Water flow detection device and method for a turbine blade

Abstract

This invention discloses a water flow detection device and method for turbine blades. A base plate is fixed to one side of the lower end of a column, and a bench vise is fixed to the upper surface of the base plate. An upper support plate is fixed to one side of the upper end of the column, with the upper support plate and base plate located on the same side of the column. An inlet adapter is fixed in the upper support plate, with its upper end higher than the upper surface of the upper support plate and its lower end lower than the lower surface of the upper support plate. The longitudinal section of the elastic sealing sleeve is a hollow trapezoidal rotating body, with its narrow end fixedly fitted onto the lower end of the inlet adapter. The blade portion of the turbine blade is vertically clamped in the bench vise, and its wide end is fixedly fitted onto the bottom of the tenon tooth profile of the turbine blade. During detection, water flows through the pipeline, through the inlet adapter and the elastic sealing sleeve, into the cavity of the turbine blade under test, and flows out from a drain hole located on the exhaust side of the turbine blade. A float flowmeter displays the water flow data of the turbine blade under test, improving the stability of the turbine blade water flow detection data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of turbine blade water flow detection, specifically to a turbine blade water flow detection device and method. Background Technology

[0002] As the power plant of an aircraft, the engine is both a heat engine and a propulsion engine. Turbine blades, as a key component of the engine, play a crucial role in both aero-engines and gas turbine engines. Aero-engines need to provide aircraft with powerful thrust that can be rapidly adjusted, while maintaining low fuel consumption, long lifespan, and high reliability. Furthermore, the engine must power the aircraft's hydraulic and electrical systems. Modern engines also require thrust direction adjustment to enhance aircraft maneuverability and good stealth capabilities. Turbine blades are the most numerous and critical component of an engine; their flow rate and dimensions are decisive indicators of engine performance.

[0003] In recent years, to adapt to the continuous development of aero-engine and gas turbine engine technology, the performance requirements for engines have become increasingly stringent. A crucial way to improve engine performance is to increase the turbine inlet temperature, which necessitates ensuring that turbine blades can withstand increasingly higher temperatures. Currently, gas cooling technology is commonly used on turbine blades. This involves designing turbine blades as complex hollow structures with numerous film cooling holes distributed across the blade profile. During engine operation, cool gas flows through the internal airflow channels and exits through the small holes on the blade, covering the entire blade and reducing its surface temperature. The cooling effect on the turbine blade is related to its airflow capacity, which is influenced by factors such as the internal cavity dimensions and the diameter of the film cooling holes. Insufficient flow leads to poor cooling, while excessive flow increases aerodynamic losses, resulting in reduced engine performance. Therefore, consistently measuring the blade's airflow capacity is crucial. It serves as an important criterion for determining whether a turbine blade is suitable for use and is also essential reference data for iterative optimization of turbine design. Turbine blades typically use water or gas flow rates to check the internal airflow capacity of the blade. Both testing methods involve applying a certain pressure at the cooling airflow inlet of the blade and measuring the water or air flow rate through the internal cavity per unit time. Due to the low compressibility of liquids, their minimal susceptibility to environmental factors, and high test stability, water flow rate testing was widely used in the early development of turbine blades. The stability of water flow rate data is not only an important design requirement before the initial test of aero-engines and gas turbine engines, but also a crucial testing indicator during major overhauls.

[0004] Therefore, turbine blades with increasingly complex structures, such as Figure 2a and Figure 2bThe turbine blade tenon end face exhibits a U-shape, and the inlet extends to the U-shaped wall, posing a significant challenge to water flow detection. Currently, stable water flow data cannot be obtained, thus hindering more effective guidance for improving the product quality of aero-engines and gas turbine engines. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the problems existing in the prior art, the present invention provides a water flow detection device and method for turbine blades, which realizes flow detection of finished turbine blades and during return inspection, and improves the stability of turbine blade water flow detection data.

[0006] This invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0007] A water flow detection device for turbine blades includes an elastic sealing sleeve, a bench vise, and a column;

[0008] A base plate is fixed to one side of the lower end of the column, and a bench vise is fixed to the upper surface of the base plate. An upper support plate is fixed to one side of the upper end of the column. The upper support plate and the base plate are located on the same side of the column. An inlet adapter is fixed in the upper support plate. The upper end of the inlet adapter is higher than the upper surface of the upper support plate, and the lower end of the inlet adapter is lower than the lower surface of the upper support plate.

[0009] The longitudinal section of the elastic sealing sleeve is a hollow trapezoidal rotating body. The narrow end of the elastic sealing sleeve is fixedly sleeved on the lower end of the water inlet adapter. The blade body of the turbine blade is vertically clamped in a bench vise, and the wide end of the elastic sealing sleeve is fixedly sleeved on the bottom of the tenon tooth profile of the turbine blade.

[0010] Preferably, the elastic sealing sleeve is made of rubber or latex.

[0011] Preferably, the height of the elastic sealing sleeve is 30-40mm larger than the length of the turbine blade tenon, the bottom diameter of the elastic sealing sleeve is 0.5-1mm smaller than the width of the turbine blade tenon, the top diameter of the elastic sealing sleeve is 0.5-1mm smaller than the outer diameter of the lower end of the inlet adapter, and the angle formed by the bottom of the elastic sealing sleeve and one of its inclined sides is 0.3-1 degree smaller than the angle of the turbine blade tenon.

[0012] Preferably, the thickness of the elastic sealing sleeve is 0.20-0.80 mm.

[0013] Preferably, the inlet adapter is tubular with a T-shaped longitudinal section, and the head of the inlet adapter is located on the upper surface of the upper support plate.

[0014] Preferably, a fiber rope is bound to the narrow end of the elastic sealing sleeve at the junction with the lower end of the water inlet adapter, and a fiber rope is bound to the wide end of the elastic sealing sleeve at the junction with the turbine blade tenon.

[0015] Preferably, a number of pads are embedded at the junction of the turbine blade body and the bench vise.

[0016] Furthermore, the pad is made of polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0017] A method for detecting water flow rate of a turbine blade, based on the turbine blade water flow rate detection device described in any one of the above-mentioned methods, includes the following steps:

[0018] S1. Based on the water pressure value required for the turbine blade to withstand water flow detection, a water tank with a water sample is fixed above the water flow detection device. Then, the bottom of the water tank is connected to the upper end of the inlet adapter with a pipeline, and a control switch and a float flow meter are installed.

[0019] S2, the blade section of the turbine blade to be tested is vertically clamped in a bench vise, and the wide end of the elastic sealing sleeve is fixedly fitted onto the bottom of the tenon tooth profile.

[0020] S3: Turn on the control switch and the float flow meter. The water flows through the pipeline, then through the inlet adapter and the elastic sealing sleeve, into the cavity of the turbine blade under test, and finally flows out from a drain hole located on the exhaust side of the turbine blade under test. The float flow meter displays the water flow data of the turbine blade under test, completing the water flow detection of the turbine blade.

[0021] Furthermore, the water inlet adapter is located directly below the center of the water tank.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial technical effects:

[0023] This invention discloses a water flow detection device for turbine blades. The column serves as a base plate and upper support plate, and the base plate further secures a bench vise, facilitating vertical clamping of the turbine blade under test. An inlet adapter facilitates the introduction of water for flow detection. The hollow trapezoidal rotating structure of the elastic sealing sleeve engages with the tenon of the turbine blade under test, achieving a sealed water flow. This ensures water flows into the cavity of the turbine blade and exits through a drain hole on the exhaust side, preventing leakage. This water flow detection device is designed for both finished and returned engine turbine blades, improving the stability of flow detection within the turbine blade cavity and enabling flow detection under a fully sealed condition. Its effectiveness has been verified through performance testing of dozens of test and returned blades and practical application.

[0024] This invention discloses a method for detecting the water flow rate of turbine blades. First, based on the water pressure required for the turbine blade to withstand the water flow rate test, a water tank is fixed above the inlet adapter. Then, the bottom of the water tank is connected to the upper end of the inlet adapter via a pipe. After the turbine blade pretreatment is completed, the turbine blade is installed. Finally, the control switch and float flowmeter are turned on. Water flows sequentially through the pipe, the inlet adapter, and the elastic sealing sleeve into the cavity of the turbine blade, finally exiting from a drain hole on the exhaust side. The float flowmeter displays the water flow rate data of the turbine blade, thus completing the water flow rate test. This invention is applicable to finished engine turbine blades and returned turbine blades, improving the stability of flow rate detection within the turbine blade cavity and achieving flow rate detection under a fully sealed state. It has been verified through actual use and testing of dozens of test runs and returned blades. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1a This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the rubber sleeve described in this invention.

