drum structural response. The drums displacement precipitated contact whose friction prevented the motor’s torque from accelerating the rotor through the resonant condition. Recommendations for condition monitoring are included in the report.