Destructive Tests of an Additively Manufactured Compressor Wheel Performed at High Rotational Speeds

Abstract

This article presents the destructive tests of a compressor wheel of a turbocharger. The wheel was manufactured using the MultiJet Printing technology. The article analyzes the results of the destructive tests performed on the plastic rotor wheel. A numerical strength analysis of the compressor wheel and the experimental research of material samples were previously carried out. The results of the experiment may have a significant impact on the improvement of the numerical model. The experimental research was conducted at speeds that exceeded 100,000 rpm. An ultra-fast camera, which is able to capture 1,000,000 fps, was used in the research. The method used makes it possible to perform destructive tests safely, without causing any damage to the machine. The research was conducted on five wheels that were manufactured using the selected additive manufacturing technology. The wheels required no additional balancing.