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Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) applies the most current technology, including finite element and boundary element methods, to the stress analysis of gas turbine components. The Institute 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.

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 technology capabilities at SwRI or how you can contract with SwRI, please contact Klaus Brun, Ph.D. at kbrun@swri.org or  (210) 522-5449.
 

| Fluids Engineering Department | Mechanical & Materials Engineering Division | SwRI Home |

Southwest Research Institute® (SwRI®), headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, is a multidisciplinary, independent, nonprofit, applied engineering and physical sciences research and development organization with 11 technical divisions.

October 01, 2008