Turbine Blade Platform Ultrasonic Scattering Feature
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The geometry of turbine blade platforms interferes with ultrasonic echoes, masking defects and making it difficult for ultrasonic Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) to reliably identify defects, leading to lengthy inspection times and potential need for disassembly.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating ultrasonic wave scattering features, such as serrated teeth with specific height and pitch, on the edge surface of the blade platform to alter the reflection path of ultrasonic pulses, reducing echo interference from standard blade features and enhancing defect visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional smooth edge surfaces are used on turbine blade platforms, then manufacturing is simpler, but ultrasonic echo interference masks defects reducing detection reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing ultrasonic wave scattering features (serrated teeth) only at specific locations on the blade platform edge surface where ultrasonic echoes are generated. The scattering features are not applied uniformly across the entire blade, but only at the critical edge regions that cause echo interference, thereby locally modifying the surface properties to improve defect detection without unnecessarily complicating the entire blade structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of smooth edge surfaces (which create strong, masking ultrasonic echoes) into a beneficial effect by intentionally introducing controlled surface irregularities (serrated teeth). These irregularities scatter the ultrasonic waves in a predictable manner that reduces echo interference and improves defect visibility, thereby transforming the original problem into a solution.
2Reliability
If repeat ultrasonic scans are performed to detect hidden defects, then defect detection coverage improves, but inspection time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating ultrasonic wave scattering features into the blade platform design before the inspection process. This pre-modification of the blade surface geometry ensures that ultrasonic echoes are scattered away from defect locations in advance, eliminating the need for repeated scans to overcome echo masking. The scattering features are built into the blade structure beforehand, so that when inspection occurs, the echo interference is already minimized.
3Reliability
If blade row disassembly is performed to conduct alternative NDT inspections, then defect detection capability improves, but operational complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of echo interference from blade platform features into a beneficial scattering pattern that improves defect detection. By designing the edge surface with specific scattering features, the previously problematic echoes are transformed into useful scattered waves that do not mask defect signals, enabling reliable in-situ inspection without disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical parameters of the blade edge surface (introducing serrated teeth with specific dimensions: tooth height 0.5mm in range 0.4-2.0mm, pitch 1mm in range 0.5-2.0mm). These parameter modifications change the ultrasonic wave interaction characteristics, transforming the surface from an echo-generating smooth geometry to an echo-scattering structured geometry that improves defect detectability.
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
This configuration minimizes ultrasonic echo interference, allowing for more effective detection of defects without disassembly, reducing inspection time and improving the reliability of ultrasonic NDT methods.
Implementation Method 1
surface irregularities adapted to alter a reflection path of an ultrasonic pulse wave. The ultrasonic wave scattering feature comprises a plurality of serrated teeth that are arranged to form a plurality of ridges each interspaced with a valley
Data Source
Figure 1a~2
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The invention relates to a turbine blade (10) comprising a platform edge surface (17) including an ultrasonic wave scattering feature (20) comprising surface irregularities adapted to alter a reflection path of an ultrasonic pulse wave.