FORMATION IN AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING: NON-INVASIVE BALANCING METHODS FOR ENGINES
A.C. Ramirez Garcia, S.G. Torres Cedillo, R. Florencio da Silva
In the sector of commercial aircraft balancing turbojet engines is crucial to guarantee efficient and safe operations. Traditional balancing methods, often invasive, require disassembling critical engine components, leading to significant costs, prolonged downtime and risks associated with parts handling. In response to these limitations, non-invasive methods are being developed and evaluated that promise to improve the accuracy and reliability of balancing without the disadvantages of conventional methods.
The objective of this research is to review and analyze the state of the art of traditional methods for identifying unbalance and balancing of aerospace rotors, to implement non-invasive methods. This study focuses on evaluating the accuracy and reliability of current invasive methods, identifying the advantages and disadvantages of the existing balancing methods, and exploring the adaptability of emerging non-invasive methods in turbojet engines.
The methodology of this research includes a review and analysis of the state of the art of traditional balancing methods for turbojet engines. Different workshops and interviews were also held with Aeronautical Engineering students to promote the understanding and application of these methods. Likewise, the precision and reliability of the invasive methods in use were evaluated, identifying their advantages and disadvantages. The adaptability of the non-invasive balancing methods under development was also investigated through comparative studies and experimental tests.
Preliminary results indicate that non-invasive balancing methods offer comparable accuracy to invasive methods, with an impact in the reduction in downtime and associated costs. These methods also present fewer risks of engine damage and allow continuous monitoring of the rotor's operational state, improving the ability to respond to imbalances detected in real time.
The results also show a significant impact on the training of future aeronautical engineers. Incorporating knowledge about non-invasive balancing methods into the academic curriculum in workshops provides students with an advanced understanding of innovative technologies and safe practices in the industry. This prepares them to face the technical and economic challenges of the modern aeronautical industry, ensuring that future professionals are better equipped to implement effective and sustainable solutions, contributing to the continued advancement of the sector.
Keywords: Non-invasive balancing, Invasive balancing, Turbojet engines, Aeronautical Engineering, Educational innovation.