Noise & Vibration Worldwide

The primary goal of the development project was to demonstrate the feasibility of detecting changes in blade natural frequencies (such as those associated with a blade crack) on a turbine using non-contact, non-intrusive measurement methods. The approach was to set up a small experimental apparatus, develop a torsional vibration detection system, and maximize the dynamic range and the signal to noise ratio. The results of the testing and analysis clearly demonstrated the feasibility of using torsional vibration to detect the change in natural frequency of a blade due to a change in stiffness such as those associated with a blade crack.

LMS, of Leuven, Belgium, provides solutions for functional performance engineering in mechanical product development. The company's CAE software, testing systems, and decision support infrastructure allow engineering teams to refine designs based on dynamic behaviour such as motion, ride, handling, vibration, acoustic, NVH and fatigue lifetime. These capabilities enable users to understand and solve dynamic problems, to their competitive advantage. This article looks at some recent developments coming out of LMS.

Charles Ransford & Sons Ltd., of Bishop's Castle, Shropshire, specialise in the design and manufacture of absorbing and reflecting environmental noise barriers for a host of schemes from housing and factories to road and rail. This article by Peter Walters describes the company's approach.