Feature article : modern diagnostics and design of high performance blading for steam and gas turbines

Several major developments in the technology of steam and gas turbine blading over the past decade are reviewed. Items such as the Blade Life Algorithm for Dynamic Evaluation (BLADE) Code, computerized fluid dynamics (CFD) flow codes, steam flow measuring technology, and blade vibration instrumentation are discussed. Certain practical modifications In blade groupings, i.e., long-arc shrouding, continuous tie grouping, and integral shroud lockup arrangements are considered. The significance of these developments for the design of modern blading is reviewed, and certain areas where additional research can be expected to deliver a useful return are suggested.