Gary T Yetto

US Patent:

8277189, Oct 2, 2012

Filed:

Nov 12, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/617683

Inventors:

Alan Richard DeMania - Niskayuna NY, US
F. Timothy Wendell - Fonda NY, US
Gary J. Yetto - Clifton Park NY, US

Assignee:

General Electric Company - Schenectady NY

International Classification:

F01D 5/14

US Classification:

416193A, 416236 R

Abstract:

Embodiments of the invention relate generally to turbine blades and rotors and, more particularly, to turbine blades having, among other features, complimentarily shaped integral covers and bases capable of increasing stiffness and damping characteristics while decreasing vibratory stress. In one embodiment, the invention provides a turbine blade comprising: an elongate vane having a twisted configuration about a longitudinal axis thereof, the elongate vane having a leading face and a trailing face; a base at a proximal end of the elongate vane, the base having: a substantially planar member substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the elongate vane; and a dovetail member on a surface of the planar member opposite the elongate vane; and a cover member at a distal end of the elongate vane, the cover member having a leading face and a trailing face.