Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “blades”

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 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1952

Experimental Investigation of the Vibration Characteristics of Four Designs of Turbine Blades and of the Effect Produced by Varying the Axial Spacing Between Nozzle Blades and Turbine Blades.

An investigation was made to determine the effects of varying the spacing between the nozzle blades and the turbine blades of a turbo-jet engine on turbine-blade vibration for four turbine-blade designs of different degrees of stiffness. In general, there was a tendency toward increase in occurrence of vibration with decrease in spacing. The effect was most evident in the case of the turbine blades that had greater stiffness.

Morgan, W C↗
NASA NTRS1978

Perturbation solutions for transonic flow on the blade-to-blade surface of compressor blade rows

A preliminary investigation was conducted to establish the theoretical basis of perturbation techniques with the objective of minimizing computational requirements associated with parametric studies of transonic flows in turbomachines. The theoretical analysis involved the development of perturbation methods for determining first order changes in the flow solution due to variations of one or more geometrical or flow parameters. The formulation is primarily directed toward transonic flows on the blade to blade surface of a single blade row compressor. Two different perturbation approaches were identified and studied. Applications and results of these methods for various perturbations are presented for selected two dimensional transonic cascade flows to illustrate the advantages and disadvantages of each technique. Additionally, it was found that, for flows with shock waves, proper account of shock displacement was crucial.

Stahara, S. S.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Effect of Helicopter Blade Dynamics on Blade Aerodynamic and Structural Loads

The effect of rotor blade dynamics on aerodynamic and structural loads is examined for a conventional, main- rotor helicopter using both a comprehensive rotorcraft analysis (CAMRAD) and night test data. The impact of blade dynamics on blade section lift-coefficient time histories is studied by comparing predictions from both a rigid blade analysis and an elastic blade analysis with helicopter flight test data. The elastic blade analysis better predicts high-frequency behavior of section lift. In addition, components of the blade angle of attack, such as elastic blade twist, blade nap rate, blade slope velocity, and inflow, are examined as a function of blade mode. Elastic blade motion affects the blade angle of attack by a few tenths of a degree, and up to the sixth rotor harmonic. A similar study of the influence of blade dynamics on bending and torsion moments was also conducted. The modal analysis of the predicted blade structural loads suggested that five elastic bending deg of freedom (four flap and one lag) and three elastic torsion deg of freedom contributed to calculations of the blade structural loads. However, when structural bending load predictions from several elastic blade analyses were compared with flight test data, an elastic blade model consisting of only three elastic bending modes (first and second flap, and first lag), and two elastic torsion modes was found to be sufficient for maximum correlation.

Heffernan, Ruth M.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Effect of helicopter blade dynamics on blade aerodynamic and structural loads

The effect of rotor blade dynamics on aerodynamic and structural loads is examined for a conventional, main-rotor helicopter using a comprehensive rotorcraft analysis (CAMRAD) and flight-test data. The impact of blade dynamics on blade section lift-coefficient time histories is studied by comparing predictions from a rigid-blade analysis and an elastic-blade analysis with helicopter flight test data. The elastic blade analysis better predicts high-frequency behavior of section lift. In addition, components of the blade angle of attack such as elastic blade twist, blade flap rate, blade slope velocity, and inflow are examined as a function of blade mode. Elastic blade motion changed blade angle of attack by a few tenths of a degree, and up to the sixth rotor harmonic. A similar study of the influence of blade dynamics on bending and torsion moments was also conducted. A correlation study comparing predictions from several elastic-blade analyses with flight-test data revealed that an elastic-blade model consisting of only three elastic bending modes (first and second flap and first lag), and two elastic torsion modes was sufficient for good correlation.

Heffernan, Ruth M.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Performance of cross-flow turbines with varying blade materials and unsupported blade span

Cross-flow turbines could play a larger role in the diversification of the global energy supply if the impact of more cost-competitive design choices on performance and rotor dynamics was better understood. This study focuses on rotor performance and blade strain measurements while varying the following parameters: blade materials and blade free end length by changing strut support position. Towing tank experiments were performed with a modular 1-meter diameter cross-flow turbine consisting of three NACA 0018 blades with two support struts. One strut was fixed at the lower end of the turbine, while the second strut was adjustable, thereby changing the length of the free end. The blade materials tested were carbon, E-glass, and hollow E-glass fiber composites, in decreasing order of stiffness and cost. High-resolution distributed fiber optic sensors were embedded in two of the three rotor blades for each material and provided hundreds of strain measurements per blade. Turbine performance and blade strain were measured while varying tow speed and tip speed ratio. Performance tests were conducted at towing speeds sufficiently high for the performance to be independent of Reynolds number. E-glass blades and carbon blades performed similarly for the most rigid strut configurations. Higher strain was measured on the E-glass blades, and their performance was reduced for less rigid configurations compared to the carbon fiber blades. The performance of the highly deflective hollow E-glass blades was lower overall and became even more degraded for longer unsupported blade span. Furthermore, the results provide insight into the use of various blade materials in cross-flow turbines and guidance on allowable free end length for each material type.