[0026] Figure 1b for Figure 1a Top view.

[0027] Figure 2a This is a partial schematic diagram of the turbine blade shown in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2b for Figure 2a A schematic diagram of the K-direction.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the water flow detection device described in this invention.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a repeatability data graph of the water flow detection device described in this invention.

[0031] In the diagram: 1-Inlet adapter, 2-Upper support plate, 3-Elastic sealing sleeve, 4-Turbine blade, 5-Bench vise, 6-Outlet, 7-Base plate, 8-Column, 9-Padded block, 10-Boss, 11-Inlet and 12-Air inlet. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments. These descriptions are for explanation purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0033] This invention discloses a water flow detection device for turbine blades, mainly comprising an elastic sealing sleeve 3, a bench vise 5, and a column 8. Considering the material of the turbine blade 4 (nickel-based alloy or nickel-based single-crystal high-temperature alloy), in the initial design of the elastic sealing sleeve 3, metal and plastic were used sequentially. However, when water flowed through the cavity of the turbine blade 4, seepage and leakage occurred in both cases, failing to meet the requirements for water flow data detection. After improvement, the elastic sealing sleeve 3 was made of rubber or latex, thus possessing a certain degree of elasticity, thereby achieving the effect of sealing the water flow. Figure 2a and Figure 2b The turbine blade 4 shown has the following shape as indicated by the elastic sealing sleeve 3. Figure 1a and Figure 1b As shown, it is a hollow trapezoidal rotating body, in which the total height H (30-40mm longer than the tenon length of turbine blade 4) is 50-70mm, the bottom diameter A (0.5-1mm smaller than the tenon width of turbine blade 4) is 30-40mm, the top diameter B (0.5-1mm smaller than the outer diameter of the lower end of the inlet adapter 1) is 10-25mm, the thickness C is 0.20-0.80mm, and the angle α formed by the bottom of the elastic sealing sleeve 3 and any of the inclined sides is 0.3-1 degrees smaller than the tenon angle. Ordinary household latex gloves of the corresponding size can also be used instead.

[0034] like Figure 3 As shown, a base plate 7 of a certain thickness is fixed to one side of the lower end of the column 8, and an upper support plate 2 of a certain thickness is fixed to one side of the upper end of the column 8. A bench vise 5 is fixed to the outer side of the upper surface of the base plate 7, while the upper support plate 2 and the base plate 7 are located on the same side of the column 8, which facilitates the subsequent installation of the turbine blade 4. An inlet adapter 1 is fixed in the upper support plate 2. The upper end of the inlet adapter 1 is higher than the upper surface of the upper support plate 2, and the lower end is lower than the lower surface of the upper support plate 2. The narrower end of the elastic sealing sleeve 3 is fixedly fitted onto the lower end of the inlet adapter 1, while the blade part of the turbine blade 4 is vertically clamped in the bench vise 5, thereby tightening the turbine blade 4. The wider end of the elastic sealing sleeve 3 is fixedly fitted onto the bottom of the tenon tooth of the turbine blade 4, which can maintain the stability of the entire device and thus ensure the secure installation of the turbine blade 4.

[0035] Specifically, the inlet adapter 1 is a T-shaped tubular structure, with its head located on the upper surface of the upper support plate 2. The narrower end of the elastic sealing sleeve 3 is tied to the lower end of the inlet adapter 1 with fiber rope, while the other end of the elastic sealing sleeve 3, the wider end, is used to cover the tenon of the turbine blade 4. The elastic sealing sleeve 3 is then tightly bound along the bottom of the tenon tooth profile of the turbine blade 4 with fiber rope, and the bench vise 5 is fixed to the base plate 7.

