Compressor Blade Organic Vibration Stiffener
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional compressor blades in gas turbines face structural integrity issues due to external shape adjustments for mechanical vibrational tuning, which can compromise aerodynamic performance and require additional structural elements through bonding techniques, making the blades heavier and more complex.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an organic vibration stiffener (OVS) within the hollow compressor blade using 3D printing techniques, allowing for internal structural adjustments without altering the external shape, such as varying wall thickness, adding structural ribs, or incorporating damping features, to harmonically tune the blade without external bonding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the airfoil's external shape is altered to adjust natural frequency, then the mechanical vibrational response is improved, but the aerodynamic performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from modifying the external two-dimensional airfoil shape to adding three-dimensional internal structures (ridges, ribs, and other geometric features) within the hollow interior of the blade. This internal modification approach allows vibration tuning without affecting the external aerodynamic contour, effectively resolving the contradiction between mechanical response and aerodynamic performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention embeds vibration-control structures (ridges, ribs, and other features) inside the hollow interior of the blade, creating a nested configuration where internal elements modify vibrational characteristics without altering the external form. This nesting approach enables independent optimization of both aerodynamic and mechanical properties.
2Strength
If separate structural elements are added inside the hollow blade through bonding techniques, then the structural integrity is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the vibration control structures with the blade's existing hollow structure by forming ridges, ribs, and other features directly on the internal surfaces during the blade manufacturing process. This merging eliminates the need for separate bonding operations and additional structural elements, reducing both complexity and weight while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration control structures are incorporated into the blade design during the initial manufacturing process rather than being added later through bonding. This preliminary action integrates structural reinforcement and vibration tuning into a single manufacturing step, eliminating subsequent assembly operations and reducing overall device complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables the shifting of vibration frequencies within the compressor blade while maintaining aerodynamic performance and eliminating the need for external structural elements, resulting in a lighter and more efficient compressor blade design.
Implementation Method 1
an organic vibration stiffener (OVS) formed on at least one of the first interior wall and the second interior wall
Implementation Method 2
If a natural frequency of the shape of an initially manufactured airfoil is near enough to an excitation frequency, the airfoil's shape should be altered to affect the natural frequency
Implementation Method 3
The OVS may be formed by 3D printing performed with respect to a surface of the at least one of the first interior wall and the second interior wall
Data Source
AI summary
A compressor blade of a gas turbine includes a root member; an airfoil that is disposed on the root member and includes a first interior wall and a second interior wall forming a hollow space defined between the first and second interior walls; and an organic vibration stiffener (OVS) formed on at least one of the first interior wall and the second interior wall. The OVS is formed by 3D printing performed with respect to a surface of the at least one of the first interior wall and the second interior wall and includes an uneven surface formed on at least part of the at least one of the first interior wall and the second interior wall. The OVS may include a protruded or recessed portion protruding from or recessed into at least part of the at least one of the first interior wall and the second interior wall.