The project was organised in four work packages that were selected to mimic the way BTT is applied in industry's with strain gauge experience and capabilities.
WP1 BTT Measurement Technology Evaluation:
In this work package all of the instrumentation required was identified and procured/modified.
- All software required was developed and validated.
- A rotor was obtained and instrumented with strain gauges
- The blades were used to develop the ‘calibration’ process
- A telemetry system was designed, manufactured and tested.
- All instruments were calibrated.
- In addition, and due to Covid-19 travel restrictions, network systems were configured so that remote operation could be implemented.
WP2 Test facility preparation:
All of the mechanical design work and manufacture was completed in this work package. This is similar to building, installing, connecting instrumentation, operating the plant and running of a typical compressor test program.
WP3 FEM analysis and model validation:
This work package provided the predicted and measured data allowing blade deflection to be converted to strain. It identifies the uncertainty in each of the calibration processes and provides supporting data to the other work packages.
The BTT model validation was completed and predicted stress to deflection ratios were made. Six blades were supplied to the facility and the calibration process was tested.
Drivers of uncertainty were identified and reported.
Predicted test uncertainty was derived from the calibration data and included in the final report.
WP4 Experiment owner and program management:
In this work package the facilities and capabilities of each of the partners was assessed and any gaps found were identified and resourced. The overall objectives are used to derive the local equirements and monitor the progress of them.
The planning and risk management were carried out.
All deliverable and milestones were prepared.
The Communication and dissemination (which continues after the project closure) was carried out mainly through the project website which has been a success resulting in sales of BTT equipment for partners ITASCR and EMTD which is part of the exploitation expected.
In the future is expected that further research is performed including the application for further study at Manchester University for a visiting PhD student, and in terms of dissemination, a number of papers are being prepared for publication after the project completion.
