Dynamics analysis of a hollow-shaft rotor system with an open crack under model uncertainties

Abstract This paper focuses on the vibration behaviors of a hollow-shaft rotor system in presence of an open crack under inherent model uncertainties. Non-probabilistic interval variables are used to represent the uncertain parameters, which releases the high demands of probabilistic knowledge in the traditional methods. In modeling the shaft, local stiffness matrix of the cracked element is derived by using the neutral axis method. The periodic response of the rotor system is solved by combination of the finite element method (FEM) and the harmonic balance method (HBM). A simple mathematical function, termed as the uncertain response surrogate function (URSF), is constructed to estimate the vibrational response in various cases where different parametric uncertainties are taken into consideration. In order to verify the robustness and accuracy of the URSF, the bounds of estimated response are compared with those obtained from the classical methods. Results show that the surrogate function has good accuracy and robustness, providing an effective method and guidance for diagnosing crack in uncertain context.