Compressor Airfoil Design Using Non-Dimensional Coordinates
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine compressor airfoils face challenges in achieving optimal efficiency, reliability, and mechanical stability due to varying thermal and mechanical loads across different stages, requiring a specific airfoil profile that balances aerodynamic and mechanical loading while maintaining interaction between stages.
Innovation Solution
The airfoil profile is defined by a set of non-dimensional Cartesian coordinate values that can be scaled to create a geometrically non-scaled, scaled-up, or scaled-down version, ensuring consistent aerodynamic and mechanical performance across different compressor designs, with specific loci of points optimizing interaction between stages and loadings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a specific airfoil profile is designed for optimal aerodynamic performance, then compressor efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to precise coordinate specifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by providing specific non-dimensional Cartesian coordinate values (X, Y, Z) that define the airfoil profile geometry. These parameters can be scaled by multiplying by a number to create different sized airfoils while maintaining the optimal shape, thus achieving both high compressor efficiency and manufacturing flexibility through parameter scaling.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the airfoil profile is scaled up or down, then adaptability to different compressor designs is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables adaptability through scaling by providing non-dimensional coordinate values that can be multiplied by any number to create scaled-up or scaled-down versions of the airfoil profile. This parameter change approach maintains geometric similarity across different sizes, allowing the same profile to be used in various compressor designs while managing manufacturing precision through standardized coordinate systems.
3Productivity
If the airfoil profile optimizes interaction between stages, then compressor performance is improved, but the design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes stage interaction by providing specific non-dimensional Cartesian coordinate values that define the three-dimensional airfoil profile shape. These parameters are optimized to enhance compressor performance while managing design complexity through a systematic coordinate-based definition that can be implemented using standard manufacturing methods.
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 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.