ABOUT VUTC
The Vibration University Technology Centre (VUTC) was set up in 1990 with the aid of a major grant from Rolls-Royce plc in order to provide a focus for the prosecution of research which is of direct relevance to aerospace and power generation industries. Particular emphasis was placed on aeroelasticity because of the pressing need to be able to predict the dynamic behaviour of compressor and turbine assemblies in high-speed, turbulent and unsteady flows. The VUTC has made a significant industrial impact by delivering a wide range of solutions and capabilities in several critical areas.
- The VUTC aeroelasticity code AU3D is routinely used on engine projects for assessing flutter, forced response, rotating stall and surge behaviour.
- The VUTC structural dynamics code JM62, which combines mistuning and non-linear structural dynamics capabilities, offers great potential for replacing some of the costly time-domain analyses, as well as introducing blade variability.
- Further expertise includes non-linear structural dynamics such as friction damping, blade mistuning, FE model correlation and updating.
The VUTC has a dual role of conducting basic research and supplying the resulting methodologies in the form of turnkey systems with immediate impact and benefits. It also provides a Bureau service by undertaking short-term specific projects to support engine design.
