Forced Vibration Analysis of Rotating Blades Subjected to Large Deformations: A Numerical Investigation With VIBRANT

Abstract Rotating blades in aircraft engines and wind turbines are critical components subjected to dynamic loads that can cause significant deformations. Accurate analysis of their forced vibration behaviour under large deformations is essential for ensuring performance and structural integrity. This study utilises the Vibration BehaviouR ANalysis Tool (VIBRANT) to investigate complex nonlinearities in blade systems, including large deformation scenarios. Through academic examples, VIBRANT demonstrates its reliability and capability to model nonlinear behaviours, including modal coupling and resonance phenomena. The analysis explores the influence of parameters such as blade geometry and material type, including metallic alloys (e.g., aluminium and titanium) and composites. Detailed frequency response analyses reveal the importance of accurately modelling interactions between material properties and geometric configurations. Comparative results highlight the impact of design choices on natural frequencies, mode shapes, and damping efficiency. VIBRANT’s ability to handle large deformations, combined with its flexibility and efficiency, positions it as a powerful tool for engineers and researchers. Its user-friendly structure and robust performance make it suitable for designing and optimising rotating blade systems across various industries while maintaining computational efficiency.