Compressor Wheel Erosion Indicator Rib Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Centrifugal compressor wheels in turbine engines suffer from erosion due to ingested particles, leading to performance and mechanical strength issues, with existing methods requiring costly and time-consuming dismantling for erosion control.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a visible erosion indicator, such as a rib with a calibrated axial height, on the compressor wheel's peripheral edge, allowing for easy detection of wear via endoscope without disassembly, ensuring timely replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional inspection methods are used to detect erosion, then erosion can be detected, but the inspection requires complete dismantling of the compressor wheel which is time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
An erosion indicator rib is pre-installed on the compressor wheel web at a location that will be progressively eroded along with the wheel. This preliminary placement allows for direct visual inspection of erosion progress without dismantling, as the rib's erosion state serves as a reliable indicator of overall wheel erosion level.
2Measurement precision
If the erosion indicator is positioned to monitor groove erosion, then wear can be tracked, but the indicator must not disturb the air flow in the compressor wheel
Solution Approach 1:
The erosion indicator rib is positioned locally on the outer peripheral edge of the web, specifically at a location that does not interfere with the main air flow path through the compressor wheel. This localized placement allows the rib to serve its monitoring function while minimizing disruption to the aerodynamic performance of the wheel.
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
Enables quick and non-invasive monitoring of compressor wheel erosion, reducing downtime and maintenance costs by allowing for in-service inspection of the wear indicator, thus maintaining aerodynamic stability and mechanical strength.
Implementation Method 1
During the operation of the compression stage, in particular but not exclusively when it equips an aircraft turbine engine, such as a gas turbine of a helicopter, the compressor wheel tends to erode due in particular to the ingestion particles, such as sand in the compression stage.
Implementation Method 2
the erosion indicator erodes as the groove is formed in the runout of the compressor wheel
Data Source
Figure 1~7
Figure 2~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a centrifugal compressor wheel (10) that comprises a hub (12), a web (14) radially extending from the hub and supporting a plurality of blades (16). The invention is characterised in that the web includes a wheel erosion indicator (18).