SwRI Stress and Thermal Analysis: Gas Turbine Technology

Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) applies the most current technology, including finite element and boundary element methods, to the stress analysis of gas turbine components. SwRI is a pioneer in probabilistic structural mechanics, which integrates computational mechanics and probabilistic methods to manage distribution of material properties, dimensions, and loads. Computational facilities include a central VAX computer, distributed workstations, and access to CRAY supercomputers. Available numerical codes include ABAQUS, ANSYS, and NASTRAN.

 

graphic of two of the vibrational modes of a space shuttle APU turbine blade   graphic of air-cooled gas turbine blades having complex temperature and stress profiles

Two of the vibrational modes of a space shuttle APU turbine blade are shown. SwRI combined its vibrational analysis with Institute-developed probabilistic structural analysis methods to determine allowable inspection intervals. NASA is using the results for engine maintenance.

  

Air-cooled gas turbine blades have complex temperature and stress profiles. Temperatures are shown in the upper figure and longitudinal stresses are below. This analysis uses a generalized plane strain finite element methodology.

 

SwRI can offer you a full range of capabilities and experience in gas turbine technology including becoming an extension of your engineering department. For more information about gas turbine stress and thermal analysis capabilities at SwRI or how you can contract with SwRI, please contact Klaus Brun, Ph.D., at kbrun@swri.org or (210) 522-5449.

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Southwest Research Institute® (SwRI®) is an independent, nonprofit, applied engineering and physical sciences research and development organization with 12 technical divisions using multidisciplinary approaches to problem solving. The Institute occupies more than 1,200 acres and provides nearly two million square feet of laboratories, test facilities, workshops, and offices for more than 3,300 employees who perform contract work for industry and government clients.