Segmented Blades Research Articles

An efficient predicting approach for blade frequency line-spectrum noise of marine centrifugal pumps

The paper introduces an innovative and efficient calculation method for the spectral flow noise of the pump system based on the spatial distribution dipole, which predicts the blade frequency radiation noise at the pipe flange of the pump system under different operating conditions. First, the unsteady flow simulation of the centrifugal pump is calculated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Then, the pressure on each segmented blade surface is decomposed into lift and drag forces. After that, each segment is decomposed into several dipole point sources based on the blade noise theory. Finally, the simplified dipole point sources are considered sound sources, and the blade frequency line spectrum noise at the pipe flange of the pump system is predicted using acoustic-structure coupling. The results indicate that the simplified method provides high prediction accuracy while significantly improving the computational efficiency of blade frequency line spectrum noise calculation for centrifugal pumps.

An innovative segmented blade concept with a partial pitch control for large wind turbine systems

This study investigates the feasibility of a segmented blade with a partial pitch concept. Three different cases were considered where the pitch bearing is positioned at 33%R, 50%R and 66%R, respectively. The PI controller is used with different controller gains corresponding to the blade design. Wind step case and DLC1.1 are applied to analyse its performances. From the wind step case, general controller behaviours and wind turbine responses are investigated. From DLC1.1, the statistics and ultimate loads are studied. From this study, it could be concluded that the segmented blade with a partial pitch could benefit to maintain power without increasing extra loads too much.

Habitat Characteristics and Morphology of Chlorophyta (Order Bryopsidales) on the Intertidal of Pandanan Hamlet, West Sekotong

Bryopsidales order macroalgae can be found on various substrates in marine waters. The Bryopsidales order has a morphological form that is shaped like a filament or shaped like a leaf and has pigments like land plants. The study aims to determine the habitat characteristics and morphology of the Bryopsidales order on the coast of Pandanan Hamlet. Sampling was carried out using the line transect method and 1x1 meter quadrant. A total of 5 transect lines were stretched from the shoreline to the point where macroalgae were found. Each transect is placed in quadrants every 20 meters in a zigzag manner. The Bryopsidales order found consisted of 13 species, 3 families and 4 genera growing in habitats with substrates of loamy sand, loam, sand, and sandy loam, rock, dead coral, coral fragments, and live coral. There are 3 types of holdfast were found, namely bulbous, fibrous, and sprawling growers. There are also three blade shapes in this order, namely creeping blades in the Caulerpaceae family, segmented blades in the Halimedaceae family, and blades that are neither creeping nor segmented that resemble sponges in the Codiaceae family.

New shapemeter roll technology based on Fiber Bragg Grating technology for on-line flatness monitoring of thin cold rolled metal sheets

The shape of laminated products is a crucial parameter in high-speed and high-volume finishing lines where they must fulfill tight tolerances. Latent defects are detected by flatness rolls (or shapemeter rolls) inserted in the manufacturing line for online flatness control. A prototype of flatness roll has been developed with high spatial resolution (5 mm) and measurement capability over a thickness range of 0.1–1 mm to evaluate flatness and residual stresses of flat metal strip products manufactured by continuous cold rolling (ultra-thin sheets for packaging and automotive markets). The flatness roll prototype relies on pressure-induced strain sensing on segmented blades using Fiber Bragg Grating technology. Synchronous measurement of the flatness profile across strip width rejects disturbances of strip tension during rolling. We provide a proof-of-concept on pilot lines in both static and dynamic conditions (e.g., roll in rotation and in contact with a strip under tension) and the sensing mechanism shows a capability above 3. This combination of performances remains unique up to now. Interblade crosstalk appears to be an important issue. We propose a crosstalk model that agrees with experimental coupling coefficients. A crosstalk matrix inversion yields the distribution in contact pressure from strain data measured on the reverse side. Additional work will be required to use the flatness roll in industrial conditions.

Development of an open-source segmented blade design tool

As wind turbines continue to grow ever larger to reduce the cost of energy, their blades follow suit, with the largest commercial offshore blades extending past 100 m. Massive blades such as these raise key transportation and manufacturing challenges, especially for land-based turbines. Segmented blades are one solution and are garnering increased industry and research interest. In this work, a detailed mechanical joint model is integrated into the Wind-Plant Integrated System Design and Engineering Model (WISDEM®), which will facilitate future segmented blade research and optimization. WISDEM is used to design a wind turbine with 100-m segmented blades. This wind turbine design is compared to other machines with 100-m monolithic blades designed for rail-transportability. The designs are compared in terms of blade mass and cost, turbine capital cost, annual energy production, and levelized cost of energy, with monolithic designs being the lightest and most economical. However, this result may vary by wind plant location. A variety of segmentation joint types exist, and they will inevitably vary in parameters such as cost, spanwise location, and physical characteristics. This work examines the sensitivity of wind turbine design drivers and annual energy production to a variety of the aforementioned parameters, using the open-source wind turbine design codes OpenFAST and WISDEM, finding that joint mass, stiffness, and location can have significant effects on design drivers.

