A torsional vibration coupling dynamic modeling and analysis method for engine/power transmission systems in coaxial high-speed helicopters
-
Shicheng Zhu
Abstract
To address the torsional vibration coupling problem in coaxial high-speed helicopters – involving dual rotors, a thrust propeller, power transmission mechanisms, and the engine under multi-source time-domain strong excitations with high and low rotor speeds – this paper proposes a dynamic modeling and analysis method based on the RK4 (Runge-Kutta fourth-order) method for the engine/power transmission system. The torsional vibration signals calculated by the model are further processed via Fourier transform to analyze the system’s natural frequency characteristics. Numerical simulation results demonstrate that the maximum relative error between the first four natural frequencies calculated by the model and reference values is 3.51 %, validating the model’s high reliability. Under high rotor speed conditions, the contributions of the 1st & 2nd, 3rd, and 4th natural frequency components in the power turbine speed signal reach 35.94 %, 14.09 %, and 11.38 %, respectively. In low rotor speed mode, these proportions are 39.84 %, 10.12 %, and 8.72 %, respectively.
-
Research ethics: Not applicable.
-
Informed consent: Yes.
-
Author contributions: The authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this manuscript and approved its submission.
-
Use of Large Language Models, AI and Machine Learning Tools: None declared.
-
Conflict of interest: The authors state no conflict of interest.
-
Research funding: Not applicable.
-
Data availability: None.
References
1. Yu, Z, Wang, Y. Analysis of key technologies for composite high-speed helicopter transmission systems. Aviation Power 2018:66–8. (In Chinese).Search in Google Scholar
2. Hopkins, SA, Ruzicka, GC, Ormiston, RA. Analytical investigations of coupled rotorcraft/engine/drive train dynamics. In: Proc. Of the American helicopter society 2nd interational region aero mechanics specialists’ conf. Bridgeport, CT; 1995.Search in Google Scholar
3. Castillo Pardo, A, Goulos, I, Pachidis, V. Modeling and analysis of coupled flap-lag-torsion vibration characteristics helicopter rotor blades., Proc Inst Mech Eng G J Aerosp Eng 2017;231:1804–23. https://doi.org/10.1177/0954410016675891.Search in Google Scholar
4. Sarker, P, Theodore, CR, Chakravarty, UK. Vibration analysis of a composite helicopter rotor blade at hovering condition//ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition. Am Soc Mech Eng 2016;50510:V001T03A012.10.1115/IMECE2016-65859Search in Google Scholar
5. Goulos, I, Pachidis, V, Pilidis, P. Lagrangian formulation for the rapid estimation of helicopter rotor blade vibration characteristics. Aeronaut J 2014;118:861–901. https://doi.org/10.1017/s000192400000960x.Search in Google Scholar
6. Zongxiu, L, Gao, Y, Renye, Y. Helicopter torsional vibration analysis and verification based on state space method. J Vib Meas Diagnosis 2023;43. (In Chinese).Search in Google Scholar
7. Wu, L, Ao, W. Dynamic analysis of helicopter rotor/power transmission torsional vibration system. China Sci Technol Inf 2021;3:54-6 (In Chinese).Search in Google Scholar
8. Miao, L, Zhang, H, Ning, J. Law of torsional vibration and discussion on vibration suppression based on helicopter/engine system. Int J Turbo Jet Engines 2016;33:55–67. https://doi.org/10.1515/tjj-2015-0008.Search in Google Scholar
9. Wang, Y, Zhang, H. Research on an adaptive torsional vibration suppression method for a turboshaft engine control system. Propuls Technol 2018;39:695–702. (In Chinese).Search in Google Scholar
10. Hong, SH, Kim, DK, Jung, SN. Individual blade control approach for active vibration suppression of a lift-offset coaxial rotorcraft. J Aircraft 2024;61:1262–71. https://doi.org/10.2514/1.c037715.Search in Google Scholar
11. Jacobellis, G, Gandhi, F, Floros, M. Using control redundancy for power and vibration reduction on a coaxial rotor helicopter at high speeds. J Am Helicopter Soc 2019;64:1–15. https://doi.org/10.4050/jahs.64.032008.Search in Google Scholar
12. Liu, Y, Jianping, Z. Study on the calculation method of the natural characteristics of the torsional vibration system of a coaxial twin-rotor helicopter. Aviation Sci Technol 2018;29:21–5. (In Chinese).Search in Google Scholar
13. Bo, L, Xiao, W. Dynamic modeling and intrinsic characteristics analysis of coaxial twin-rotor/tail propeller/transmission coupling system. J Aeronautics 2024;45:149–62. (In Chinese).Search in Google Scholar
14. Ekeriance, D, Wokoma, B, Ojuka, O, et al.. Comparative study of modified Euler and 4th order Runge Kutta numerical techniques for transient stability prediction. J Recent Trends Electr Power Syst 2024;7.Search in Google Scholar
15. De, N, Miaomiao, L, Zhi’an, H, et al.. Current status of coaxial reversible helicopter transmission system configurations. J Nanjing Univ Aeronaut Astronaut 2021;53. (Chinese).Search in Google Scholar
16. Yan, Y, Zheng, C, Zhang, Z, et al.. Configuration analysis of the main reducer for a coaxial counter-rotating twin-rotor helicopter. Aviation Power 2019:37–40. (In Chinese).10.1155/2019/8421201Search in Google Scholar
17. Zhao, H. Comprehensive study on the dynamics of the torsional vibration system of a composite coaxial high-speed helicopter. In Chinese: Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics; 2022.Search in Google Scholar
18. Wang, C. Analysis of vibration characteristics of coaxial dual-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle transmission system. In Chinese: Jilin University; 2016.Search in Google Scholar
© 2025 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston
