Vol-10 Issue-4 2024 IJARIIE-ISSN(O)-2395-4396
DESIGN AND ANALYSIS OF TURBINE
BLADES FOR TURBOJET ENGINE
Akanksha Guptaa, Faizan Hasanb
a. Research Scholar, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Integral University, Lucknow
b. Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Integral University, Lucknow
Abstract
The design and analysis of turbine blades for turbojet engines play a crucial role in enhancing engine performance,
efficiency, and longevity. This study presents a comprehensive approach to the design and structural analysis of
turbine blades, emphasizing the importance of aerodynamic efficiency, thermal management, and material selection.
Advanced computational techniques, including Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Finite Element Analysis
(FEA), were employed to model and simulate the turbine blade under various operational conditions. The study also
explores the effects of different materials on the mechanical properties and thermal behavior of the blades. The results
indicate that optimized turbine blade designs can significantly improve the overall efficiency and performance of
turbojet engines, providing valuable insights for future research and development in the aerospace industry.
Keywords Turbine blades, Turbojet engine, Design, Analysis, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Finite
Element Analysis (FEA), Aerodynamic efficiency, Thermal management, Material selection, Aerospace engineering.
1.1 Introduction
Due to its ability to achieve high-speed, high-altitude flying, the turbojet engine—a pivotal innovation in
contemporary aerospace engineering—has completely changed air travel. Turbine blades are essential to these engines'
efficiency and performance because they transform thermal energy into mechanical work, which powers the
compressor and produces thrust. Turbine blade design and analysis are essential for increasing engine efficiency,
lowering fuel consumption, and boosting general dependability and lifespan.
This work is motivated by the continuous need for aviation engines that are more dependable and efficient. Every
engine component needs to be optimized since the aerospace industry is always pushing the envelope of performance.
Due to their constant operation under harsh temperatures and stresses, turbine blades provide special challenges that
call for cutting-edge materials, creative design strategies, and exacting analytical methods. Significant improvements
in engine performance, environmental effect, and operating costs can result from better turbine blade design.
Developments in materials science and computational techniques provide fresh avenues for investigating novel
concepts and refining already-existing ones. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics
(CFD) are now essential tools for forecasting the aerodynamic efficiency and structural integrity of turbine blades
under varied operating circumstances. Engineers can improve blade performance by utilizing these tools to explore
intricate design spaces and make well-informed judgments.
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Another source of motivation is the aviation industry's growing emphasis on sustainability and environmental effect.
Improving the efficiency of turbine blades can help cut emissions and fuel consumption, supporting international
efforts to mitigate climate change. By looking into cutting-edge design approaches and analytical strategies for turbine
blades in turbojet engines, this study seeks to address these issues.
2. Literature Review
2.1 History and Evolution of Turbojet Engines
The inception of the turbojet engine can be traced back to the early 20th century. The need for faster, more efficient
aircraft engines spurred significant advancements in aviation technology. The turbojet engine, a type of gas turbine
engine, was first conceptualized by Sir Frank Whittle of the United Kingdom and Hans von Ohain of Germany
independently during the late 1930s.
Whittle's engine, patented in 1930, underwent several iterations before achieving practical success. By 1937, his
designs culminated in the construction of the first turbojet engine, the Power Jets W.1, which powered the Gloster
E.28/39 aircraft in its maiden flight in 1941. Concurrently, Hans von Ohain developed the Heinkel HeS 3 engine,
which powered the Heinkel He 178, the world’s first turbojet-powered aircraft, in 1939.
Post World War II, turbojet engines saw rapid development and widespread adoption. Early turbojets were
characterized by their simplicity but were limited by their fuel efficiency and operational altitude. Subsequent decades
witnessed the introduction of afterburners, improvements in materials, and advancements in aerodynamics, leading to
the development of more efficient and powerful engines.
By the 1960s and 1970s, the turbojet engine had evolved to include features such as variable stator vanes and bypass
ratios, which enhanced performance and fuel efficiency. The introduction of high bypass turbofan engines in
commercial aviation further revolutionized the industry, making long-distance air travel more economical and
reducing noise pollution.
The evolution of turbojet engines reflects the continuous quest for higher performance, efficiency, and reliability.
Today, modern turbojets and turbofans incorporate cutting-edge materials and sophisticated design techniques,
enabling them to meet the stringent demands of both military and commercial aviation.
2.2 Fundamentals of Turbojet Engine Operation
A turbojet engine operates on the principles of thermodynamics and fluid dynamics, primarily following the Brayton
cycle. The engine comprises several key components: an inlet, compressor, combustion chamber, turbine, and exhaust
nozzle.
The operation begins as air enters the engine through the inlet. The air is then compressed by the compressor,
significantly increasing its pressure and temperature. The compressed air enters the combustion chamber, where it is
mixed with fuel and ignited. The combustion process generates high-temperature, high-pressure gas.
This gas expands rapidly and flows through the turbine. The turbine extracts energy from the high-pressure gas to
drive the compressor and other accessories. The remaining energy is expelled through the exhaust nozzle, producing
thrust according to Newton’s third law of motion.
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Key performance parameters of a turbojet engine include thrust, specific fuel consumption, and thermal efficiency.
Thrust is the force generated by the engine to propel the aircraft forward. Specific fuel consumption measures the fuel
efficiency of the engine. Thermal efficiency is the ratio of useful work output to the heat input from the fuel.
Advancements in turbojet engine design focus on improving these parameters through better materials, advanced
aerodynamics, and enhanced combustion techniques. Modern engines incorporate sophisticated control systems to
optimize performance across different flight conditions.