Design and analysis of a segmented blade for a 50 MW wind turbine rotor

Extreme-size wind turbines face logistical challenges due to their sheer size. A solution, segmentation, is examined for an extreme-scale 50 MW wind turbine with 250 m blades using a systematic approach. Segmentation poses challenges regarding minimizing joint mass, transferring loads between segments and logistics. We investigate the feasibility of segmenting a 250 m blade by developing design methods and analyzing the impact of segmentation on the blade mass and blade frequencies. This investigation considers various variables such as joint types (bolted and bonded), adhesive materials, joint locations, number of joints and taper ratios (ply dropping). Segmentation increases blade mass by 4.1%–62% with bolted joints and by 0.4%–3.6% with bonded joints for taper ratios up to 1:10. Cases with large mass growth significantly reduce blade frequencies potentially challenging the control design. We show that segmentation of an extreme-scale blade is possible but mass reduction is necessary to improve its feasibility.

An open-endcap blade trap for radial-2D ion crystals

We present the design and experimental demonstration of an open-endcap radio frequency trap to confine ion crystals in the radial-two dimensional (2D) structural phase. The central axis of the trap is kept free of obstructions to allow for site-resolved imaging of ions in the 2D crystal plane, and the confining potentials are provided by four segmented blade electrodes. We discuss the design challenges, fabrication techniques, and voltage requirements for implementing this open-endcap trap. Finally, we validate its operation by confining up to 29 ions in a 2D triangular lattice, oriented such that both in-plane principal axes of the 2D crystal lie in the radial direction.

Numerical Simulations of Novel Conning Designs for Future Super-Large Wind Turbines

In order to develop super-large wind turbines, new concepts, such as downwind load-alignment, are required. Additionally, segmented blade concepts are under investigation. As a simple example, the coned rotor needs be investigated. In this paper, different conning configurations, including special cones with three segments, are simulated and analyzed based on the DTU-10 MW reference rotor. It was found that the different force distributions of upwind and downwind coned configurations agreed well with the distributions of angle of attack, which were affected by the blade tip position and the cone angle. With the upstream coning of the blade tip, the blade sections suffered from stronger axial induction and a lower angle of attack. The downstream coning of the blade tip led to reverse variations. The cone angle determined the velocity and force projecting process from the axial to the normal direction, which also influenced the angle of attack and force, provided that correct inflow velocity decomposition occurred.

Experimental updating of a segmented wind turbine blade numerical model using the substructure method

During the development of the wind turbine system, blades are considered as the most critical components. The blades’ dynamic characteristics must be investigated during the design process to improve their mechanical performance. This work presents an experimental updating of a segmented wind turbine blade numerical model. For this purpose, the blade segments were manufactured using the fused deposition 3D printing technology and assembled using a threaded spar and nut. For different values of the segments assembly load, the natural frequencies and damping ratios were identified using the eigensystem realization algorithm method. The dynamic behavior of the segmented blade was examined numerically using the three-node shell element, taking into consideration the additional stiffness generated by the applied assembly load. In this study, numerical and experimental modal analysis were used to identify the first five eigenfrequencies of the blade. To update the numerical model parameters, through the identified experimental results, an iterative method was developed based on the Craig–Bampton substructure approach. Results show that the blade natural frequencies are proportional to the segments assembly load. The application of the proposed method on the segmented blade numerical model updating shows that the present method is computationally efficient.

Performance improvement and flow field investigation in hydraulic torque converter based on a new design of segmented blades

Hydraulic torque converter is of lower efficiency in the powertrain, particularly at low speed ratio, which is crucial for vehicles due to its ability of torque multiplication. Therefore, torque converters should be taken into account with both higher start-up acceleration and transmission efficiency. Inspired by the fact that the multi-airfoils of the aircraft can improve the lift, a new design of segmented turbine blade in torque converter is presented to improve the transmission efficiency and start-up acceleration. To ensure reproducibility and popularization, the camber line and shape of blades are extracted to obtain the expression in the Cartesian coordinate system. A scale-resolving simulation setting, large eddy simulation with kinetic energy transport, and refined hexahedron meshes, which were verified by our studies, are applied to simulate the three-dimensional transient flow numerically. According to the results of computational fluid dynamics analysis, the new design eliminated the ultra-high vorticity of the near-wall boundary layer to reduce the flow loss, which further improves fuel economy. The pressure difference in the segmented turbine blade is significantly higher than that of the original model, causing the improvement of powertrain performance. As a result, the torque ratio and nominal torque increase by 6.7% and 7.7%, respectively, at stalling speed ratio; meanwhile, the maximum efficiency increases by 1.1%. This research, using a new design of segmented blades, has many advantages, such as high starting torque ratio, large adjusting range, and greater fuel economy, and shows great potential to apply in the manufacturing process.

