Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “blade”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 847 records · Page 47

Instrumentation for measuring the dynamic pressure on rotating compressor blades

To establish the capability for measurement of oscillatory pressure on rotating blades, miniature fast response semiconductor strain gage pressure transducers (2mm x 0.33mm) were mounted in several configurations on thin titanium and steel compressor blades and subjected to pressure cycles from 1 to 310 kPa during static tests and spin tests. Static test conditions included 20 C to 150 C, 0 to 3000 tensile microstrain, -1000 to +1000 bending microstrain and + or - 650G vibration. The spin test conditions included 20 C to 82 C at 0 to 90,000G. Durability was excellent. Pressure transducer sensitivity changed by only a few percent over this range of environmental conditions. Noise signal due to oscillatory acceleration normal to the diaphragm was acceptable (0.33Pa/G). Noise signal due to oscillatory strain was acceptable (0.5 Pa/microstrain) when the transducer was mounted on a 0.05mm rubber pad, with a total buildup of 0.38mm on the measure surface. Back mounting or partial recessing to eliminate buildup, increased the strain effect to 1.2 Pa/microstrain. Flush mounting within the blade to eliminate buildup reduced the strain effect, but required development of a special transducer shape. This transducer was not available in time for spin tests. Unpredictable zero drift + or - 14 kPa ruled out the use of these mounting arrangements for accurate steady-state (D.C.) measurements on rotating blades. The two best configurations fully developed and spin tested were then successfully applied in the NAS3-20606 rotating fan flutter program for quantitative measurement of oscillatory pressure amplitudes.

Grant, H. P.↗

Design, fabrication and spin testing of ceramic blade metal disk attachment

A ceramic turbine blade-metal disk attachment was designed for small, non man-rated turbine engine applications. The selected design consisted of a hot pressed silicon nitride blade having a skewed dovetail attachment with a compliant interlayer between the disk and the blade. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional analyses predicted that life goals could be achieved, considering both NDE limitations and crack growth rates for the ceramic material. Twenty ceramic blades were fabricated to closely-held manufacturing tolerances. New fracture mechanics data at elevated temperature are presented.

Calvert, G.↗

Fundamental mechanisms that influence the estimate of heat transfer to gas turbine blades

Estimates of the heat transfer from the gas to stationary (vanes) or rotating blades poses a major uncertainty due to the complexity of the heat transfer processes. The gas flow through these blade rows is three dimensional with complex secondary viscous flow patterns that interact with the endwalls and blade surfaces. In addition, upstream disturbances, stagnation flow, curvature effects, and flow acceleration complicate the thermal transport mechanisms in the boundary layers. Some of these fundamental heat transfer effects are discussed. The chief purpose of the discussion is to acquaint those in the heat transfer community, not directly involved in gas turbines, of the seriousness of the problem and to recommend some basic research that would improve the capability for predicting gas-side heat transfer on turbine blades and vanes.

Graham, R. W.↗

Evaluation of urethane for feasibility of use in wind turbine blade design

A preliminary evaluation was conducted of the use of cast urethane as a possible material for low-cost blades for wind turbines. Specimen test data are presented for ultimate tensile strength, elastic modulus, flexural strain, creep, and fatigue properties of a number of urethane formulations. Data are also included for a large-scale urethane blade section composed of cast symmetrical half-profiles tested as a cantilever beam. Based on these results, an analysis was conducted of a full-scale blade design of cast urethane that meets the design specifications of the rotor blades for the NASA/DOE experimental 100-kW MOD-0 wind turbine. Because of the low value of elastic modulus for urethane (around 457 000 psi), the design loads would have to be carried by metal reinforcement. Considerations for further evaluation are noted.

Lieblein, S.↗

An experimental investigation of the effect of rotor tip shape on helicopter blade-slap noise

The effect of tip-shape modification on blade-vortex interaction-induced helicopter blade-slap noise was investigated. The general rotor model system (GRMS) with a 3.148 m (10.33 ft) diameter, four-bladed fully articulated rotor was installed in the Langley V/STOL wind tunnel. The tunnel was operated in the open-throat configuration with treatment to improve the semi-anechoic characteristics of the test chamber. Based on previous investigation, four promising tips (ogee, sub-wing, 60 deg swept-tapered, and end-plate) were used along with a standard square tip as a baseline configuration. Aerodynamic and acoustical data concerning the relative applicability of the various tip configurations for blade-slap noise reduction are presented without analysis or discussion.

