17937851. VIBRATION DAMPING SYSTEM FOR TURBOMACHINE NOZZLE OR BLADE USING VOLUTE SPRING VIBRATION DAMPING ELEMENT simplified abstract (GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY)

VIBRATION DAMPING SYSTEM FOR TURBOMACHINE NOZZLE OR BLADE USING VOLUTE SPRING VIBRATION DAMPING ELEMENT

Organization Name

GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY

Inventor(s)

James Zhang of Simpsonville SC (US)

John McConnell Delvaux of Fountain Inn SC (US)

Zachary John Snider of Simpsonville SC (US)

VIBRATION DAMPING SYSTEM FOR TURBOMACHINE NOZZLE OR BLADE USING VOLUTE SPRING VIBRATION DAMPING ELEMENT - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 17937851 titled 'VIBRATION DAMPING SYSTEM FOR TURBOMACHINE NOZZLE OR BLADE USING VOLUTE SPRING VIBRATION DAMPING ELEMENT

Simplified Explanation

The vibration damping system described in the patent application is designed for turbomachine nozzles or blades and includes a volute spring vibration damping element installed within a body opening in the turbomachine component. The volute spring vibration damping element consists of a spiral coil made of a metal sheet strip, with the surface of the strip contacting itself in the direction of the coil axis. The element is sized to frictionally engage the inner dimension of the body opening to dampen vibration, and both the body opening and the element have a conical perspective shape.

• Vibration damping system for turbomachine components
• Includes volute spring vibration damping element made of metal sheet strip
• Frictionally engages body opening to dampen vibration
• Conical perspective shape for both body opening and damping element

Potential Applications

The technology could be applied in various turbomachinery systems where vibration damping is required, such as aircraft engines, power generation turbines, and industrial compressors.

Problems Solved

1. Reduces vibration in turbomachine components, which can lead to improved performance and longevity. 2. Helps prevent damage to surrounding structures caused by excessive vibration.

Benefits

1. Increased efficiency and reliability of turbomachinery systems. 2. Extended lifespan of turbomachine components. 3. Enhanced safety by reducing the risk of vibration-related failures.

Potential Commercial Applications

1. Aerospace industry for aircraft engines. 2. Energy sector for power generation turbines. 3. Manufacturing sector for industrial compressors.

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art could be traditional vibration damping systems using rubber or elastomeric materials, which may not provide the same level of performance and durability as the volute spring vibration damping element described in the patent application.

Unanswered Questions

How does the volute spring vibration damping element compare to other types of vibration damping systems in terms of effectiveness and longevity?

The article does not provide a direct comparison between the volute spring vibration damping element and other types of vibration damping systems, leaving the reader to wonder about the relative performance and durability of different technologies.

Are there any specific maintenance requirements or limitations associated with the use of the volute spring vibration damping element in turbomachinery applications?

The article does not address any potential maintenance needs or operational limitations that may arise from using the volute spring vibration damping element, leaving the reader curious about the practical considerations of implementing this technology in real-world scenarios.

Original Abstract Submitted

A vibration damping system includes a vibration damping element for a turbomachine nozzle or blade. A body opening extends through the turbomachine nozzle or blade between the tip end and the base end thereof. A vibration damping element includes a volute spring vibration damping element configured to be installed within the body opening in the turbomachine nozzle or blade. The volute spring vibration damping element includes a spiral coil of a metal sheet strip with a surface of the metal sheet strip contacting itself in a direction of an axis of the coil. The body opening has an inner dimension, and the volute spring vibration damping element has an outer dimension sized to frictionally engage the inner dimension of the body opening to dampen vibration. In certain embodiments, the body opening and the volute spring vibration damping element each have a conical perspective shape.