Lifetime estimations of the operating mechanism of Kaplan turbine runner blades

Abstract

Original scientific paper The paper contains a complex analysis regarding the steps that must be followed in order to estimate the lifetime of the operating mechanism of Kaplan turbine runner blades. The work is structured in 3 parts, every one corresponding to a step that is followed: determination of the real load on operating mechanism, results of operating tests made to determine stress amplitude on operating mechanism lever pin and real fatigue cycles, numerical simulation of stresses on lever pin, lifetime estimations. The work reveals: the area where the maximum stress is located, the value of stress amplitude for lever pin, the location of maximum elongation and the importance of knowing the real number of fatigue cycles in lifetime estimations process.