Turbine blade tip shroud surface profiles

Abstract

A tip shroud may include a pair of opposed, axially extending wings configured to couple to an airfoil at a radially outer end thereof. The tip shroud also includes a tip rail extending radially from the pair of opposed, axially extending wings. Tip shroud surface profiles may be of the downstream and/or upstream side of the tip rail, a leading and/or trailing Z-notch of the tip shroud, and/or upstream and/or downstream radially outer surfaces of a wing. The surface profiles may have a nominal profile in accordance with at least part of Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y, Z and perhaps thickness, set forth in a respective table.

Claims

1. A turbine blade tip shroud, comprising: a pair of opposed, axially extending wings configured to couple to an airfoil at a radial outer end of the airfoil, the airfoil having a pressure side and a suction side opposing the pressure side, a leading edge spanning between the pressure side and the suction side, and a trailing edge opposing the leading edge and spanning between the pressure side and the suction side; and a tip rail extending radially from the pair of opposed, axially extending wings, the tip rail having a downstream side, an upstream side opposing the downstream side and a forward-most and radially outermost origin; and wherein the upstream side of the tip rail has a shape having a nominal profile in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y, and Z set forth in TABLE I and originating at the forward-most and radially outermost origin, wherein the Cartesian coordinate values are non-dimensional values of from 0% to 100% convertible to distances by multiplying the X, Y, and Z values by a minimum tip rail X-wise extent expressed in units of distance, and wherein the X, Y, and Z values are connected by lines to define a tip rail upstream side profile.

2. The turbine blade tip shroud of claim 1, wherein the airfoil is part of a third stage turbine blade.

3. The turbine blade tip shroud of claim 1, wherein the downstream side of the tip rail has a shape having a nominal profile in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y, and Z set forth in TABLE II and originating at the forward-most and radially outermost origin, wherein the Cartesian coordinate values are non-dimensional values of from 0% to 100% convertible to distances by multiplying the X, Y, and Z values by the minimum tip rail X-wise extent expressed in units of distance, and wherein the X, Y, and Z values are connected by lines to define a tip rail downstream side profile.

4. The turbine blade tip shroud of claim 1, further comprising a leading Z-notch surface having a shape having a nominal profile and a thickness in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y, Z and thickness values set forth in TABLE III and originating at the forward-most and radially outermost origin, wherein the Cartesian coordinate values are non-dimensional values of from 0% to 100% convertible to distances by multiplying the values by the minimum tip rail X-wise extent, and wherein the X and Y values are joined smoothly with one another to form a leading Z-notch surface profile, wherein the thickness of the leading Z-notch surface profile at each X and Y coordinate value extends radially inwardly from a corresponding Z value.

5. The turbine blade tip shroud of claim 4, further comprising a trailing Z-notch surface having a shape having a nominal profile and a thickness in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y, Z and thickness values set forth in TABLE IV and originating at the forward-most and radially outermost origin of the tip rail, wherein the Cartesian coordinate values are non-dimensional values of from 0% to 100% convertible to distances by multiplying the values by the minimum tip rail X-wise extent, and wherein the X and Y values are joined smoothly with one another to form a trailing Z-notch surface profile, wherein the thickness of the trailing Z-notch surface profile at each X and Y coordinate value extends radially inwardly from a corresponding Z value.

6. The turbine blade tip shroud of claim 1, wherein the pair of opposed, axially extending wings includes a wing on the upstream side of the tip rail and a wing on the downstream side of the tip rail; wherein a radially outer surface of the wing on the upstream side of the tip rail has a shape having a nominal profile in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y, Z set forth in TABLE V and originating at the forward-most and radially outermost origin, wherein the Cartesian coordinate values are non-dimensional values of from 0% to 100% convertible to distances by multiplying the X, Y, and Z values by the minimum tip rail X-wise extent, and wherein the X, Y, and Z values are joined smoothly with one another to form an upstream side radial outer surface profile.

7. The turbine blade tip shroud of claim 6, wherein a radially outer surface of the wing on the downstream side of the tip rail has a shape having a nominal profile in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y, Z set forth in TABLE VI and originating at the forward-most and radially outermost origin, wherein the Cartesian coordinate values are non-dimensional values of from 0% to 100% convertible to distances by multiplying the X, Y, and Z values by the minimum tip rail X-wise extent, and wherein the X, Y, and Z values are joined smoothly with one another to form a downstream side radial outer surface profile.

