Turbomachine Part Grain Orientation Detection via X-Ray Diffraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling the internal crystalline structure of turbomachine parts, particularly turbine blades, are destructive and cannot effectively assess the orientation of grains within complex internal cavities, leading to a risk of premature aging and potential mechanical failure.
Innovation Solution
A non-destructive method using high-energy electromagnetic radiation, such as X-rays, to analyze the diffraction pattern through the part at multiple locations, allowing for the determination of crystallographic grain orientation and identification of foreign grains, enabling a usability assessment by comparing orientations to predetermined thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If chemical attack method is used to control grain orientation, then surface grain orientation can be detected, but internal structure cannot be assessed and part destruction is required for internal control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical attack method with X-ray diffraction technology. Instead of using chemicals to etch and reveal grain orientation on the surface, the invention uses non-destructive X-ray diffraction to detect both surface and internal grain orientation, eliminating the need for chemical processes and enabling internal structure assessment without part destruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces X-ray diffraction as an intermediary technique that can penetrate the part and interact with the crystallographic structure internally. This intermediary method allows information about internal grain orientation to be obtained without direct chemical contact or physical destruction of the part.
2Measurement precision
If part is cut for internal structure control, then internal crystalline structure can be assessed, but part is destroyed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cutting method with X-ray diffraction technology. Instead of physically cutting the part to access internal structure, the invention uses non-contact X-ray beams to penetrate and detect internal crystalline orientation, maintaining part integrity while achieving precise internal structure assessment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a diffraction pattern copy of the internal crystal structure that can be analyzed without physically accessing or destroying the original part. The X-ray diffraction produces a pattern that replicates the internal structural information, allowing assessment while preserving the actual part.
3Productivity
If conventional control methods are used, then manufacturing process control is possible, but individual blade testing cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional destructive testing methods with non-destructive X-ray diffraction, enabling individual blade testing without sacrificing productivity. The rapid, non-contact nature of X-ray diffraction allows each blade to be tested individually while maintaining efficient production flow, ensuring quality assurance for each component.
4Temperature
If complex internal cavities are added to blades, then cooling performance is improved, but probability of internal foreign grains increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses X-ray diffraction as an intermediary detection method that can penetrate through complex internal cavity structures to identify foreign grains. The X-ray technology acts as a mediator that can see through the complicated internal geometry without being blocked, allowing detection of hidden defects that would compromise blade durability while maintaining the beneficial cooling cavities.
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 the non-destructive evaluation of turbomachine parts, ensuring their mechanical integrity and preventing premature aging by accurately determining the spatial orientation of grains, thus ensuring the blades can withstand operational stresses without destruction.
Implementation Method 1
analyzing a pattern of diffracted electromagnetic radiation obtained by making the beam pass through the part
Implementation Method 2
high-energy electromagnetic radiation, such as X-rays
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for testing the crystallographic orientation of at least one grain of a turbomachine part, comprising the steps of: a) emitting a beam of electromagnetic radiation through an elementary volume of the part and recording diffraction information on the electromagnetic radiation through the part; b) repeating step a) on a given area of the part, c) determining the crystalline spatial orientation of each of said elementary volumes and deducing therefrom the presence of at least one first crystallographic grain for which the elementary volumes are oriented according to the same crystallographic orientation; d) calculating the angular distance between the crystalline spatial orientation of said first grain and a predetermined direction taken from the part and comparing it to a first predetermined threshold value; e) determining a state of use of the part.