Compressor Airfoil Profile Defined by Scalable Cartesian Coordinates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Turbomachinery airfoils face challenges in achieving optimal efficiency, reducing vibratory response, and meeting mechanical and aerodynamic loading requirements, with existing designs struggling to balance these factors effectively.
Innovation Solution
The airfoil profile is defined by a set of scalable Cartesian coordinate values in TABLE 1, allowing for non-dimensional values to be converted to dimensional distances, enabling the creation of smooth, efficient airfoil shapes that can be scaled up or down while maintaining aerodynamic and mechanical integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional airfoil designs are used, then manufacturing and design simplicity is maintained, but efficiency and vibratory response performance are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by defining the airfoil profile through a systematic set of Cartesian coordinate values (X, Y, Z) that can be scaled by a multiplication factor. This allows optimization of aerodynamic parameters (efficiency, vibratory response) while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through the scalable coordinate system. The coordinate values in Table 1 provide precise geometric control to achieve optimal performance.
2Productivity
If airfoil geometry is optimized for efficiency, then compressor performance improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The airfoil profile is segmented into multiple discrete Cartesian coordinate points (X, Y, Z) along the spanwise direction. This segmentation allows precise definition of the complex 3D geometry while providing clear manufacturing targets for each cross-section. The profile sections at different Z heights can be manufactured and assembled with controlled precision, making the complex geometry manufacturable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional 2D airfoil cross-sections to a 3D scalable coordinate system (X, Y, Z). By adding the spanwise dimension (Z) and enabling scaling in all three dimensions, the design achieves high aerodynamic performance while providing clear multi-dimensional manufacturing specifications that can be controlled through modern manufacturing processes.
3Power
If airfoil loading capability is increased, then power output improves, but mechanical stress and reliability concerns increase
Solution Approach 1:
The airfoil profile employs local quality variations through its 3D coordinate definition, where the cross-sectional geometry (X, Y dimensions) changes along the spanwise direction (Z dimension). This allows optimization of loading distribution across the blade span, concentrating stress in regions with enhanced structural capacity and reducing loading in more vulnerable areas, thereby improving reliability while maintaining high power capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An article of manufacture having a nominal airfoil profile substantially in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y, and Z set forth in a scalable table identified as TABLE 1, wherein the Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y, and Z are non-dimensional values convertible to dimensional distances by multiplying the Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y, and Z by a number, and wherein X and Y are coordinates which, when connected by continuing arcs, define airfoil profile sections at each Z height, the airfoil profile sections at each Z height being joined with one another to form a complete airfoil shape. The resulting article may be used as a stator vane in a compressor.