16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗
NASA NTRS1993

Aeroelastic dynamics of mistuned blade assemblies with closely spaced blade modes

The aeroelastic characteristics of tuned and randomly mistuned blade assemblies which possess two blade-alone natural modes with close frequencies are studied. Modal interactions among the two blade modes are shown to be come extremely significant for small frequency separation. The two distinct loci of the aeroelastic eigenvalues, which characterize an assembly with well separated modes, fully merge into a single root locus as the blade-mode frequency separation vanishes. Also, while in the case of well separated blade modes the introduction of random mistuning into one blade mode affects only the assembly modes which are predominantly of that blade-mode type, mistuning results in the localization of all the assembly modes when the blade-alone natural frequencies are close. Results indicate that in the case of closely-spaced blade modes a single-degree of freedom blade model yields qualitatively erroneous results and that an N-blade assembly with two close blade modes behaves like an equivalent 2Nb-blade assembly with a single blade mode.

Pierre, Christophe↗
DOE OSTI2024

In-Situ Blade Strain Measurements and Fatigue Analysis of a Cross-Flow Turbine Operating in a Tidal Flow

Cross-flow turbines (CFTs) are inherently unsteady devices with regards to operating principle and loading. By improving our understanding of the dynamic loading on these turbines, we hope to better inform CFT design, improve survivability, and reduce overall costs. The University of New Hampshire (UNH) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) collaborated on a project to instrument and test a four-bladed New Energy Corp. vertical axis cross-flow turbine in a real tidal flow. One blade from the 3.2 m diameter x 1.7 m height turbine was instrumented with eight full-bridge strain gauges along the span of the blade. The turbine was then deployed at the UNH-Atlantic Marine Energy Center (AMEC) Tidal Energy Test Site in Portsmouth, NH. Time-synchronized measurements of blade strain, inflow, thrust, rotational speed, and electrical output were obtained to characterize blade loading under various conditions. The blade strain was examined to assess the dynamic loading and conduct a fatigue analysis on the device.

blade strain↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Effects of Trailing Edge Thickness and Blade Loading Distribution on the Aerodynamic Performance of Simulated CMC Turbine Blades

The aerodynamic performance of three blade sets that represent the geometric manufacturing constraints of Ceramic Matrix Composite (CMC) blades was measured experimentally in a large-scale transonic turbine blade cascade. The trailing edge thicknesses of CMC blades are anticipated to be significantly larger than those of current state-of-the-art metallic blades. The blades tested in the current study had trailing edge thicknesses of 5%, 7%, and 9% relative to the blade axial chord. The three blade sets were designed with matching throat dimensions, so the blade loading distributions were varied to retain similar overall loading levels. Data were acquired at four Reynolds numbers, covering a factor of six range. All data were acquired at the design isentropic exit Mach number of 0.74. Measurements include blade loading and five-hole probe surveys at two downstream stations. The effects of inlet turbulence intensity were also quantified. Total pressure loss data were integrated to determine overall loss levels for each of the three measured blade passages. Excellent periodicity was noted. For low inlet turbulence levels, losses were surprisingly lower for the thickest trailing edge at low Reynolds numbers, but were highest at the maximum Reynolds number. In general, losses were found to scale well with Reynolds number, although front loading was found to significantly reduce the sensitivity of loss to Reynolds number. For high inlet turbulence intensity, losses were found to scale with trailing edge thickness as expected, and the Reynolds number sensitivity was reduced for all three blade sets. Loss levels at the highest Reynolds number were comparable at low and high inlet turbulence intensity levels.

Paul W Giel↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Effects of Trailing Edge Thickness and Blade Loading Distribution on the Aerodynamic Performance of Simulated CMC Turbine Blades

The aerodynamic performance of three blade sets that represent the geometric manufacturing constraints of Ceramic Matrix Composite (CMC) blades was measured experimentally in a large-scale transonic turbine blade cascade. The trailing edge thicknesses of CMC blades are anticipated to be significantly larger than those of current state-of-the-art metallic blades. The blades tested in the current study had trailing edge thicknesses of 5%, 7%, and 9% relative to the blade axial chord. The three blade sets were designed with matching throat dimensions, so the blade loading distributions were varied to retain similar overall loading levels. Data were acquired at four Reynolds numbers, covering a factor of six range. All data were acquired at the design isentropic exit Mach number of 0.74. Measurements include blade loading and five-hole probe surveys at two downstream stations. The effects of inlet turbulence intensity were also quantified. Total pressure loss data were integrated to determine overall loss levels for each of the three measured blade passages. Excellent periodicity was noted. For low inlet turbulence levels, losses were surprisingly lower for the thickest trailing edge at low Reynolds numbers, but were highest at the maximum Reynolds number. In general, losses were found to scale well with Reynolds number, although front loading was found to significantly reduce the sensitivity of loss to Reynolds number. For high inlet turbulence intensity, losses were found to scale with trailing edge thickness as expected, and the Reynolds number sensitivity was reduced for all three blade sets. Loss levels at the highest Reynolds number were comparable at low and high inlet turbulence intensity levels.