Hoad, D. R.↗

Vibration analysis of rotor blades with pendulum absorbers

A comprehensive vibration analysis of rotor blades with spherical pendulum absorbers is presented. Linearized equations of motion for small oscillations about the steady-state deflection of a spherical pendulum on elastic rotor blades undergoing coupled flapwise bending, chordwise bending, and torsional vibrations are obtained. A transmission matrix formulation is given to determine the natural vibrational characteristics of rotor blades with spherical or simple flapping pendulum absorbers. The natural frequencies and mode shapes of a hingeless rotor blade with a spherical pendulum are computed.

Murthy, V. R.↗

Tungsten fiber reinforced FeCrAlY - A first generation composite turbine blade material

General and composite turbine blade material requirements are examined to identify a specific tungsten fiber reinforced superalloy (TFRS) having, in addition to strength, the desired combination of other material properties needed in turbine blades. Experimental data indicated that a thoriated tungsten fiber reinforced FeCrAlY matrix composite should have the stress-rupture, creep, tensile, fatigue, and impact strengths required for turbine blades operating from 1250 to 1370 K. Fabrication and design concepts are developed to demonstrate the feasibility of fabricating a hollow TFRS turbine blade at reasonable cost.

Petrasek, D. W.↗

Evaluation of helicopter noise due to b blade-vortex interaction for five tip configurations

The effect of tip shape modification on blade vortex interaction induced helicopter blade slap noise was investigated. Simulated flight and descent velocities which have been shown to produce blade slap were tested. Aerodynamic performance parameters of the rotor system were monitored to ensure properly matched flight conditions among the tip shapes. The tunnel was operated in the open throat configuration with treatment to improve the acoustic characteristics of the test chamber. Four promising tips were used along with a standard square tip as a baseline configuration. A detailed acoustic evaluation on the same rotor system of the relative applicability of the various tip configurations for blade slap noise reduction is provided.

Hoad, D. R.↗

Evaluation of feasibility of prestressed concrete for use in wind turbine blades

A preliminary evaluation of the feasibility of the use of prestressed concrete as a material for low cost blades for wind turbines was conducted. A baseline blade design was achieved for an experimental wind turbine that met aerodynamic and structural requirements. Significant cost reductions were indicated for volume production. Casting of a model blade section showed no fabrication problems. Coupled dynamic analysis revealed that adverse rotor tower interactions can be significant with heavy rotor blades.

Leiblein, S.↗

Design, fabrication, and test of a steel spar wind turbine blade

The design and fabrication of wind turbine blades based on 60 foot steel spars are discussed. Performance and blade load information is given and compared to analytical prediction. In addition, performance is compared to that of the original MOD-O aluminum blades. Costs for building the two blades are given, and a projection is made for the cost in mass production. Design improvements to reduce weight and improve fatigue life are suggested.

Sullivan, T. L.↗

The MOD-1 steel blade

The design, development, fabrication, testing, and transport of two 100 foot metal blades for the MOD-1 WTS are summarized. Because the metal blade design was started late in the MOD-1 system development, many of the design requirements (allocations) were restrictive for the metal blade concept, particularly the maximum weight requirement. The design solutions required to achieve the weight goal resulted in a labor intensive (expensive) fabrication, particularly for a quantity of only two blades manufactured using minimal tooling.

Vanbronkhorst, J.↗

Design, fabrication, test, and evaluation of a prototype 150-foot long composite wind turbine blade

The design, fabrication, testing, and evaluation of a prototype 150 foot long composite wind turbine blade is described. The design approach and material selection, compatible with low cost fabrication methods and objectives, are highlighted. The operating characteristics of the blade during rotating and nonrotating conditions are presented. The tensile, compression, and shear properties of the blade are reported. The blade fabrication, tooling, and quality assurance are discussed.

