Towards Structural Topology Optimization of Rotor Blisks

The current trend in turbomachinery is pushing forward more and more efficient machines, increasing speeds, reducing components mass and improving their vibrational behaviour. Structural topology optimization is a challenging and promising approach to satisfy all these demands, with a very remarkable economic impact. This approach enables the creation of structures characterized by complex three-dimensional geometries, which are usually difficult or impossible to be produced using traditional manufacturing processes. However, thanks to innovative technologies, as new additive manufacturing techniques, it is now possible to effectively exploit topology optimization to develop innovative components. The aim of this work is to demonstrate the applicability of structural topology optimization techniques in turbomachinery, to improve the dynamic performances and vibrational behaviour of critical components. A 3D mock-up blade geometry based on T106 profile has been designed to reproduce a typical rotor blade in design conditions. The blade has been mounted on a rough disk model, to obtain a rotor blisk in order to ensure a wide design space for the optimization. The optimization has been carried out by applying mean and fluctuating loads coming from a 3D unsteady computation of 1.5stage (stator-rotor-stator) together with the centrifugal stresses. The unsteady loads acting on the rotor skin are due to the wake of the upstream stator and the potential field generated by the downstream stator. A new concept design for the blisk has been developed and the optimized geometry has been compared to the original one to highlight the improvements in terms of mass reduction and improved dynamic behaviour. This paper will confirm the suitability of this approach to turbomachinery components and a prototype of optimized geometry will be ready to be manufactured through innovative additive manufacturing techniques for high resistance alloys.