Dynamic response and energy loss in jointed structures using finite element methods: Application to an aero-engine casing assembly

The purpose of this research is to identify the influences caused by local changes in contact regions of an aero-engine casing assembly on its dynamic and thermal behaviours through Finite Element (FE) methods. The creation and updates of the FE model are demonstrated in this paper. Two types of FE analyses are performed in this research. The first analysis is in the frequency domain, which focuses on the changes in natural frequencies caused by the different contact conditions. The second analysis is in the time domain to study the changes in frictional heat generation caused by alternate contact conditions of the interface regions. In the concluding observations of this paper, results from these two types of analyses are interpreted to demonstrate that the local changes in contact regions can alter the dynamic and thermal responses of the aero-engine casing assembly by affecting several determining parameters differentially, and these changes caused by the different contact conditions are summarised, analysed and explained.