[0036] To prevent the vise 5 from damaging the blade of the turbine blade 4, a pad 9 is embedded on each side of the blade part of the turbine blade 4 that contacts the vise 5, i.e., the blade part of the turbine blade 4. The pad 9 is made of polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0037] There is a boss 10 next to the air inlet 12 and the water inlet 11 on the lower edge plate of the turbine blade, and the water inlet 11 extends to the side wall and contacts the corresponding boss 10. Combined with the above detailed description of the turbine blade water flow detection device, the present invention provides a turbine blade water flow detection method, comprising the following steps:

[0038] Step 1: Based on the water pressure value that the turbine blade to be tested should withstand during water flow detection, fix a water tank containing a water sample above the testing device, and ensure that the center of the water tank is directly above the inlet adapter 1. The distance between the water surface and the center line of symmetry of the turbine blade to be tested is measured in mm. Refer to the relevant standard for specific values. Then connect the bottom of the water tank to the upper end of the inlet adapter 1 with a pipeline, and install the float flow meter, control switch and other supporting equipment according to relevant requirements.

[0039] Step 2: After pre-treating the turbine blade to be tested as required, the blade body is vertically clamped in the bench vise 5, and a pad 9 is inlaid on each side of the blade body, while the bottom of the tenon tooth is fixedly fitted on the wider end of the elastic sealing sleeve 3.

[0040] Step 3: Turn on the control switch and the float flow meter. The water flows through the pipeline first, then through the inlet adapter 1 and the elastic sealing sleeve 3 in sequence, until it flows into the cavity of the turbine blade to be tested. Finally, it flows out from a drain hole 6 located on the exhaust side of the turbine blade. The float flow meter then displays the water flow data of the turbine blade, thus completing the water flow detection of the turbine blade.

[0041] After the water flow detection device is designed, it needs to undergo repeatability verification to ensure that it meets the design requirements and can be used normally. Only after passing the verification can it be used in design experiments or actual production sites.

[0042] Twenty-three turbine blades were randomly selected for repeatability testing. (See attached image) Figure 4 The circular markers represent the first measurement value, and the rectangular markers represent the second measurement value. The horizontal axis represents the turbine blade number, and the vertical axis represents the water flow rate of the corresponding turbine blade. Figure 4 It can be seen that the maximum difference between the flow rate values ​​collected from the same turbine blade in two separate measurements is 40 g / min, which is a relatively small value. Therefore, it can be concluded that the water flow rate detection device of this invention has reliable repeatability.

[0043] Example 1

[0044] For example Figure 2a and Figure 2b The turbine blade shown is used for water flow detection. The diameter of the air inlet 12 of the turbine blade is 5mm. Based on the actual dimensions of the tenon of the turbine blade, the total height H of the elastic sealing sleeve 3 is determined to be 70mm (40mm longer than the tenon length of the turbine blade), the bottom diameter A (0.5mm smaller than the tenon width of the turbine blade) is 40mm, the top diameter B (0.5mm smaller than the outer diameter of the lower end of the water inlet adapter 1) is 25mm, the thickness C is 0.40mm, and the included angle α of the elastic sealing sleeve 3 is 0.3 degrees smaller than the included angle of the tenon of the turbine blade.

[0045] During water flow measurement, the holes on the upper edge plate of the turbine blade are sealed with wax. The wider end of the elastic sealing sleeve 3 (made of rubber) is fitted over the tenon of the turbine blade. The elastic sealing sleeve 3 is tied tightly along the bottom of the tenon teeth of the turbine blade using fiber rope. The float flow meter is turned on, and the water flows through the pipeline, then through the inlet adapter 1, the elastic sealing sleeve 3, and the inlet 11, into the cavity of the turbine blade, and then flows out from a drain hole 6 located on the exhaust side of the turbine blade. Figure 2a The diagram only provides a schematic indication and does not show the specific details; the float flowmeter displays the water flow data for that turbine blade.

[0046] Example 2

[0047] Before the turbine blades purchased from outside the machine are installed onto the turbine disk to form a rotor, the water flow rate of the turbine blades needs to be tested.

[0048] Based on the actual dimensions of the tenon of the turbine blade, the total height H of the elastic sealing sleeve 3 is determined to be 50mm (30mm longer than the tenon length of the turbine blade), the bottom diameter A (1mm smaller than the tenon width of the turbine blade) is 30mm, the top diameter B (1mm smaller than the outer diameter of the lower end of the inlet adapter 1) is 10mm, the thickness C is 0.20mm, and the included angle α of the elastic sealing sleeve 3 is 1 degree smaller than the included angle of the tenon of the turbine blade.

