A reverse engineering based approach for the repair of LP compressor fan blade

The aim of this research is to develop an adaptive machining strategy to restore worn fan blades. Since each worn fan blade has its unique profile, a reliable restoration model is essential and can increase the effectiveness and accuracy of the machining result. In comparison with other studies of reverse engineering which focus on enhancing the accuracy of the free-form geometry only with the surface scanning data, the approach introduced in this paper gives a different view in which the reversed engineered fan blade should be based on both its surface character and the design principle. The idea that is applied on the surface measuring strategy and data process algorithm is airfoil segment based which is the basic principle of the blade design. So, a reliable CAD model can be generated with the assist of the design principle. Moreover, this approach can further optimize the blade machining result. A computer simulation system was established. The test raw data was collected from a compressor fan blade which is available in aero engines. The simulation result showed that the restored area was in a reasonable shape and the rest of reconstructed geometry was in accordance with the real part with high accuracy.