2.3 Turbine Blade Function and Importance
A turbojet engine's turbine blades are essential parts that are used in the energy conversion process. Their main job is
to transform the energy generated by the combustion chamber's high-pressure, high-temperature gas into mechanical
work that powers the compressor and other engine systems.
Turbine blade design is a very intricate process that necessitates striking a balance between structural integrity, heat
resistance, and aerodynamic performance. Extreme temperatures (over 1,000°C) and rotational speeds (up to 20,000
RPM) can be applied to blades. Modern materials and cooling methods are required under these circumstances.
The efficacy of the turbine blades has a major impact on the performance and efficiency of a turbojet engine.
Aerodynamically efficient blades increase thrust production while reducing energy losses. Blades with good structural
integrity bear the mechanical strain and avert disastrous engine breakdowns. Thermally resistant blades keep their
longevity and performance at high temperatures without degrading.
Turbine blade design entails a thorough computer study as well as experimental validation. While Finite Element
Analysis (FEA) evaluates the structural integrity, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) optimizes the aerodynamic
profile. High-quality blades are made using sophisticated manufacturing processes including additive manufacturing
and precise casting.
3. Methodology
1. Define the issue.
2. Determine the blade profile's measurements.
3. Create the computer models in three dimensions.
4. Create the 3D computer model's finite element model.
5. Prepare the 3D model according to the specified geometry.
6. For accurate results, mesh the geometry model and fine-tune it while taking sensitive zones into
account.
7. Post-process the model so that the necessary assessment can be completed.
8. Find the highest stress that can be applied to blades.
9. Find the distribution of temperature along the blade profile.
10. Summarize the findings.
4. Design and Cad Modelling
The dimensions of the blade geometry are calculated theoretically using conventional assumptions. Table 4.1 provides
the design parameters.
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Table 4.1: Design parameters.
PARAMETER VALUE UNIT
Blade height, h 0.081833 m
Chord width, c 0.02727 m
Pitch, s 0.02264 m
Number of blade 69
Blade inlet angle, β2 18.30 deg
Blade outlet angle, β3 54.560 deg
Mean radius, rm 0.2475 m
The 3D CAD model is created using the software CATIA V5; it is shown in fig 4.1.
Fig 4.1: - Sector Model of Turbine Blade
5. Details of Turbine Blade Material
The turbine blade is subjected to rotational speed of 10800 rpm and firing temperature of 6190C. Factor of safety is
1.6.
Table 5.1:-Material properties.
Properties Unit Inconel 718 Titanium
T6
Young’s modulus MPa 2E5 1.06E5
3
Density kg/m 8193.3 4420
Poisson’s ratio 0.31 0.3
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Tensile yield strength MPa 1069 530
Allowable stress MPa 641.8 318
Allowable MPa 385.08 190.8
Shear stress
Specific heat J/kg-K 556.85 527.5
6. Results and Discussion
The heat transfer coefficient for gases and the material's thermal conductivity determine the blade's temperature
distribution. The iterative approach used to obtain the heat transfer coefficients was also utilized. The analysis was
done under conditions of steady state heat transport. Because of the stagnation effects, it is found that the leading edge
of the blade experiences the highest temperatures. The blade's body temperature doesn't change significantly radially.
As anticipated, there is a temperature drop from the blade's leading edge to its trailing edge. Figures 6.1 (Titanium
T6) and 6.2 (Inconel 718) show that the solid blade model's blade temperatures are slightly lower for Inconel 718.
This is explained by Inconel 718's reduced thermal conductivity.
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Fig 6.1:- Temperature distribution on Titanium T6. Fig 6.2: -Temperature distribution on Inconel 718.
Structural analysis imports the temperatures that are found in the thermal analysis. In structural analysis, the
centrifugal forces operating on the blade are regarded as loads.
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Fig 6.3:- Von-miss stress on Inconel Fig 6.4:- Von-miss stress on Titanium T6
The fluctuation of the von Misses stress on the blade and drum component is depicted in figs. 6.3 and 6.4 below.
Inconel 718 and titanium T-6 were used in the blade, whereas steel 286 was used in the drum. As a result of not being
covered, the stress on the blade tips is lower and the stress at the blade roots is higher.
Fig 6.5:- Total deformation of Inconel 718 Fig 6.6:- :- Total deformation of Titanium T6
Since titanium T6 has less thermal expansion than Inconel 718, it is less expansive overall. This difference in thermal
expansion can be attributed to the material's characteristics. Table 6.1 presents the results.
Table 6.1: Comparison of results.
PARAMETERS INCONEL 718 TITANIUM T6
Total Deformation(mm) 1.0448 0.90901
Analytical Computational Analytical Computationa
Results Results Results l Results
Von Misses Stress(MPa) 641.8 621 318 301.3
7. Conclusion
As can be seen from the findings above, both materials are producing noteworthy results; in the end, a decision can
be made based on the materials' cost and availability.
• If the price of the materials is not the main consideration, we can choose titanium T6, which has a lower
density, a lower value of deformation at the same time as a lower yield strength and a lower young modulus
at higher temperatures.
• However, if material cost is the main concern, Inconel 718 can be chosen; whereas titanium T6 will distort
less at high temperatures, Inconel 718 will. However, it will also have higher yield and elastic strength values,
which will result in less stress being placed on the blade.
• Compared to titanium T6, Inconel 718 is also shown to have better material qualities at higher temperatures.
• Appropriate cooling techniques should be used to reduce hot corrosion and creep strain distribution on the
turbine blade's trailing edge (Inconel 718)
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Thus, based on the plots and observations above, we can conclude that the structure is safe under the specified loading
conditions and that Inconel 718 is a superior material in terms of both affordability and strength at higher temperatures
than titanium T6.
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