Testing and Validation of a Novel Segmented Wind Turbine Blade

Abstract This article presents the structural testing and analyses of a segmented horizontal axis wind turbine blade. The blade’s mass and center of gravity are first determined. Free vibration tests are performed, and the natural frequencies are obtained. Static bending tests in flapwise and edgewise directions are conducted with acoustics emission monitoring. The segmented blade was able to sustain the test loads. However, some superficial defects appeared and were detected by the acoustics emission sensors. Finally, the resonant fatigue test is performed for ten million cycles. The variation of the stiffness against the loading cycles is used to diagnose the initiation of fatigue cracks. Based on the testing results, some modifications are proposed in the design and manufacturing approaches to avoid the noted defects.

Investigation of the sawing performance of a new type of diamond frame saw machine

Generally the frame sawing with diamond segmented blades is the equipment in soft stones sawing process. In this work, a new type of frame saw machine used for cutting granite is introduced. The sawing trajectory and the theoretical relationship between the average chip thickness and the sawing parameters are established. Utilizing the new frame saw machine, an experimental study was carried out to investigate the sawing forces and segments wear in different strokes. It is concluded that no matter in forward stroke or in backward stroke, only half of the stroke is sawing the stone. The sawing forces of segments increase with the increase of the feed speed and cutting length, and show a decrease trend with the increase of the rotation speed of the crank. What's more, the forces in backward stroke are higher than that of forward stroke. Well-developed matrix tails are formed behind the diamond grits, while the wear of segments at the front end of the blade is severe than that in the middle and at the rear end, the shapes of the diamond segments changed from trapezoidal into rectangular.

Nonlinear Analysis of Twisted Wind Turbine Blade

AbstractModal analysis is developed in this paper in order to study the dynamic characteristics of rotating segmented blades assembled with spar. Accordingly, a three dimensional finite element model was built using the three node triangular shell element DKT18, which has six degrees of freedom, to model the blade and the spar structures. This study covers the effect of rotation speed and geometrically nonlinear problems on the vibration characteristics of rotating blade with various pretwist angles. Likewise, the effect of the spar in the blade is taken into consideration. The equation of motion for the finite element model is derived by using Hamilton's principle, while the resulting nonlinear equilibrium equation is solved by applying the Newmark method combined with the Newton Raphson schema. Results show that the natural frequencies increase by taking account of the spar, they are also proportional to the angular rotation speed and influenced by geometric nonlinearity and pretwist angle.

Computational Fluid Dynamic Simulation on NACA 0026 Airfoil with V-Groove Riblets

The aims of this research is to look into the percentage drag reduction on a NACA 0026 airfoil with V-Groove riblets installed around at some locations around its surface. NACA 0026 is a symmetrical airfoil mostly used as turbine blade and aircraft wing. Research on drag reduction by using riblets on the surface was introduced by NASA Langley Research Centre in 1970s. There are many types of riblet designed in this research area such as V groove, segmented blade and continuous sawtooth. This research used NACA 0026 with external geometry 500 mm spans, 615 mm chord and 156 mm thickness. V-groove riblets with 1 mm pitch and 1 mm high and 30 mm width are attached at peak points of the airfoil profile. The CFD simulation used ANSYS Fluent to analyze the velocity, pressure gradient, turbulent kinetic energy and vortex development. The result shows the percentage in drag reduction compared to clean surface for the zero angle of attack is 11.8% and 30 0 angle of attack is 1.64%. By this condition the airfoil will have better motion performance in their applications.

A new frame saw machine by diamond segmented blade for cutting granite

An investigation has been undertaken into the stone processing machines. Diamond circular saws and diamond wire saws present some technological limits, and the marble frame saw cannot process granite by now. The present work shows an innovative frame saw machine to cut granite, the eccentric hinge guide mechanism is introduced into the machine. A sawing test and a simulation were carried out to analyze the sawing trajectory, the surface topography of the segments and the percentage of worn diamond particles. In addition, both cutting efficiency and slab flatness were recorded. The results show that the contact area between the blade and granite is not following a straight line, and the time required for stone sawing is only one half of the full sawing cycle. The eccentric hinge guide mechanism facilitates the formation of both matrix tails on the segments and a group of more new micro cutting edges, which improve diamond stability as well as self-sharpening. The proportion of micro-fractured and good diamonds in the new frame saw machine are 45% and 25%, respectively, and the productivity of the new machine is between 6 and 15m2/h. These values are significantly larger than that of the marble frame saw. Thus, the new prototype machine is suitable for sawing granite.