8. A turbine blade tip shroud, comprising: a pair of opposed, axially extending wings configured to couple to an airfoil at a radially outer end of the airfoil, the airfoil having a suction side and a pressure side opposing the suction side, a leading edge spanning between the pressure side and the suction side, and a trailing edge opposing the leading edge and spanning between the pressure side and the suction side; a tip rail extending radially from the pair of opposed, axially extending wings, the tip rail having a downstream side, an upstream side opposing the downstream side, and a forward-most and radially outermost origin; and a leading Z-notch surface having a shape having a nominal profile and a thickness in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y, Z and thickness values set forth in TABLE III and originating at the forward-most and radially outermost origin, wherein the Cartesian coordinate values are non-dimensional values of from 0% to 100% convertible to distances by multiplying the values by a minimum tip rail X-wise extent, and wherein the X and Y values are joined smoothly with one another to form a leading Z-notch surface profile, wherein the thickness of the leading Z-notch surface profile at each X and Y coordinate value extends radially inwardly from a corresponding Z value.

9. The turbine blade tip shroud of claim 8, wherein the airfoil is part of a third stage turbine blade.

10. The turbine blade tip shroud of claim 9, wherein the upstream side of the tip rail has a shape having a nominal profile in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y, and Z set forth in TABLE I and originating at the forward-most and radially outermost origin, wherein the Cartesian coordinate values are non-dimensional values of from 0% to 100% convertible to distances by multiplying the X, Y, and Z values by the minimum tip rail X-wise extent expressed in units of distance, and wherein the X, Y, and Z values are connected by lines to define a tip rail upstream side profile.

11. The turbine blade tip shroud of claim 10, wherein the downstream side of the tip rail has a shape having a nominal profile in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y, and Z set forth in TABLE II and originating at the forward-most and radially outermost origin, wherein the Cartesian coordinate values are non-dimensional values of from 0% to 100% convertible to distances by multiplying the X, Y, and Z values by the minimum tip rail X-wise extent expressed in units of distance, and wherein the X, Y, and Z values are connected by lines to define a tip rail downstream side profile.

12. The turbine blade tip shroud of claim 8, further comprising a trailing Z-notch surface having a shape having a nominal profile and a thickness in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y, Z and thickness values set forth in TABLE IV and originating at the forward-most and radially outermost origin of the tip rail, wherein the Cartesian coordinate values are non-dimensional values of from 0% to 100% convertible to distances by multiplying the values by the minimum tip rail X-wise extent, and wherein the X and Y values are joined smoothly with one another to form a trailing Z-notch surface profile, wherein the thickness of the trailing Z-notch surface profile at each X and Y coordinate value extends radially inwardly from a corresponding Z value.

13. The turbine blade tip shroud of claim 8, wherein a radially outer surface of the wing on the upstream side of the tip rail has a shape having a nominal profile in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y, Z set forth in TABLE V and originating at the forward-most and radially outermost origin, wherein the Cartesian coordinate values are non-dimensional values of from 0% to 100% convertible to distances by multiplying the X, Y, and Z values by the minimum tip rail X-wise extent, and wherein the X, Y, and Z values are joined smoothly with one another to form an upstream side radial outer surface profile.

14. The turbine blade tip shroud of claim 13, wherein a radially outer surface of the wing on the downstream side of the tip rail has a shape having a nominal profile in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y, Z set forth in TABLE VI and originating at the forward-most and radially outermost origin, wherein the Cartesian coordinate values are non-dimensional values of from 0% to 100% convertible to distances by multiplying the X, Y, and Z values by the minimum tip rail X-wise extent, and wherein the X, Y, and Z values are joined smoothly with one another to form a downstream side radial outer surface profile.

15. A turbine blade tip shroud, comprising: a pair of opposed, axially extending wings configured to couple to an airfoil at a radial outer end of the airfoil, the airfoil having a pressure side and a suction side opposing the pressure side, a leading edge spanning between the pressure side and the suction side, and a trailing edge opposing the leading edge and spanning between the pressure side and the suction side; a tip rail extending radially from the pair of opposed, axially extending wings, the tip rail having a downstream side and an upstream side opposing the downstream side and a forward-most and radially outermost origin; and a radially outer surface of the wing on the upstream side of the tip rail has a shape having a nominal profile in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y, Z set forth in TABLE V and originating at the forward-most and radially outermost origin, wherein the Cartesian coordinate values are non-dimensional values of from 0% to 100% convertible to distances by multiplying the X, Y, and Z values by a minimum tip rail X-wise extent, and wherein the X, Y, and Z values are joined smoothly with one another to form an upstream side radial outer surface profile.

