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Open Access
Article
Publication date: 20 March 2024

Guijian Xiao, Tangming Zhang, Yi He, Zihan Zheng and Jingzhe Wang

The purpose of this review is to comprehensively consider the material properties and processing of additive titanium alloy and provide a new perspective for the robotic grinding…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this review is to comprehensively consider the material properties and processing of additive titanium alloy and provide a new perspective for the robotic grinding and polishing of additive titanium alloy blades to ensure the surface integrity and machining accuracy of the blades.

Design/methodology/approach

At present, robot grinding and polishing are mainstream processing methods in blade automatic processing. This review systematically summarizes the processing characteristics and processing methods of additive manufacturing (AM) titanium alloy blades. On the one hand, the unique manufacturing process and thermal effect of AM have created the unique processing characteristics of additive titanium alloy blades. On the other hand, the robot grinding and polishing process needs to incorporate the material removal model into the traditional processing flow according to the processing characteristics of the additive titanium alloy.

Findings

Robot belt grinding can solve the processing problem of additive titanium alloy blades. The complex surface of the blade generates a robot grinding trajectory through trajectory planning. The trajectory planning of the robot profoundly affects the machining accuracy and surface quality of the blade. Subsequent research is needed to solve the problems of high machining accuracy of blade profiles, complex surface material removal models and uneven distribution of blade machining allowance. In the process parameters of the robot, the grinding parameters, trajectory planning and error compensation affect the surface quality of the blade through the material removal method, grinding force and grinding temperature. The machining accuracy of the blade surface is affected by robot vibration and stiffness.

Originality/value

This review systematically summarizes the processing characteristics and processing methods of aviation titanium alloy blades manufactured by AM. Combined with the material properties of additive titanium alloy, it provides a new idea for robot grinding and polishing of aviation titanium alloy blades manufactured by AM.

Details

Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing and Special Equipment, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2633-6596

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 March 2023

Huanjun Li and Yimin Zhang

There are three purposes in this paper: to verify the importance of bi-directional fluid-structure interaction algorithm for centrifugal impeller designs; to study the…

Abstract

Purpose

There are three purposes in this paper: to verify the importance of bi-directional fluid-structure interaction algorithm for centrifugal impeller designs; to study the relationship between the flow inside the impeller and the vibration of the blade; study the influence of material properties on flow field and vibration of centrifugal blades.

Design/methodology/approach

First, a bi-directional fluid-structure coupling finite element numerical model of the supersonic semi-open centrifugal impeller is established based on the Workbench platform. Then, the calculation results of impeller polytropic efficiency and stage total pressure ratio are compared with the experimental results from the available literature. Finally, the flow field and vibrational characteristics of 17-4PH (PHB), aluminum alloy (AAL) and carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFP) blades are compared under different operating conditions.

Findings

The results show that the flow fields performance and blade vibration influence each other. The flow fields performance and vibration resistance of CFP blades are higher than those of 17-4PH (PHB) and aluminum alloy (AAL) blades. At the design speed, compared with the PHB blades and AAL blades, the CFP blades deformation is reduced by 34.5% and 9%, the stress is reduced by 69.6% and 20% and the impeller pressure ratio is increased by 0.8% and 0.14%, respectively.

Originality/value

The importance of fluid-structure interaction to the aerodynamic and structural design of centrifugal impeller is revealed, and the superiority over composite materials in the application of centrifugal impeller is verified.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 33 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 August 2023

Samir Ouchene, Arezki Smaili and Hachimi Fellouah

This paper aims to investigate the problem of estimating the angle of attack (AoA) and relative velocity for vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) blades from computational fluid…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the problem of estimating the angle of attack (AoA) and relative velocity for vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) blades from computational fluid dynamics data.

Design/methodology/approach

Two methods are implemented as function objects within the OpenFOAM framework for estimating the blade’s AoA and relative velocity. For the numerical analysis of the flow around and through the VAWT, 2 D unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) simulations are carried out and validated against experimental data.

Findings

To gain a better understanding of the complex flow features encountered by VAWT blades, the determination of the AoA is crucial. Relying on the geometrically-derived AoA may lead to wrong conclusions about blade aerodynamics.

Practical implications

This study can lead to the development of more robust optimization techniques for enhancing the variable-pitch control mechanism of VAWT blades and improving low-order models based on the blade element momentum theory.

Originality/value

Assessment of the reliability of AoA and relative velocity estimation methods for VAWT’ blades at low-Reynolds numbers using URANS turbulence models in the context of dynamic stall and blade–vortex interactions.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 March 2024

Muhammed Turan Aslan, Bahattin Kanber, Hasan Demirtas and Bilal Sungur

The purpose of this study is analysis of deformation and vibrations of turbine blades produced by high electrolyte pressure during electrochemical machining.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is analysis of deformation and vibrations of turbine blades produced by high electrolyte pressure during electrochemical machining.

Design/methodology/approach

An experimental setup was designed, experiments were conducted and the obtained results were compared with the finite element results. The deformations were measured according to various flow rates of electrolyte. In finite element calculations, the pressure distribution created by the electrolyte on the blade surface was obtained in the ANSYS® (A finite element analysis software) Fluent software and transferred to the static structural where the deformation analysis was carried out. Three different parameters were examined, namely blade thickness, blade material and electrolyte pressure on blade disk caused by mass flow rate. The deformation results were compared with the gap distances between cathode and anode.

Findings

Large deformations were obtained at the free end of the blade and the most curved part of it. The appropriate pressure values for the electrolyte to be used in the production of blisk blades were proposed numerically. It has been determined that high pressure applications are not suitable for gap distance lower than 0.5 mm.

Originality/value

When the literature is examined, it is required that the high speed flow of the electrolyte is desired in order to remove the parts that are separated from the anode from the machining area during electrochemical machining. However, the electrolyte flowing at high speeds causes high pressure in the blisk blades, excessive deformation and vibration of the machined part, and as a result, contact of the anode with the cathode. This study provides important findings for smooth electro chemical machining at high electrolyte flows.

Details

Multidiscipline Modeling in Materials and Structures, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1573-6105

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 December 2023

Tianyuan Ji and Wuli Chu

The geometric parameters of the compressor blade have a noteworthy influence on compressor stability, which should be meticulously designed. However, machining inaccuracies cause…

Abstract

Purpose

The geometric parameters of the compressor blade have a noteworthy influence on compressor stability, which should be meticulously designed. However, machining inaccuracies cause the blade geometric parameters to deviate from the ideal design, and the geometric deviation exhibits high randomness. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to quantify the uncertainty and analyze the sensitivity of the impact of blade geometric deviation on compressor stability.

Design/methodology/approach

In this work, the influence of blade geometric deviation is analyzed based on a subsonic compressor rotor stage, and three-dimensional numerical simulations are used to compute samples with different geometric features. A method of combining Halton sequence and non-intrusive polynomial chaos is adopted to carry out uncertainty quantitative analysis. Sobol’ index and Spearman correlation coefficient are used to analysis the sensitivity and correlation between compressor stability and blade geometric deviation, respectively.

Findings

The results show that the compressor stability is most sensitive to the tip clearance deviation, whereas deviations in the leading edge radius, trailing edge radius and chord length have minimal impact on the compressor stability. And, the effects of various blade geometric deviations on the compressor stability are basically independent and linearly superimposed.

Originality/value

This work provided a new approach for uncertainty quantification in compressor stability analysis. The conclusions obtained in this work provide some reference value for the manufacturing and maintenance of rotor blades.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 96 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 February 2023

Tahir Naseem and Azeem Shahzad

The purpose of this study is to examine the flow and heat transfer performance of titanium oxide/water and copper/water nanofluids with varying nanoparticle morphologies by…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the flow and heat transfer performance of titanium oxide/water and copper/water nanofluids with varying nanoparticle morphologies by considering magnetic, Joule heating and viscous dissipation effects. Furthermore, it studies the irreversibility caused by the flow of a hydromagnetic nanofluid past a radiated stretching sheet by considering different shapes of TiO2 and Cu nanoparticles with water as the base fluid.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the authors investigated entropy production in an unsteady two-dimensional magneto-hydrodynamic nanofluid regime using water as the base fluid and five unique TiO2 and Cu nanoparticle morphologies. Using appropriate similarity transformations, the controlling nonlinear system of partial differential equations is transformed into a system of ordinary differential equations. The shooting technique with Runge–Kutta method was then used to solve these equations quantitatively. The findings of this study are depicted graphically, and the skin friction corresponding to various nanoparticle geometries and physical parameter variations is tabulated.

