us) United States (2) patent Application Publication (1 Pub. No.: US 2018/0202298 AI oy oy ~ 03) en @ on} is et all. ZNOTCH S TIP SHROUD. |APE FOR A TURBINE BLADE Applicant: General Electric Company, ichenectady, NY (US) Inventors: William Scott Zemitis, Simpsonville, SC (US); Antonto Rodriguer, Simpsonville, SC (US): Jason Adam Neville, Greenville, SC (US) Assignee: General Electric Company, Scheneetudy, NY (US) Appl. No. 1S410.061 Filed: Jan. 19, 2017 Publication Classitieation Im. C1, For 322 (200601) FoID S20 (2006.01), (43) Pub. Date: Jul. 19, 2018 FOLD $25 (2013.01); FOID 520 (2013.01); FoSD 2240/307 2013.01); FSD 30/80 (2013.01), FOSD 2220/32 (2013.01) OSD 2250/74 (201301): FOSD 225075 (013.01), FOSD 2240/306 (2013.01) on ABSTRACT A turbine blade includes an airfoil having tip shroud. The tip shroud has an edge, and the edge has a profile substan tially in accordance with values of X and ¥ in a Cartes ‘coordinate system set forth in Table fat points 1-30. The land Y values represent distances that may be proportionally sealed by a common multiplier which, once sealed and connected, define the profile ofthe edge of the tip shroud. The profile ofthe edge lies in an envelope within +/-20%, 41-10% of +/-0% in a direction normal to any Joeation ‘long the edge set forth by the points in Table I Point 30Patent Application Publication Jul. 19,2018 Sheet 1 of 5 US 2018/0202298 ALPatent Application Publication Jul. 19, 2018 Sheet 2 of 5 US 2018/0202298 ALPatent Application Publication Jul, 19, 2018 Sheet 3 of 5 US 2018/0202298 AI Ze 39 FIG. 3Patent Application Publication Jul. 19,2018 Sheet 4 of 5 US 2018/0202298 AL FIG. 4Patent Application Publication Jul. 19, 2018 Sheet Sof 5 US 2018/0202298 AL FIG. 5US 2018/0202298 AI Z-NOTCH SHAPE FOR A TURBINE BLADE, "TIP SHROUD, BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to urine blades having an aefil and. tip shroud eaeied by the airfoil. Mare specially, the present invention relates to z-notch edge profiles fora tip shroud, [0002] Turbine blades (or buckets) typically comprise an oil, a platform, 2 shank and a dovetil In operation, the vets is secured in complementary slot in a turbine heel, On many airfoils, integral tip shrouds are used on the ‘outer radial end ofthe airfoil to create an outer surface ofthe passoge through Which the bot gasses must poss Having the tip shroud as a part ofthe arfil increases the efficiency of the turbine engine, Moreover, in general, large tp shrouds ‘enhance turbine performance more than smaller ones. AS such, in one respect, itis desirable to have the entire outer radial surface ofthe airfoil covered by a relatively large tip shroud [0003] Daring operation, tip. shrouds become highly stressed because of the mechanical forees applied to them via the rotational velocity of the turbine, The high tempem- {ure environment of the turbine coupled with the high stress level quickens the rate at which these parts deform or ‘degrade, which shortens their useful Ife. As a resul, itis desirable that a tip shroud remain relatively small and Tight-weight such that operational stresses are reduced. A ‘common practice is to remove certain portions of the tip shroud such that its weight and the resulting operational stresses are reduced while also Keeping intact significant portions of the tip shroud profle for the sake of engine Performance, When designing tip shrouds, finding the proper Balance between these competing objectives ie, ‘extended useful par life and elficent engine performance js a challenge. As such, there is a contioning need for tip shroud edge profiles that effectively meet these dual goals. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 10003] According to one aspect, a turbine blade includes fn airfoil having a tip shroud. The tip shroud has an edge and the edge has a profile substantially in accordance with values of X and Y in a Cartesian coordinate system set forth jn Table 1 at points 1-30. The X and Y values represent slistances that may be proportionally scaled by a common, ruliplier which, once sealed and connected, define the proflle ofthe edge ofthe tp shroud, The profile of the edge Ties inan envelope within +/-20%, +/-106lo oF +/-0P6o in ‘direction normal to any location along the edge set forth by the points in Table [0005] According to another aspect, a turbine blade ‘nchides an irfoil having a tip shrow, an the tip shrowd has ‘an edge in the Z-notch region. The edge his a profile substantially in accordance with values of X and Y in @ ‘Cartesian coordinate system set forth in Table 1 at points 1-30, The X and Y values represent distanees that may be proportionally scaled by a common multiplier whieh, once Scaled and connected, define the profile of the edge ofthe tip shroud. An origin of the Cartesian coordinate system is Jocated ata tip ofa cuter tooth ona leading edge ofthe tip shroud. The profile ofthe edge lies in an envelope within 41520%%, 41-10% oF +/-0%% in a dietion normal to any location along the ede set forth by the points in Table 1 Jul. 19, 2018 [0006] According to yet another aspect, a turbine blade Jncludes an airfoil having a tip shroud, and the tip shroud has ‘an edge in the Z-noteh region ofthe tp shroud. The edge has ‘profile substantially in accordance with values of X and Y ina Cartesian coordinate systom set forth in Table 1 at points 1-30. The X and Y values represent distances that may be proportionally sealed by a common motipier which, once scaled and connected, define the profile of the edge ofthe tip shroud. An origin of the Cartesian coordinate systom is Tocated ata Gp of a cutter tooth on a leading edge ofthe ip shiroud. The profile ofthe edge lies in an envelope within +¥-20% in a direction normal to any locaton along the edge Set forth by the points in Table I. The X and Y values of ‘Table 1 are non-dimensional values which, when connected by smooth, continuing ares, define the profile of the edge of the tip shroud. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0007] These and other objects and advantages of this invention will he more completely understood and appre ated by earefl study ofthe following more detailed deserip- tion of exemplary embodiments of the invention taken in ‘conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which [0008] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic representation of a hot gas path through multiple stapes of a gas turbine and illustrates an exemplary turbine in which an embodiment of {he present invention may operate. [0009] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an exem- plary conventional turbine blade on which an embodiment of the present invention may operate. [0010] FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of a tp shroud that incorporates on one edge a profil, according t0 an exem- plary embodiment of the present invention [0011] FIG. 4 illustrates a top view ofa tp shrovd having 8 crack in the Z-notch region, [0012] FIG. & ilkasotes a top view of a tip shroud $0 having a re-profiled Z-notch edge 85 s0 that damaged region or rack 70 is removed, acording to an exemplary embodi- ‘men of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE, INVENTION [0013] Referring now tothe figures, FIG. illustrates aot as path, generally designated 10, of a gas turbine 12 that Jncludes’ a plurality of turbine stages. Three stages are illustrated. A fist stage may include a plundity of circum ‘rently spaced nozles 14 and turbine blades (or buckets) 16, The frst stage nozzles 14 generally are circumferentally spaced one from the other and fixed about the axis of the ‘or (not shown), The first stage blades 16 may be mounted fm a turbine whee! 17 for rotation about the rotor when hot gases are expanded through the hot pas path 10. A second Sage of the turbine 12 i ako illustrated. The second stage Similarly may inelode a plurality of circumferential spaced ‘ozles 18 and plurality of cireumferentilly spaced blades 20 mounted on a turbine Wheel 17. A third stage also is illustrated and inclades a plurality of cireumferentially spaced nozzles 22 and blades 24 mounted ona turbine whoo! 17. It will be appreciated thatthe nozzles and blades lie in the hot gas path 10 of the turbine 12, and the direction of flow of the hot gas through the hot gas path 10 being indicated by the arow 26,US 2018/0202298 AI 10014} As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, 1 conventional turbine Blade, generally indicated in FIG. 2 as 28, typically includes a platform 30, a shank 32, and a ‘dovetail M, which is used 10 connect the blade to a turbine ‘wheel (001 shown). Turbine blade 28 also inchndes an airfoil, ‘36 that generally resides along the middle length of the blade 28. Along the sirfoil 36, the blade 28 generally has ‘rass-rectional shape of am airfoil. Because of this shape, “during operation, the Now of the hot gases induces the Blade stage to rolate about the rotor sich thatthe enemy of the ‘expanding hot gases is converted into the mechanical energy ff the mlating rotor [0015] As further illustrated in FIG. 2, the wrbine blade 28 also ineludes a conventional tip shroud 38. The tip shroud 38, which generally is fommed as an integral part ofthe blade 28 at he outer radial end ofthe airfoil 36, provides a surface ‘rea that runs substantially: perpendicular 10 the airfoil surface such that it eaps or covers the tip of the airfoil During operation, the tip shroud 38 engages at opposite ends the two adjacent ip shrouds of the adjacent blades such that ‘an approximate annular ring or shroud eireumseribing the hot gas path atthe location ofthe stage of blade is formed. “This avtlar ring holds the expanding gases ofthe hot path ‘on the airfoil (i. it does not allow the gases to slide over the end ofthe arfil blade) so that a greater percentage of ‘energy from the working fvid- may be converted into mechanical enenuy by the turbine blades. Tip shrouds, thusly, generally improve the perlormance of gas turbines “The tip shroud 38 shown incorporates Ww0 seal rails 39, however, tip shrouds may have one, two or more seal rails 10016) “Typically, in terms of engine performance, itis desirable to have relatively large tp shrouds sueh that each, adequately covers the entire outer radial end of the airfoil AAs one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, daring ‘operation, tin shrouds become highly stressed due to thi ‘overhung load and rational velocity of the turbine engine ‘These stresses coupled with the high temperature environ- ment of the mine quicken the rae at which creep causes the turbine blades to deform or degrade, which, of course shortens the useful life ofthese parts. Asa result in terms ‘of Furthering the life ofthe turbine blades, itis desirable tat tip shrouds remain relatively small and Iight-weight. Given these competing objectives, ic, parlife versus engine performance, a common practice is to remove certain por tions of the tip shroud (often termed "scalloping the tip shrovd”) such that the weight andl overhung load of the tip shroud are reduced, which results in a reduction in open- tional stresses, while also maintaining intact significant portions of ip shroud forthe sake of engine performance. As nother example, a blade may be rtumed from the fild with ‘one or more cocks i the Z-notch region. These cracks often ‘occur on the suction side ofthe blade. The eracks may be removed by machining away material on the tip shroud. One aspect provides a specially designed shape (or profile) 0 reduce stresses on the tp shroud in the serviced, machined ‘or repaired blade. [0017] FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of a tip shroud 50 ‘aeconting o one aspect ofthe present application, As one of ‘ondary skill in the art will appreciate, the tip shrowd 50 Includes leading and trailing edges $2 and 54, respectively ‘Thats, the edges $2 and 84 Tieon opposite axial facing sides ‘ofthe tp shrond $0 inthe hot as path, with the lending edge 52 generally focing upstream and the trailing edge 54 enerlly facing downstream. The leading edge is also or Jul. 19, 2018 the suction side, while the tiling edge is on the pressure ide of the blade 80, or vice-versa depending on the con- figuration of the airfoil. Also illustated in FIG. 3 are a umber of points, numbered 1. 15 and 30, with intermediate points omitted for clarity, which define an edge $6 profile of the tp shroud $0 aovording to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, which is diseussed i greater detail below. The omitted points fiom FIG. 3 lie between the indicated points. For example, points 2-14 leon the edge between points I and 15, and points 16-29 le hetween points 15 and 30 on the edge defined by the profile. Note tht FIG. 3 shows the edge profile. points | through 30) as located ‘on the leading edge 82 and the suetion side of the tip shroud. ‘This is exemplary. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that, in some embodiments, the edge profile elineated by points 1 through 30 may be located on the leading edge 52 andior the tailing edge $4 of the tp shroud ‘0 or only on the tailing edye S4, or onthe pressure side of the airfoil, Further, the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3 is primarily discussed in ems of its function on tip shrouds in {gas turbine engines. One of ordinary skill in the art will ‘appreciate that other functions are possible, suck a using sealed versions in steam turbine of sircraft engines. The edge 58 may be machined (eg, by grinding, cutting, etc) into the tip shroud so that material is removed from an orignal ee (shown in phantom). [0018] More specifically though it is not so limited, some embodiments, the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3 may be used as a tip shroud on third stage Blade in a as turbine. Further, though i is not 90 limited, dhe exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3 some embodinents may'be used as tip shou ina TPA4e (eg., 7PA.03 or above) gas turbine engine manufactured by The General Electric Company (CGE") of Schenectady, N-Y. Finally, though it is not so limited, in other embodiments, the exemplary embodiment of FIG.3 may be used asa tip shroud ona second stage blade ina 7FA¢e gas turbine engine manufactured by The General Electric Company (“GE”) of Schenectady, N'Y. [0019] To define the shape of the tip shroud edge profile according 10 an exemplary embodiment of the present pplication, a unigue set or lei of points in space muy be fas Sins [0023] One of ordinary skill inthe at will appreciate that the tip shroud edge $5 profile disclosed in the above Table | above may be scaled up or down geometrically for use in other turbine stages or types of turbines, including use steam turbines, gas turbines, or aireaft engines. Conse- ‘quenly, the coordinate values set forth in Table T may be Sealed upwardly or downwardly such thatthe airfoil shape remains proportionally uachanged. The scalable Version of the coordinates in Table | would be represented by X and Y coonfinate values of Table I with X and Y eoondinates ‘multiplied or divided by a constant number. Further, one of ordinary skill inthe art will appreciate that although the Z coondinstes in Table 1 are not provided, as the values of ‘Table | indicate, the edge profile of dhe tip shroud edge $8 js substantially constant in the Z direction. Given this, it will further he appreciated that the claimed edge profile, in some cmbodiniens, may be defined as a two-dimensional shape defined by the X and Y coordinates of Table 1 ata substan- tilly constant Z. coordinate vale [0024] FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of a tip shroud 80 having a crack 70 in the Z-notch regio, The erack 70 may ‘occur from extended service of the blade, motal fatiguo, thermal eycling or any other cause of defect formation. It ‘would be desirable to repair (or service) damaged blades 0 that the fatigue lie inthe Z-noteh region is restored, This will enable blades to be reused, and reduce cost for the ‘machine owner, as well as making eneruy production more economical. To repair the blade, the damaged region (or track 70) must be removed, Removal may be through grinding, cutting, drilling or any other suitable material removal process, The shape of the edge left by this removal process is very important, as stess should be reduced t0 levels that ensure part longevity. [02S] FIG. § illustrates a top view of a tip shroud $0 ‘having a re-profiled 2-notch edge 85 so that damaged region ‘or rack 70 is removed, The original Z-notch edge portion is shown in phantom, as is indicated by rogion 80. Region 80 has been removed and the edge 85 forms the new Z-noteh edge portion, The curvatures in the edge reduce stress and restore fatigue life in the blade. The edge 85 has a profile substantially in accordance with values of X and Y in @ Cartesian coordinate system set forth in Table 1 at points 1-30, wherein X and ¥ represent distances that may be proportionally sealed by a common multiplier whieh, once scaled and connected, define the profile a the edge $8 ofthe ‘ip shroud $0, The profile ofthe edge may’ li in an envelope within +/-09%, /-10% or +/-20% (as