Turbine↗
NASA NTRS1951

Experimental Investigation of Air-Cooled Turbine Blades in Turbojet Engine. 7: Rotor-Blade Fabrication Procedures

An experimental investigation was conducted to determine the cooling effectiveness of a wide variety of air-cooled turbine-blade configurations. The blades, which were tested in the turbine of a - commercial turbojet engine that was modified for this investigation by replacing two of the original blades with air-cooled blades located diametrically opposite each other, are untwisted, have no aerodynamic taper, and have essentially the same external profile. The cooling-passage configuration is different for each blade, however. The fabrication procedures were varied and often unique. The blades were fabricated using methods most suitable for obtaining a small number of blades for use in the cooling investigations and therefore not all the fabrication procedures would be directly applicable to production processes, although some of the ideas and steps might be useful. Blade shells were obtained by both casting and forming. The cast shells were either welded to the blade base or cast integrally with the base. The formed shells were attached to the base by a brazing and two welding methods. Additional surface area was supplied in the coolant passages by the addition of fins or tubes that were S-brazed. to the shell. A number of blades with special leading- and trailing-edge designs that provided added cooling to these areas were fabricated. The cooling effectiveness and purposes of the various blade configurations are discussed briefly.

Long, Roger A.↗
NASA NTRS1984

A parametric study of blade vortex interaction noise for two, three, and four-bladed model rotors at moderate tip speeds Theory and experiment

An investigation of blade slap due to blade vortex interaction (BVI) has been conducted. This investigation consisted of an examination of BVI blade slap for two, three, and four-bladed model rotors at tip Mach numbers ranging from 0.20 to 0.50. Blade slap contours have been obtained for each configuration tested. Differences in blade slap contours, peak sound pressure level, and directivity for each configuration tested are noted. Additional fundamental differences, such as multiple interaction BVI, are observed and occur for only specific rotor blade configurations. The effect of increasing the Mach number on the BVI blade slap for various rotor blade combinations has been quantified. A peak blade slap Mach number scaling law is proposed. Comparison of measured BVI blade slap with theory is made.

Leighton, K. P.↗
NASA NTRS1997

Rotor system having alternating length rotor blades for reducing blade-vortex interaction (BVI) noise

A rotor system (4) having odd and even blade assemblies (O.sub.b, E.sub.b) mounting to and rotating with a rotor hub assembly (6) wherein the odd blade assemblies (O.sub.b) define a radial length R.sub.O, and the even blade assemblies (E.sub.b) define a radial length R.sub.E and wherein the radial length R.sub.E is between about 70% to about 95% of the radial length R.sub.O. Other embodiments of the invention are directed to a Variable Diameter Rotor system (4) which may be configured for operating in various operating modes for optimizing aerodynamic and acoustic performance. The Variable Diameter Rotor system (4) includes odd and even blade assemblies (O.sub.b, E.sub.b) having inboard and outboard blade sections (10, 12) wherein the outboard blade sections (12) telescopically mount to the inboard blade sections (10). The outboard blade sections (12) are positioned with respect to the inboard blade sections (10 such that the radial length R.sub.E of the even blade assemblies (E.sub.b) is equal to the radial length R.sub.O of the odd blade assemblies (O.sub.b) in a first operating mode, and such that the radial length R.sub.E is between about 70% to about 95% of the length R.sub.O in a second operating mode.

Moffitt, Robert C.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Blade Mistuning Analysis for Boundary Layer Inlet Flow Distortion-Tolerant Fan Blades

NASA Glenn Research Center has tested the BLI2DTF propulsor including the fan rotor. BLI2DTF stands for Boundary Layer Ingesting Inlet/Distortion-Tolerant Fan. A comparison of the vibratory response between analysis results and experimental wind tunnel test results yielded reasonable agreement, yet some differences were noted. Blade mistuning effects have been identified as a potential cause for these differences. A tuned forced response analysis in a turbomachinery engine rotor system assumes that all of the blades are identical, so that the natural frequencies of individual blades are the same. In contrast to this assumption, the wind tunnel tests of the BLI2DTF rotor system revealed that the individual blade response frequencies varied. These variations in individual blade frequencies may be attributed to blade mistuning due to potential differences in the structural and material properties of individual blades. For an understanding of these variations, it is necessary to analyze the influence of blade mistuning on the BLI2DTF rotor system, which will provide a more precise assessment of its vibratory stresses and high cycle fatigue life. The purpose of the study was to investigate the influence of blade mistuning on the dynamic characteristics of this rotor system. At the same fan operation condition, a comparative forced response analysis was performed for both tuned and mistuned BLI2DTF rotor systems. A comparison of the results from these analyses found that the mistuning effects on the present BLI2DTF rotor system are notable. As a result, fan blade mistuning is to be considered a contributor to the levels of vibratory dynamic stresses observed during the wind tunnel experiment.

