Cooling Hole Detection Through Thermal Barrier Coatings
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Solution Overview
Problem
The application of thermal barrier coatings to gas turbine components can lead to the closure of cooling holes, reducing the component's cooling efficiency and overall gas turbine performance.
Innovation Solution
A cooling hole location system utilizing a light source and an optical detector to detect light through the thermal barrier coating, allowing for the precise location of cooling holes and subsequent removal of the coating using a machining system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If thermal barrier coatings are applied to increase temperature resistance, then the component can withstand higher temperatures, but the cooling holes may be closed by the coating material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by locating and marking cooling holes before thermal barrier coating application. The system uses optical detectors to identify cooling hole positions on the component surface, records these positions, and then uses this information during coating application to prevent coating material from blocking the cooling holes, thereby ensuring both temperature resistance and cooling hole patency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using optical detectors to continuously monitor the component surface during the coating process. The detected cooling hole positions are fed back to control the coating application process, allowing real-time adjustment to prevent cooling hole closure while maintaining temperature resistance benefits
2Reliability
If cooling holes are located under thermal barrier coatings, then the component maintains cooling efficiency, but detection of cooling hole positions becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical detection methods with optical detection. Instead of physically accessing or probing cooling holes through the thermal barrier coating, the system uses optical detectors to detect cooling hole positions through the coating material itself, eliminating the need for mechanical intervention and maintaining cooling efficiency while solving the detection difficulty
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary system that can penetrate or transmit through the thermal barrier coating to detect cooling hole positions. The optical detector acts as an intermediary between the observer and the cooling holes, enabling indirect detection of cooling hole locations without compromising the integrity or cooling efficiency of the coated component
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 accurate detection and clearance of cooling holes under thermal barrier coatings, maintaining the cooling efficiency of gas turbine components and ensuring optimal engine performance.
Implementation Method 1
The optical detector detects light from the light source visible through the thermal barrier coating covering the cooling hole
Data Source
AI summary
The present application provides a cooling hole location system for locating a cooling hole in a gas turbine component, wherein the cooling hole is covered by a thermal barrier coating. The cooling hole location system may include a light source positioned on a first side of the gas turbine component and an optical detector positioned on a second side of the gas turbine component. The optical detector detects light from the light source visible through the thermal barrier coating covering the cooling hole.