desired in the specific ‘pplication) in a direction normal to any’ loeation along the tcdge 85 sct forth by the points in Table 1. The edge $8 has a substantially constant profile in the Z direction (whieh isUS 2018/0202298 AI ‘orthogonal to both the X an Y axes). The Zax i nto and ‘out the page in FIG. 8. As stated previously Lie origin for the Cartesian coordinate system sToeated atthe ip ofthe ‘euter tooth $7 10026) As deseribed shove, in terms of engine perfor tance its generally desirable to hve relatively ange ip shrouds suc that adequately cover or shroud the entre outer radial end of the aro. However, drag operition, this ‘overhung load generally becomes very highly stressed ds to the rotational veloiy of the turbine engine. These stresses coupled with the high temperature environment of theturbine my shorten the pat if ofthe bine Blades. As a result in terms of frhering the feof the urine blades ‘with integral ip shrouds, is desirable hat tip sous remain relatively smal and Hiht-weight 10027] The tip shroud shape according 1 the present Jnvention ellectively balance these competing objectives Such that both parce and engine performance goals may be satisfied. That i, the tip shroud shape of the present invention provides a profile that effectively covers the tip oF the srfil while maintaining operation stcases t acceptable levels, Defects, ch as ereks, may also be removed fom ‘orginal edges by machining n the curent edge 88 profile In sition, the tp shoud shape according 1 the present application provides for other operational ficiecic, including. for example, stage alow efciney, enhanced ‘eromethunis, reduced) themnal suesses, and reduced mechanical srestes when compared fo other conventional Up shroud shapes. As one of ondinary skill the set wl appreciate, the efetiveness ofthe ip shroud shape accond- ing to the present invention may be verified hy eomputae tional fd dynamics (CFD); tational sid dynamies ‘analysis: Euler and NeviewStokes equations: for transfer Tunctons, algorithms, manufacturing: manual positioning, fos testing (or example in wind tunel), and modification ‘of the tp shou inst testing; modeling: application of Scicaitle principles to desian or develop ip. shrouds Iachines, paras of mafacturng proceso ip shoal ‘ow testing and moditeation: combinations Thereof, and ‘ther design processes and practices. These methods of ‘etermination are merely exemplary and arene inended to limit the invention in any mannee 10028] Approximating language, as used herein through: ‘ou the speiiation and claims: may be apple to moxly ‘any quantitative rereseatation that could pemissiby vary ‘without resulting in «change a the asic ftion to which itis rlte. Accordinaly. a value medied by a teen of terms ich “about” "uppeoninstely” and “substatally.” fate not 10 be limited to the rocse vale specified. Int last some instances, the approximating language may come spond tothe precision ofan instrament for measuring the value. Here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined andor interchanged, foch ringes are identified and include all the sub-rages contained therein unless context or lnguoge indicates othe ‘emvse, The tems “about” and “approximately” as applied 9 8 panicolar value of © range applies 10 both vals, and Unless otervise dependent on the pression of the ist ment measuring, the valve, may" indicate +/=10% oF ‘1-200 of the stated value(s) {0029} While the invention fas been described in eonnse- tion with what is presently considered 10 be the most pictical and preformed embodiment, sis t9 he understood thatthe invention is aot to be limited to the disclosed Jul. 19, 2018 embodiment, but on the contrary, is intended to cover ‘various modifications and equivalent amangements included within the spirit and seope of the appended claims. 1. Aturbine blade including an airfoil having a tp shroud, the tip shroud having an edge: ‘wherein the edge has a profile substantially in accordance ‘with values of X and Y in a Cartesian coordinate system set forth in Table I at points 1-30, wherein X and Y represent distances that may be proportionally sealed by a common multiplier which, once sealed and con- need he pt of he ee of he psd ‘wherein the profile ofthe edge lies in an envelope within +¥/-20%6 in a direction noemal to any Tocation along the ‘edge set forth by the points in Table 2. The turbine blade according t0 claim 1, wherein the profile of the edge lies in an envelope within +/-10%% in a rection normal to any location along the edge set font by the poins in Table 1. 