Blade mistuning↗
NASA NTRS1971

An experimental investigation of the helicopter rotor blade element airloads on a model rotor in the blade stall regime

A wind tunnel test program was conducted on an eight foot diameter model rotor system to determine blade element airloads characteristics in the unstalled and stalled flight regimes. The fully articulated model rotor system utilized three blades with a Vertol 23010-1.58 airfoil section, the blades being 1/7.5 scale models of the Ch-47C rotor blades. Instrumentation was incorporated at the blade 75% radial station to measure pressure and skin friction distributions, surface streamline directions and local angle of attack. The test program was conducted in three phases; non-rotating, hover and forward flight at advance ratios of 0.15, 0.35 and 0.60. Test data were analyzed with respect to providing insight to the mechanisms affecting blade stall, particularly retreating blade stall during forward flight conditions. From such data, an assessment was made as to the applicability of current theoretical analyses used for the prediction of blade element airloads in the stall regime.

Fisher, R. K., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1959

Performance of Typical Rear-Stage Axial-Flow Compressor Rotor Blade Row at Three Different Blade Setting Angles

A comparison of the performance of a single-stage rotor run at three different blade setting angles is presented. The rotor was of a design typical for a last stage of a multistage compressor. At each setting angle, the rotor blade row was operated from 53 to 100 percent of equivalent maximum speed (850 ft/sec tip speed) at constant inlet pressure. Hot-wire anemometry was used to observe rotating-stall and surge patterns in time unsteady flow. Results indicated that an increase in peak pressure ratio and an increase in maximum equivalent weight flow were obtained at each speed investigated when the blade setting angle was decreased. An increase in peak efficiency was achieved with decrease in blade setting angle for part of the range of speeds investigated. However, the peak efficiencies for the three blade setting angles were approximately the same at the maximum speed investigated. The flow ranges for all three configurations were about the same at minimum speed and decreased at almost the same rate when the rotative speed was increased through part of the range of speeds investigated. At maximum speed, the flow range for the smallest setting angle was considerably less than the flow range for the other two configurations. A decrease in efficiency and flow range for the smallest blade setting angle at maximum speed can be attributed primarily to a Mach number effect. In addition, because of the difference in projected axial chord lengths at the casing wall, some effect on performance could be expected from the change in three-dimensional flow occurring at the tip. Rotating-stall characteristics for the two smaller blade setting angles were essentially the same. Only surge could be detected for the largest blade setting angle in the unstable-flow region of operation.

Kussoy, Marvin I.↗
NASA NTRS1946

Altitude-Wind-Tunnel Investigation of Performance of Several Propellers on YP-47M Airplane at High Blade Loadings: Hamilton Standard 6507A-2 Four- and Three-Blade Propellers - 6

An altitude-wind-tunnel investigation has been made to determine the performance of Hamilton Standard 6507A-2 four-blade and three-blade propellers on a YP-47M airplane at high blade loadings and high engine powers. Characteristics of the four-blase propeller were obtained for a range of power coefficients from 0.10 to 1.00 at free-stream Mach numbers of 0.20, 0.30, 0.40. Characteristics of the three-blade propeller were obtained for a range of power coefficients from 0.30 to 1.00 at a free-stream Mach number of 0.40. Results of the force measurements indicate primarily the trend of propeller efficiency for changes in power coefficient or advance-diameter ratio because no corrections for the effects of tunnel-wall constriction on the installation were applied. Slipstream surveys are presented to illustrate blade thrust load distribution for certain operating conditions. Within the range of advance-diameter ratios investigated at each free-stream Mach number, the efficiency of the four-blade propeller decreased as the power coefficient was increased from 0.10 to 1.00. For the three-blade propeller, nearly constant maximum efficiencies were obtained for power coefficients from 0.32 to 0.63 at advance-diameter ratios between 1.90 and 3.00. In general, for conditions below the stall and critical tip Mach number, the maximum thrust load shifted from the inboard sections toward the tip sections as the power coefficient was increased or as the advance-diameter ratio was decreased. For conditions beyond the stall or critical tip Mach number, losses in thrust occurred on the outboard blade sections owing to flow break-down; the thrust load increased slightly on the inboard sections.

Saari, Martin J.↗