Work

Containment Simulation and Test of the Whole Structure of an Air Turbine Starter

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The air turbine starter (ATS) of an aero-engine incorporates a high-speed, high-energy rotor. An uncontained failure of the ATS could lead to catastrophic consequences, making containment capability research critically important. This study proposes a comprehensive evaluation methodology for ATS containment. A full-scale finite element model of the whole structure of an ATS was established to analyze containment characteristics and structural deformation patterns. Furthermore, an experimental method for ATS containment testing was designed to investigate the containment process and critical structural damage. By integrating simulation and experimental results, the load transfer paths and structural dynamic response of the ATS were systematically analyzed. The results demonstrate that sudden high-energy loads primarily follow two distinct transfer paths, each causing completely different structural damage behaviors. After the turbine wheel is broken, the resulting unbalanced load causes turbine shaft oscillation, which, in turn, compresses the bearings and damages their inner and outer rings. This research provides valuable guidance for the structural design of air turbine starters.

Source: Aerospace

DOI: 10.3390/aerospace12100866

Authors: Pengyu Zhu, Liqiang Chen, Haijun Xuan, Wenbin Jia, Wennan Chu, Zehui Fang

Institutions: Zhejiang University, Aviation Industry Corporation of China (China)

Language: English

Topic: Engineering Applied Research

Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896