Gewehr, H. W.↗

Stability of nonuniform rotor blades in hover using a mixed formulation

A mixed formulation for calculating static equilibrium and stability eigenvalues of nonuniform rotor blades in hover is presented. The static equilibrium equations are nonlinear and are solved by an accurate and efficient collocation method. The linearized perturbation equations are solved by a one step, second order integration scheme. The numerical results correlate very well with published results from a nearly identical stability analysis based on a displacement formulation. Slight differences in the results are traced to terms in the equations that relate moments to derivatives of rotations. With the present ordering scheme, in which terms of the order of squares of rotations are neglected with respect to unity, it is not possible to achieve completely equivalent models based on mixed and displacement formulations. The one step methods reveal that a second order Taylor expansion is necessary to achieve good convergence for nonuniform rotating blades. Numerical results for a hypothetical nonuniform blade, including the nonlinear static equilibrium solution, were obtained with no more effort or computer time than that required for a uniform blade.

Stephens, W. B.↗

Laser-optical blade tip clearance measurement system

The need for blade tip clearance instrumentation has been intensified recently by advances in technology of gas turbine engines. A new laser-optical measurement system has been developed to measure single blade tip clearances and average blade tip clearances between a rotor and its gas path seal in rotating component rigs and complete engines. The system is applicable to fan, compressor and turbine blade tip clearance measurements. The engine mounted probe is particularly suitable for operation in the extreme turbine environment. The measurement system consists of an optical subsystem, an electronic subsystem and a computing and graphic terminal. Bench tests and environmental tests were conducted to confirm operation at temperatures, pressures, and vibration levels typically encountered in an operating gas turbine engine.

Barranger, J. P.↗

Superhybrid composite blade impact studies

The feasibility of superhybrid composite blades for meeting the mechanical design and impact resistance requirements of large fan blades for aircraft turbine engine applications was investigated. Two design concepts were evaluated: leading edge spar (TiCom) and center spar (TiCore), both with superhybrid composite shells. The investigation was both analytical and experimental. The results obtained show promise that superhybrid composites can be used to make light weight, high quality, large fan blades with good structural integrity. The blades tested successfully demonstrated their ability to meet steady state operating conditions, overspeed, and small bird impact requirements.

Chamis, C. C.↗

Low-cost directionally-solidified turbine blades, volume 2

An endothermically heated technology was used to manufacture low cost, directionally solidified, uncooled nickel-alloy blades for the TFE731-3 turbofan engine. The MAR-M 247 and MER-M 100+Hf blades were finish processed through heat treatment, machining, and coating operations prior to 150 hour engine tests consisting of the following sequences: (1) 50 hours of simulated cruise cycling (high fatigue evaluation); (2) 50 hours at the maximum continuous power rating (stress rupture endurance (low cycle fatigue). None of the blades visually showed any detrimental effects from the test. This was verified by post test metallurgical evaluation. The specific fuel consumption was reduced by 2.4% with the uncooled blades.

Dennis, R. E.↗

JT8D-15/17 High Pressure Turbine Root Discharged Blade Performance Improvement

The JT8D high pressure turbine blade and seal were modified, using a more efficient blade cooling system, improved airfoil aerodynamics, more effective control of secondary flows, and improved blade tip sealing. Engine testing was conducted to determine the effect of these improvements on performance. The modified turbine package demonstrated significant thrust specific fuel consumption and exhaust gas temperature improvements in sea level and altitude engine tests. Inspection of the improved blade and seal hardware after testing revealed no unusual wear or degradation.

Janus, A. S.↗

Flap-lag-torsional dynamic modelling of rotor blades in hover and in forward flight, including the effect of cubic nonlinearities

The differential equations of motion, and boundary conditions, describing the flap-lead/lag-torsional motion of a flexible rotor blade with a precone angle and a variable pitch angle, which incorporates a pretwist, are derived via Hamilton's principle. The meaning of inextensionality is discussed. The equations are reduced to a set of three integro partial differential equations by elimination of the extension variable. The generalized aerodynamic forces are modelled using Greenberg's extension of Theodorsen's strip theory. The equations of motion are systematically expanded into polynomial nonlinearities with the objective of retaining all terms up to third degree. The blade is modeled as a long, slender, of isotropic Hookean materials. Offsets from the blade's elastic axis through its shear center and the axes for the mass, area and aerodynamic centers, radial nonuniformaties of the blade's stiffnesses and cross section properties are considered and the effect of warp of the cross section is included in the formulation.

Crespodasilva, M. R. M.↗