Structural Performance Evaluation of Segmented Wind Turbine Blade through Finite Element Simulation

Transportation of long turbine blades from one place to another is a difficult process. Hence a feasibility study of modularization of wind turbine blade was taken from structural standpoint through finite element analysis. Initially, a non-segmented blade is modeled and its structural behavior is evaluated to serve as reference. The resonant, static bending and fatigue tests are simulated in accordance with IEC61400-23 standard for comparison purpose. The non-segmented test blade is separated at suitable location based on trade off studies and the segments are joined with an innovative double strap bonded joint configuration. The adhesive joint is modeled by adopting cohesive zone modeling approach in ANSYS. The developed blade model is analyzed for its structural response through simulation. Performances of both the blades are found to be similar, which indicates that, efficient segmentation of the long blade is possible which facilitates easy transportation of the blades and on site reassembling. The location selected for segmentation and adopted joint configuration has resulted in an efficient segmented blade model which proves the methodology adopted for segmentation was quite effective. The developed segmented blade appears to be the viable alternative considering its structural response specifically in fatigue within considered assumptions.

Respirable silica dust suppression during artificial stone countertop cutting.

Purpose: To assess the relative efficacy of three types of controls in reducing respirable silica exposure during artificial stone countertop cutting with a handheld circular saw.Approach: A handheld worm drive circular saw equipped with a diamond segmented blade was fitted with water supply to wet the blade as is typical. The normal wetted-blade condition was compared to (i) wetted-blade plus ‘water curtain’ spray and (ii) wetted-blade plus local exhaust ventilation (LEV). Four replicate 30-min trials of 6-mm deep, 3-mm wide cuts in artificial quartz countertop stone were conducted at each condition in a 24-m3 unventilated tent. One dry cutting trial was also conducted for comparison. Respirable cyclone breathing zone samples were collected on the saw operator and analyzed gravimetrically for respirable mass and by X-ray diffraction for respirable quartz mass.Results: Mean quartz content of the respirable dust was 58.5%. The ranges of 30-min mass and quartz task concentrations in mg m−3 were as follows—wet blade alone: 3.54–7.51 and 1.87–4.85; wet blade + curtain: 1.81–5.97 and 0.92–3.41; and wet blade + LEV: 0.20–0.69 and <0.12–0.20. Dry cutting task concentrations were 69.6mg m−3 mass and 44.6mg m−3 quartz. There was a statistically significant difference (α = 0.05) between the wet blade + LEV and wet blade only conditions, but not between the wet blade + curtain and wet blade only conditions, for both respirable dust and respirable silica.Conclusions: Sawing with a wetted blade plus LEV reduced mean respirable dust and quartz task exposures by a factor of 10 compared to the wet blade only condition. We were unable to show a statistically significant benefit of a water curtain in the ejection path, but the data suggested some respirable dust suppression.

A smart segmented blade system for reducing weight of the wind turbine rotor

The paper proposes a novel design concept for the wind turbine rotors. The design is composed of the segmented blades and a hinged-rods support structure (SBHR) as a means of reducing weight through alleviating the moment on the blade. A prototype of the design is manufactured. Focusing on the hinged-rods support structure (HRSS), a method combining the experiments and numerical calculation is developed to analyze its feasibility. The experiments in the wind tunnel platform were conducted to measure the loads at the root of the isolated blade and in the rods. A numerical model was developed to describe the designed wind turbine rotor using the measured loads in experiments. In the model, the mounting locations of the hinged rods significantly affected the moment distribution on the blade. Thus, two dimensionless indexes were determined to analyze its influences. The model perfectly explain the characteristics of the novel structure under different configurations. The results demonstrated that the moment of the blade below the hinged location were alleviated, which reduced the requirements for the material. A 43.1% reduction of the maximum moment can be achieved in the design. In addition, the gross reduced weight of the blade was estimated to be 35.4% based on the blade mass distribution along the span.

The Effects of Machining Parameters on the Position of Resultant Force in Sawing of Granite

The effects of the machining parameters on the relative position of the resultant force were analyzed in circular sawing of granite with a diamond segmented blade. The horizontal and vertical force components and the power were measured. Calculated tangential and normal force components were subsequently used to calculate the relative position of resultant force besides the horizontal and vertical force components. It was found that the value of the relative position of resultant force in down sawing is less than that in up sawing. The shift of sawing swarf has heavy influence on the relative position of resultant force.

Analytical Study of Temperatures in Sawing with Segmented Blades

Analytical Study of Temperatures in Sawing with Segmented Blades