Abstract:
A turbine blisk is provided. The turbine blisk includes an inner rim, a plurality of adjacent rotor blades extending radially outward from said inner rim, a shroud segment integrally coupled to each of the plurality of adjacent rotor blades, thereby forming a plurality of adjacent shroud segments, and a gap defined between each of the adjacent shroud segments. The gap has a geometry that facilitates interlocking the plurality of adjacent shroud segments when a torsional force is applied to the plurality of adjacent rotor blades.
Abstract:
Various embodiments of a circuit breaker are described where a movable bridge connector is employed as part of the conductive path when the circuit breaker is in a closed configuration. When the circuit is opened, the connector is displaced from the two fixed contacts otherwise bridged by the connector. In one such embodiment, the circuit breaker utilizes the electromagnetic forces generated in response to the opening event to break the circuit.
Abstract:
Embodiments of a tri-stable flexure mechanism are described where a resilient component is present that serves as both a structural component in the kinematic chain of the mechanism and as energy storing component of the mechanism. The resilient component maintains a movable arm and an input link in either a first stable state or a second stable state when the ends of the resilient component are held in place so that the resilient component has a state of high elastic strain energy. In a third stable state, where the resilient component is in a relaxed state of lower elastic strain energy, the mechanism may be in a tripped state distinct from the closed and open states.
Abstract:
A rotor assembly is provided. The rotor assembly includes a rotor shaft and at least one blisk integrally formed with the rotor shaft. The at least one blisk includes an inner rim extending circumferentially about the rotor shaft, and a plurality of blades extending radially outward from the inner rim, wherein the rotor shaft and the at least one blisk are defined from a single billet of material.
Abstract:
Embodiments of a tri-stable flexure mechanism are described where a resilient component is present that serves as both a structural component in the kinematic chain of the mechanism and as energy storing component of the mechanism. The resilient component maintains a movable arm and an input link in either a first stable state or a second stable state when the ends of the resilient component are held in place so that the resilient component has a state of high elastic strain energy. In a third stable state, where the resilient component is in a relaxed state of lower elastic strain energy, the mechanism may be in a tripped state distinct from the closed and open states.
Abstract:
Shrouded turbine blisks and methods of manufacturing same are provided. A shrouded turbine blisk includes a central disk portion including an axis of rotation, an inner rim, a plurality of airfoils that extends radially outwardly from the inner rim; and a shroud integrally coupled to each of the plurality of airfoils. The shroud includes a plurality of circumferentially-arranged arcuate shroud segments defined at least in part by gaps positioned between adjacent shroud segments. The central disk portion, the inner rim, the plurality of airfoils, and the shroud are defined from a single billet of blisk material.
Abstract:
A turbine blisk is provided. The turbine blisk includes an inner rim, a plurality of adjacent rotor blades extending radially outward from said inner rim, a shroud segment integrally coupled to each of the plurality of adjacent rotor blades, thereby forming a plurality of adjacent shroud segments, and a gap defined between each of the adjacent shroud segments. The gap has a geometry that facilitates interlocking the plurality of adjacent shroud segments when a torsional force is applied to the plurality of adjacent rotor blades.
Abstract:
Various embodiments of a circuit breaker are described where a movable bridge connector is employed as part of the conductive path when the circuit breaker is in a closed configuration. When the circuit is opened, the connector is displaced from the two fixed contacts otherwise bridged by the connector. In one such embodiment, the circuit breaker utilizes the electromagnetic forces generated in response to the opening event to break the circuit.