Findings

To assess the reliability of the current findings, a tabular representation of the data was compared to that of previously published studies. It is noted that a reduction in thermal energy was detected as a result of the higher levels of Prandtl number (Pr). It is further analysed that the highest heat energy generation of TiO2 nanoparticles was larger than that of Cu nanoparticles. The most important finding was that the sphere-shaped Cu/H2O nanofluid had the lowest velocity and greatest temperature. Also, Cu nanoparticles in the shape of platelets generate the most entropy, while TiO2 nanoparticles in the shape of spheres generate the least.

Originality/value

To the best of the knowledge of the authors, the attempt to investigate the previously unexplored shape effects of TiO2 and Cu nanoparticles on the heat transfer enhancement and inherent irreversibility caused by hydromagnetic nanofluid flow past a radiated stretching sheet with magnetic, Joule heating and viscous dissipation effects. This study fills this gap in the existing literature and encourages scientists, engineers and businesses to do more research in this area. This model can be used to improve heat transfer in systems that use renewable energy, thermal management in industry and the processing of materials.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 33 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 2022

Thanh-Long Le, Tran Trung Nghia, Hong Duc Thong and Mai Hoang Kim Son

This paper aims to focus on the effect of the operating condition such as the impeller speed on the centrifugal fan performance and flow characteristics. The ability to predict…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on the effect of the operating condition such as the impeller speed on the centrifugal fan performance and flow characteristics. The ability to predict the behavior of the airflow motion in a centrifugal blower is essential for obtaining the topology optimization design.

Design/methodology/approach

A physical model of the air blower consisting of these main parts in a blower system: collector, impeller, outlet flange and volute casing, and the appropriate boundary conditions are set up by ANSYS software. Computation fluid dynamics are performed for the numerical analysis. The calculation of blower performance parameters such as total pressure, efficiency and flow rate is based on the Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes equations and k-εturbulence flow model.

Findings

The numerical results show that the change in operating conditions has a significant effect on the blower performance, and the pressure maintained inside the blower is higher for a larger impeller rotational speed.

Originality/value

This work is original and has not yet been submitted to elsewhere or published previously.

Details

International Journal of Intelligent Unmanned Systems, vol. 11 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2049-6427

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 December 2023

Weixin Zhang, Zhao Liu, Yu Song, Yixuan Lu and Zhenping Feng

To improve the speed and accuracy of turbine blade film cooling design process, the most advanced deep learning models were introduced into this study to investigate the most…

Abstract

Purpose

To improve the speed and accuracy of turbine blade film cooling design process, the most advanced deep learning models were introduced into this study to investigate the most suitable define for prediction work. This paper aims to create a generative surrogate model that can be applied on multi-objective optimization problems.

Design/methodology/approach

The latest backbone in the field of computer vision (Swin-Transformer, 2021) was introduced and improved as the surrogate function for prediction of the multi-physics field distribution (film cooling effectiveness, pressure, density and velocity). The basic samples were generated by Latin hypercube sampling method and the numerical method adopt for the calculation was validated experimentally at first. The training and testing samples were calculated at experimental conditions. At last, the surrogate model predicted results were verified by experiment in a linear cascade.

Findings

The results indicated that comparing with the Multi-Scale Pix2Pix Model, the Swin-Transformer U-Net model presented higher accuracy and computing speed on the prediction of contour results. The computation time for each step of the Swin-Transformer U-Net model is one-third of the original model, especially in the case of multi-physics field prediction. The correlation index reached more than 99.2% and the first-order error was lower than 0.3% for multi-physics field. The predictions of the data-driven surrogate model are consistent with the predictions of the computational fluid dynamics results, and both are very close to the experimental results. The application of the Swin-Transformer model on enlarging the different structure samples will reduce the cost of numerical calculations as well as experiments.

Research limitations/implications

The number of U-Net layers and sample scales has a proper relationship according to equation (8). Too many layers of U-Net will lead to unnecessary nonlinear variation, whereas too few layers will lead to insufficient feature extraction. In the case of Swin-Transformer U-Net model, incorrect number of U-Net layer will reduce the prediction accuracy. The multi-scale Pix2Pix model owns higher accuracy in predicting a single physical field, but the calculation speed is too slow. The Swin-Transformer model is fast in prediction and training (nearly three times faster than multi Pix2Pix model), but the predicted contours have more noise. The neural network predicted results and numerical calculations are consistent with the experimental distribution.

