Turbine Blade Tip Rail Surface Profiles for Aerodynamic Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Turbine blade tip shrouds experience aerodynamic inefficiencies and performance losses due to suboptimal surface profiles of tip rails, leading to reduced system efficiency, reliability, and power generation in turbomachines.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of specific surface profiles for the rear and front tip rails of a turbine blade tip shroud, defined by Cartesian coordinate values in tables, which are scalable and connected by lines or arcs to form curved surfaces, enhancing aerodynamic interaction and reducing losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional tip rail surface profiles are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but aerodynamic losses increase and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely defining the surface profile geometry of tip rails using specific Cartesian coordinate values (X, Y, Z coordinates) and mathematical equations. The profile is characterized by controlled curvature radii, transition zones, and surface slopes that optimize aerodynamic flow characteristics. By changing the geometric parameters of the tip rail surface profile from conventional designs to specifically defined coordinates and curves, the patent reduces aerodynamic losses while maintaining manufacturability through precise but not excessively complex specifications.
2Productivity
If optimized surface profiles are implemented, then aerodynamic characteristics improve, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent defines specific geometric parameters including coordinate values (X, Y, Z), curvature radii (R1, R2, R3), and transition zone dimensions that balance aerodynamic performance with manufacturing capability. These parameters are chosen to achieve improved system efficiency while remaining within achievable manufacturing tolerances for modern turbomachinery production processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs curved surface profiles with specifically defined radius of curvature values for the tip rail surfaces. The use of arcs and curved transitions instead of sharp angles or flat surfaces optimizes aerodynamic flow characteristics while providing manufacturable geometric forms that can be produced using conventional machining and forming processes with appropriate precision.
3Ease of operation
If tip shroud interacts with stationary components, then flow direction is controlled, but aerodynamic losses occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the interaction between the moving tip shroud and stationary components by defining specific surface profile parameters including slope angles, curvature radii, and transition zone geometries. These parameter changes enable controlled flow direction at the tip shroud-stationary component interface while minimizing flow separation, turbulence, and associated aerodynamic losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses curved surface profiles with optimized radius of curvature values at the tip rail surfaces that interact with stationary components. The curved geometry promotes smooth flow transition and attachment, preventing flow separation and reducing aerodynamic losses while maintaining effective flow direction control during tip shroud operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A tip shroud may include a platform to couple to an airfoil having a pressure side and a suction side. A front tip rail and a rear tip rail extend radially from the platform with each including a downstream side, an upstream side, and an origin(s). Each of the downstream side and the upstream side of the rear tip rail and the downstream side of the front tip rail has a shape having a nominal profile substantially in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y, Z set forth in a respective table and originating at a selected origin. The Cartesian coordinate values are non-dimensional values of from 0% to 100% convertible to distances by multiplying the X, Y, Z values by a minimum rear tip rail X-wise extent expressed in units of distance. The X, Y, Z values are connected by lines to define each respective surface profile.