3. The turbine blade according 0 claim 1, wherein the pratle of the edge lies in an envelope within +/0% in a rection normal to any location along the edge set forth by the points in Table 1 4. The turbine blade according to claim 1, wherein the X ‘and Y Values of Table Ite non-dimensional values whic when comnected by smooth, continuing ares, define the profile ofthe edge of the tip shroud, 5. The turbine blade according t claim 1, wherein the ‘edge comprises leading edge of the tip shroud of the turbine blade. 6. The turbine blade aevording ( claim 1, wherein the turbine blade is configured to operat as. third stage turbine blade in a ns turbine 7. The turbine blade evording fo claim 1, an origin ofthe Cartesian coordinate system located ata tip of cuter tot fom a Teading edge ofthe tip shroud 8. The turbine blade according t0 claim 7, wherein the profile is on a suction side of the turbine blade, 9. Aturbine blade including an airfoil having a tp shroud, the tp shroud having an edge: ‘wherein the edge has a profile substantially in accordance ‘with values ofX and Yin a Cartesian coordinate system set forth in Table 1 at points 1-30, wherein X and Y represent distances that may be proportionally sealed by a common multiplier which, ance scaled and con- nected, define the profile of the edge of the tip shroud, an origin of the Cartesian coordinate system located at 2 tip of a cutter tooth on a leading edge of the tip Shroud: and ‘wherein the profile of the edge les in an envelope within +#/-20% in a diection noeml to any location along the edge set forth by the points in Table 1 10, The turbine blade according to claim 9, whersin the profile of the edge les in an envelope within +/-10% in a Girection normal to any location along the edge set forth by the points in Table 1 11 The turbine blade according to claim 9, wherein the profile of the edge ls in an envelope within +/-O% in a rection normal to any location along the edge set fort by the poins in Table 1. 12. The turbine blade according to claim 9, whervin the X ‘and Y values of Table are non-dimensional values which, ‘when connected by smooth, continsing ares, define the profle ofthe edge of the tip shroud,US 2018/0202298 AI 13. The turbine blade according to claim 9, wherein the ‘edge comprises a leading edge of the ip shroud of the turbine blade. 14. The turbine blade according to claim 9, wherein the turbine blade is configured to operate a. third stage turbine blade in @ gas turbine 18. The turbine blade according to claim 9, wherein the profile ison a suction side of the turbine blade, 16, A turbine blade including an airfoil having» tip shroud, the tip shroud having an edge: ‘wherein the edge has a profile substantially in accordance with values of X and Yin a Cartesian coordinate system set forth in Table 1 at points 1-30, wherein X and ¥ represent distances that may be proportionally scaled bby a common multiplier which, once sealed and con- reted, define the profile ofthe edge ofthe tip shroud, ‘an origin of the Cartesian coordinate system located at 4 tip of a cutter tooth on a leading edge of the tip shroud; and Jul. 19, 2018 ‘wherein the profile of the edge les in an envelope with +/-20% in a direction normal to any location along the ‘edge set forth by the points in Table 1, and wherein the X and Y values of Table 1 are non-dimensional values ‘which, when connected! by smooth, continuing ares, define the profile of the edge of the tip shroud. 17, The turbine blade according to claim 16, wherein the profile of the edge lies in an envelope within #/=10% in a iretion normal to any location along the edge set font by the points in Table 1 18, The turbine blade secording to claim 17, wherein the edge comprises «leading edge of the Gp shroud of the turbine blade 19, The turbine blade according to claim 18, wherein the turbine blade is configured to operate asa tind stag turbine blade in a gas turbine 20. The turbine blade according to claim 19, wherein the profle ison a suction side of the turbine blade,