Originality/value

This paper creates a generative surrogate model that can be applied on multi-objective optimization problems. The generative adversarial networks using new backbone is chosen to adjust the output from single contour to multi-physics fields, which will generate more results simultaneously than traditional surrogate models and reduce the time-cost. And it is more applicable to multi-objective spatial optimization algorithms. The Swin-Transformer surrogate model is three times faster to computation speed than the Multi Pix2Pix model. In the prediction results of multi-physics fields, the prediction results of the Swin-Transformer model are more accurate.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 September 2023

Xiaohan Xu, Xudong Huang, Ke Zhang and Ming Zhou

In general, the existing compressor design methods require abundant knowledge and inspiration. The purpose of this study is to identify an intellectual design optimization method…

Abstract

Purpose

In general, the existing compressor design methods require abundant knowledge and inspiration. The purpose of this study is to identify an intellectual design optimization method that enables a machine to learn how to design it.

Design/methodology/approach

The airfoil design process was solved using the reinforcement learning (RL) method. An intellectual method based on a modified deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG) algorithm was implemented. The new method was applied to agents to learn the design policy under dynamic constraints. The agents explored the design space with the help of a surrogate model and airfoil parameterization.

Findings

The agents successfully learned to design the airfoils. The loss coefficients of a controlled diffusion airfoil improved by 1.25% and 3.23% in the two- and four-dimensional design spaces, respectively. The agents successfully learned to design under various constraints. Additionally, the modified DDPG method was compared with a genetic algorithm optimizer, verifying that the former was one to two orders of magnitude faster in policy searching. The NACA65 airfoil was redesigned to verify the generalization.

Originality/value

It is feasible to consider the compressor design as an RL problem. Trained agents can determine and record the design policy and adapt it to different initiations and dynamic constraints. More intelligence is demonstrated than when traditional optimization methods are used. This methodology represents a new, small step toward the intelligent design of compressors.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 40 no. 9/10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 April 2024

Metin Uzun

This research study aims to minimize autonomous flight cost and maximize autonomous flight performance of a slung load carrying rotary wing mini unmanned aerial vehicle (i.e. UAV…

Abstract

Purpose

This research study aims to minimize autonomous flight cost and maximize autonomous flight performance of a slung load carrying rotary wing mini unmanned aerial vehicle (i.e. UAV) by stochastically optimizing autonomous flight control system (AFCS) parameters. For minimizing autonomous flight cost and maximizing autonomous flight performance, a stochastic design approach is benefitted over certain parameters (i.e. gains of longitudinal PID controller of a hierarchical autopilot system) meanwhile lower and upper constraints exist on these design parameters.

Design/methodology/approach

A rotary wing mini UAV is produced in drone Laboratory of Iskenderun Technical University. This rotary wing UAV has three blades main rotor, fuselage, landing gear and tail rotor. It is also able to carry slung loads. AFCS variables (i.e. gains of longitudinal PID controller of hierarchical autopilot system) are stochastically optimized to minimize autonomous flight cost capturing rise time, settling time and overshoot during longitudinal flight and to maximize autonomous flight performance. Found outcomes are applied during composing rotary wing mini UAV autonomous flight simulations.

Findings

By using stochastic optimization of AFCS for rotary wing mini UAVs carrying slung loads over previously mentioned gains longitudinal PID controller when there are lower and upper constraints on these variables, a high autonomous performance having rotary wing mini UAV is obtained.

Research limitations/implications

Approval of Directorate General of Civil Aviation in Republic of Türkiye is essential for real-time rotary wing mini UAV autonomous flights.

Practical implications

Stochastic optimization of AFCS for rotary wing mini UAVs carrying slung loads is properly valuable for recovering autonomous flight performance cost of any rotary wing mini UAV.

Originality/value

Establishing a novel procedure for improving autonomous flight performance cost of a rotary wing mini UAV carrying slung loads and introducing a new process performing stochastic optimization of AFCS for rotary wing mini UAVs carrying slung loads meanwhile there exists upper and lower bounds on design variables.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

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