Passive Strain Indicators on Turbine Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Components in turbomachines, such as turbine blades, experience creep and deformation due to high temperatures and stresses, leading to reduced performance and potential vibrations, as existing monitoring methods are inadequate for detecting strain effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method of forming passive strain indicators on preexisting components using fiducial markers, which are deposited on the component's surface through techniques like laser cladding, allowing for the measurement of strain, creep, and fatigue by tracking the displacement of these markers over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional monitoring methods are used, then component operation continues, but strain detection accuracy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates physical copies (fiducial markers) of reference points on the component surface that can be tracked over time. These markers serve as surrogate indicators of component deformation, allowing indirect measurement of strain through marker displacement rather than direct strain sensing
Solution Approach 2:
The fiducial markers utilize optical contrast (effectively a form of visual 'color' or reflectivity change) to enable detection. The markers have distinct optical properties that allow them to be easily identified and tracked by scanning systems, creating a visual reference system for measuring deformation
2Productivity
If turbine blades operate under high temperature and stress, then power generation continues, but creep and deformation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies fiducial markers to the turbine blade surface before the blade enters service. This preliminary action establishes a baseline reference configuration that allows subsequent detection of any dimensional changes or creep that occur during operation under high temperature and stress
Solution Approach 2:
The component itself provides the monitoring function through its integrated fiducial markers. The markers are part of the blade structure and automatically track the blade's deformation without requiring external sensing equipment attached to the blade, enabling self-monitoring of creep and dimensional stability
3Duration of action of stationary object
If blade tips contact turbine casing, then operational life continues, but vibrations and performance reduction occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where periodic scanning and measurement of fiducial marker positions provide information about blade dimensional changes. This feedback allows detection of creep and deformation trends before they lead to blade tip contact with the casing, enabling preventive maintenance actions to avoid vibrations and performance reduction
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
The passive strain indicators provide accurate monitoring of component deformation, enabling the determination of remaining usable life and reducing the risk of unwanted vibrations and performance reduction by detecting strain and creep effectively.
Implementation Method 1
emitting light from a laser source; directing the emitted light towards the first location on the outer surface of the component to melt the powder carried in the flow of the carrier fluid onto the outer surface of the component
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of forming a passive strain indicator on a preexisting component (10) includes directly depositing a plurality of fiducial markers (12) on a portion (18) of the outer surface (14) of the preexisting component (10), the fiducial markers (12) including a material that is compatible with the material of the outer surface (14).