[0049] When performing water flow detection, the turbine blade is pre-treated as required. The blade body is vertically clamped in a bench vise 5, and a pad 9 is embedded on each side of the blade body. The bottom of the tenon tooth is tied to the wider end of the elastic sealing sleeve 3 with fiber rope. The elastic sealing sleeve 3 is made of latex. The float flow meter is turned on, and the water flows through the pipeline, then through the inlet adapter 1, the elastic sealing sleeve 3 and the inlet 11, into the cavity of the turbine blade, and then flows out from a drain hole 6 located on the exhaust side of the turbine blade. The float flow meter displays the water flow data of the turbine blade.

Claims

1. A water flow detection device for turbine blades, characterized in that, Includes a flexible sealing sleeve (3), a bench vise (5), and a column (8); A base plate (7) is fixed to one side of the lower end of the column (8), and a bench vise (5) is fixed to the upper surface of the base plate (7). An upper support plate (2) is fixed to one side of the upper end of the column (8). The upper support plate (2) and the base plate (7) are located on the same side of the column (8). An inlet adapter (1) is fixed in the upper support plate (2). The upper end of the inlet adapter (1) is higher than the upper surface of the upper support plate (2), and the lower end of the inlet adapter (1) is lower than the lower surface of the upper support plate (2). The longitudinal section of the elastic sealing sleeve (3) is a hollow trapezoidal rotating body. The narrow end of the elastic sealing sleeve (3) is fixedly sleeved on the lower end of the water inlet adapter (1). The blade part of the turbine blade (4) is vertically clamped in the bench vise (5). The wide end of the elastic sealing sleeve (3) is fixedly sleeved on the bottom of the tenon tooth of the turbine blade (4).

2. The turbine blade water flow detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic sealing sleeve (3) is made of rubber or latex.

3. The turbine blade water flow detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The height of the elastic sealing sleeve (3) is 30-40 mm larger than the length of the tenon of the turbine blade (4). The bottom diameter of the elastic sealing sleeve (3) is 0.5-1 mm smaller than the width of the tenon teeth of the turbine blade (4). The top diameter of the elastic sealing sleeve (3) is 0.5-1 mm smaller than the outer diameter of the lower end of the inlet adapter (1). The angle formed by the bottom of the elastic sealing sleeve (3) and one of its inclined sides is 0.3-1 degree smaller than the angle of the tenon teeth of the turbine blade (4).

4. The turbine blade water flow detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the elastic sealing sleeve (3) is 0.20-0.80 mm.

5. The turbine blade water flow detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inlet adapter (1) is tubular with a T-shaped longitudinal section, and the head of the inlet adapter (1) is located on the upper surface of the upper support plate (2).

6. The turbine blade water flow detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The narrow end of the elastic sealing sleeve (3) is bound with a fiber rope at the junction with the lower end of the inlet adapter (1), and the wide end of the elastic sealing sleeve (3) is bound with a fiber rope at the junction with the tenon of the turbine blade (4).

7. The turbine blade water flow detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Several pads (9) are embedded at the junction of the turbine blade (4) and the bench vise (5).

8. The turbine blade water flow detection device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The pad (9) is made of polytetrafluoroethylene.

9. A method for detecting water flow rate of turbine blades, characterized in that, The turbine blade water flow detection device according to any one of claims 1-8 includes the following steps: S1. According to the water pressure value required for the water flow detection of the turbine blade to be tested, a water tank with a water sample is fixed above the water flow detection device. Then, the bottom of the water tank is connected to the upper end of the inlet adapter (1) with a pipeline, and a control switch and a float flow meter are installed. S2, the blade body of the turbine blade to be tested is vertically clamped in the bench vise (5), and the wide end of the elastic sealing sleeve (3) is fixedly sleeved on the bottom of the tenon tooth profile. S3, turn on the control switch and the float flow meter. The water flows through the pipeline, then through the inlet adapter (1) and the elastic sealing sleeve (3), into the cavity of the turbine blade to be tested, and finally flows out from a drain hole (6) located on the exhaust side of the turbine blade to be tested. The float flow meter displays the water flow data of the turbine blade to be tested, and the water flow detection of the turbine blade is completed.

10. The method for detecting water flow rate of turbine blades according to claim 9, characterized in that, The water inlet adapter (1) is located directly below the center of the water tank.

Images