Variable Elliptical Trailing Edge Rotor Blade
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rotor blades for turbomachines often face a trade-off between aerodynamic efficiency and structural robustness, where optimization of one property typically compromises the other.
Innovation Solution
The airfoil design for rotor blades features a segment of an ellipse centered on the trailing edge, with varying axis ratios across the span, combining efficient aerodynamics with robust structural features by maintaining an elliptical shape over the majority of the span while transitioning to circular shapes at the root and tip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the aerodynamic surfaces proximate the trailing edge are optimized for aerodynamic properties, then aerodynamic efficiency is improved, but structural robustness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing an elliptical arc shape specifically at the trailing edge region of the airfoil, while the rest of the airfoil structure maintains conventional geometry. This localized geometric modification optimizes aerodynamic properties at the trailing edge without compromising the overall structural integrity of the blade, as the elliptical shape is confined to a specific region rather than the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs spheroidality by introducing an elliptical arc shape at the trailing edge of the airfoil. The elliptical geometry provides smooth curved surfaces that reduce flow separation and improve aerodynamic performance. The specific elliptical configuration with defined major and minor axes creates optimal curvature characteristics that enhance airflow attachment while maintaining structural soundness.
2Strength
If the aerodynamic surfaces proximate the trailing edge are optimized for structural properties, then structural robustness is improved, but aerodynamic efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by applying the elliptical arc shape only to the trailing edge region, allowing structural optimization in other critical areas of the airfoil. The localized application ensures that structural robustness is maintained in load-bearing regions while aerodynamic efficiency is enhanced specifically where the elliptical geometry interacts with the flow field.
Solution Approach 2:
The elliptical arc configuration provides optimal curvature that balances aerodynamic performance with structural considerations. The smooth elliptical transition avoids sharp corners that could create stress concentrations, thereby maintaining structural integrity while achieving superior aerodynamic characteristics in the trailing edge region.
Data Source
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AI summary
A rotor blade (100) of a turbomachine (10) includes an airfoil (114). The airfoil (114) includes a root (118) and a tip (115) which define a span (128) of the airfoil (114) therebetween. The airfoil (114) also includes a leading edge (124) and a trailing edge (126) downstream of the leading edge (124) along a flow direction. The leading edge (124) and the trailing edge (126) each extend across the span (128) of the airfoil (114) from the root (118) to the tip (115). The airfoil (114) further includes a pressure side surface (120) and a suction side surface (122). The pressure side surface (120) and the suction side surface (122) are continuous about the trailing edge (126) and collectively define an arc (210) centered on the trailing edge (126). The arc (210) has a semi-major axis (206) and a semi-minor axis (204). The semi-major axis (206) and the semi-minor axis (204) of the arc (210) define an axis ratio, and the axis ratio varies over the span (128) of the airfoil (114).