Managing Helicopter Rotor Vibrations, Analysis, Maintenance and More

Managing Helicopter Rotor Vibrations, Analysis, Maintenance and More

Vibration can cause some adverse effects on helicopter rotor blades. It can damage the integrity of the rotors, decrease the life expectancy of components, safety issues and more. Luckily thanks to new technologies and engineering there is an overall reduction in the level of vibrations, but not enough to not manage. >/p>

Currently with today’s newer models the vibration levels are still higher than the levels that are registered from a jet-engine. While the levels of vibration are not likely ever to completely be eliminated there are steps that can be taken to minimize them substantially.

Maintenance Activities

Vital to the safe operation of any flight machinery is regular maintenance activities using reliable equipment to gauge the need for maintenance. Identifying the issue is the first step in taking care of the issue.

Helicopter Vibration Analysis

Getting that vibration level down starts with helicopter vibration analysis. Vibration analysis measures amplitude and phase. Amplitude measures the vibration while phase measures the reference on the rotor and peak signal.

Vibrations are caused by a range of factors but none more than the helicopter rotor. The rotating parts are the biggest culprits when it comes to increased vibrations. The main rotor is often the part identified during an analysis as the problem.

There are plenty of components that can be causing the excess vibration. In some cases it is a combination of components. Identifying all the problem areas or in some cases area are critical to speedy, dependable repairs.

The Equipment Used for Vibration Management is Vital

The right diagnostic equipment will ensure accurate readings and help to promote the proper repairs and maintenance. Having high quality equipment like:

• Portable dynamic balancing equipment
• Helicopter track and balance equipment
• Portable vibration analyzer

The right equipment can help you to quickly identify the problem and get to work repairing it.

Unbalance, Looseness, Misalignment

Increased machine vibration usually comes down to a misalignment, looseness or an unbalance situation. Other problems that cause undue vibrations can be bearings, lack of lubrication, gears or dust and debris in moving parts.

In severe cases of vibration because of misalignment or unbalance the results can be catastrophic. Identifying the issue and taking the necessary maintenance/repair steps is critical to the safe operation of the helicopter.

High quality equipment that delivers accurate information is the most important part of helicopter maintenance and repairs.