Implementation of creep-fatigue model into finite-element code to assess cooled turbine blade.

Abstract

Turbine blades which are designed with airfoil cooling are subject to thermo-mechanical fatigue as well as creep damage. These problems arise due to thermal cycling and high operating temperatures in service. An implementation of fatigue and creep damage models into a finite element code is presented. The implementation was designed to be practical and streamlined, as the damage models used require a minimum of materials testing; and by integrating all the code into an existing finite element package, there is no need to search through or transfer large amounts of output data in order to assess results.