Numerical-Experimental Confrontation in the Simulation of Tool/Abradable Material Interaction

In turbomachinery, depositing abradable coatings along the circumference of casings is recognized as a robust solution which combines the adjustment of operating clearances with the reduction of non-repairable damages potentially affecting the rotating blades. Accordingly, the modeling of the removal process experienced by these materials is of growing industrial importance. Based on a numerical strategy detailed in a previous publication by the authors, the present study aims at describing the mechanical behavior of abradable coatings used within turbomachines in the context of translational high-speed interactions with a rigid tool. The developed plastic constitutive law macroscopically capturing the abradable material removal is first enriched to account for its strain rate dependence. Then, a sensitivity analysis with respect to a few parameters of interest is conducted and calibration of the numerical investigation with existing experimental data validates the proposed approach. Finally, the strain-rate dependence of the viscoplastic law implemented within a full numerical three-dimensional rotor/stator interaction is addressed. Results reveal that viscoplastic terms have minor effects in turbomachinery interactions.