The Potential Impact of Multiplane-Multispeed Balancing on Gas Turbine Production and Overhaul Costs

Abstract

This paper describes recent advances in the development of a practical, cost-effective method for balancing, in a single step, a final shaft-bearing assembly simultaneously in a number of planes and at a number of speeds. This method is capable of overcoming assembly-introduced unbalance, and will permit rotor operation through critical speeds in which component elastic axis bending occurs. Detailed results of test efforts are presented in order to illustrate the effectiveness of the method. The procedure by which the method may be applied to gas turbine engine shafts, and the potential cost advantages expected to accrue therefrom, are described and discussed.