Convex Blade Root Receptacle for Uniform Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blade root receptacles in turbomachines face challenges in uniformly distributing load and accommodating production-related variances, leading to non-uniform bearing regions and potential mechanical stress.
Innovation Solution
The blade root receptacle features a convex supporting flank with convexities in both radial and axial directions, providing a more uniform load transmission and reproducible bearing surface, which can be achieved through subtractive machining techniques like electrochemical machining.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a planar supporting flank is used in the blade root receptacle, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the load distribution is non-uniform and bearing regions are inconsistent due to production-related variances
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting flank is designed with a convex curvature instead of a planar surface. This convex shape creates a point contact or small area contact that is less sensitive to manufacturing variations, ensuring more consistent bearing regions and load distribution across different produced components while maintaining manufacturability through standard machining processes.
2Ease of manufacture
If a planar supporting flank is used, then manufacturing is easier, but load transmission is non-uniform causing mechanical stress issues
Solution Approach 1:
The convex curvature of the supporting flank concentrates the contact area in a controlled manner, creating a more favorable stress distribution pattern. This curved geometry naturally guides the load transmission path and reduces stress concentration points compared to a planar surface, thereby improving the overall strength and durability of the blade root connection.
3Manufacturing precision
If tolerances are made tight across the entire blade root receptacle, then manufacturing precision improves, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The convex curvature is applied specifically to the supporting flank region where load transmission occurs, rather than requiring tight tolerances across the entire blade root receptacle. This localized application of precision geometry ensures accurate load bearing while allowing less critical areas to have relaxed tolerances, thereby reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost.
Data Source
AI summary
Blade root receptacle for receiving a blade root of a rotor blade of a turbomachine. The blade root receptacle, for radially bearing in a form-fitting manner on the blade root, has a supporting flank which, in terms of a rotation axis, at least in proportions faces radially inward, wherein the supporting flank is provided with a convexity which, when viewed in an axially perpendicular section, at least in portions has a convex shape and, also when viewed in an axially parallel section, at least in portions has a convex shape.