Centrifugal stresses in rotors of arbitrary cross section.

Abstract

Many rotors of recent design must run at the highest possible peripheral speeds, for example, gas or vapor turbines for space flight. Therefore, to reduce weight, a more accurate and adaptable solution is needed. Although there are many methods of determining the stresses in symmetrical disks it is desirable to have available an accurate solution for rotors of arbitrary cross section. This paper presents a method for calculation of the centrifugal elastic stresses in rotors of arbitrary and unsymmetrical cross section. The method is essentially a digital computer solution for the elastic stress components. The solution is restricted to the usual assumption of linearity of stress with strain. Also, the present solution does not take into account variations in Poisson's ratio and rotor density. Provision is made for externally applied stresses such as those due to blades located on the rotor periphery. Setting up the problem consists only of preparing the data cards. An illustrative example is presented to show the manner of data card preparation. Due to time limitations program results were not investigated but await further investigations. This method, when complete, should reduce the time and expense now necessary in utilizing spin test facilities.