16. The turbine blade tip shroud of claim 15, wherein the airfoil is part of a third stage turbine blade.

17. The turbine blade tip shroud of claim 15, wherein the upstream side of the tip rail has a shape having a nominal profile in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y, and Z set forth in TABLE I and originating at the forward-most and radially outermost origin, wherein the Cartesian coordinate values are non-dimensional values of from 0% to 100% convertible to distances by multiplying the X, Y, and Z values by the minimum tip rail X-wise extent expressed in units of distance, and wherein the X, Y, and Z values are connected by lines to define a tip rail upstream side profile; and wherein the downstream side of the tip rail has a shape having a nominal profile in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y, and Z set forth in TABLE II and originating at the forward-most and radially outermost origin, wherein the Cartesian coordinate values are non-dimensional values of from 0% to 100% convertible to distances by multiplying the X, Y, and Z values by the minimum tip rail X-wise extent expressed in units of distance, and wherein the X, Y, and Z values are connected by lines to define a tip rail downstream side profile.

18. The turbine blade tip shroud of claim 15, further comprising a leading Z-notch surface having a shape having a nominal profile and a thickness in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y, Z and thickness values set forth in TABLE III and originating at the forward-most and radially outermost origin, wherein the Cartesian coordinate values are non-dimensional values of from 0% to 100% convertible to distances by multiplying the values by the minimum tip rail X-wise extent, and wherein the X and Y values are joined smoothly with one another to form a leading Z-notch surface profile, wherein the thickness of the leading Z-notch surface profile at each X and Y coordinate value extends radially inwardly from a corresponding Z value; and further comprising a trailing Z-notch surface having a shape having a nominal profile and a thickness in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y, Z and thickness values set forth in TABLE IV and originating at the forward-most and radially outermost origin of the tip rail, wherein the Cartesian coordinate values are non-dimensional values of from 0% to 100% convertible to distances by multiplying the values by the minimum tip rail X-wise extent, and wherein the X and Y values are joined smoothly with one another to form a trailing Z-notch surface profile, wherein the thickness of the trailing Z-notch surface profile at each X and Y coordinate value extends radially inwardly from a corresponding Z value.

19. The turbine blade tip shroud of claim 15, wherein a radially outer surface of the wing on the downstream side of the tip rail has a shape having a nominal profile in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y, Z set forth in TABLE VI and originating at the forward-most and radially outermost origin, wherein the Cartesian coordinate values are non-dimensional values of from 0% to 100% convertible to distances by multiplying the X, Y, and Z values by the minimum tip rail X-wise extent, and wherein the X, Y, and Z values are joined smoothly with one another to form a downstream side radial outer surface profile.

20. A turbine blade tip shroud, comprising: a pair of opposed, axially extending wings configured to couple to an airfoil at a radial outer end of the airfoil, the airfoil having a pressure side and a suction side opposing the pressure side, a leading edge spanning between the pressure side and the suction side, and a trailing edge opposing the leading edge and spanning between the pressure side and the suction side; a tip rail extending radially from the pair of opposed, axially extending wings, the tip rail having a downstream side and an upstream side opposing the downstream side, the tip rail having a forward-most and radially outermost origin; B an upstream side of the tip rail has a shape having a nominal profile in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y, and Z set forth in TABLE I and originating at the forward-most and radially outermost origin, wherein the Cartesian coordinate values are non-dimensional values of from 0% to 100% convertible to distances by multiplying the X, Y, and Z values by a minimum tip rail X-wise extent expressed in units of distance, and wherein the X, Y, and Z values are connected by lines to define a tip rail upstream side profile; a leading Z-notch surface having a shape having a nominal profile and a thickness in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y, Z and thickness values set forth in TABLE III and originating at the forward-most and radially outermost origin, wherein the Cartesian coordinate values are non-dimensional values of from 0% to 100% convertible to distances by multiplying the values by the minimum tip rail X-wise extent, and wherein the X and Y values are joined smoothly with one another to form a leading Z-notch surface profile, wherein the thickness of the leading Z-notch surface profile at each X and Y coordinate value extends radially inwardly from a corresponding Z value; and a radially outer surface of the wing on the upstream side of the tip rail has a shape having a nominal profile in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y, Z set forth in TABLE V and originating at the forward-most and radially outermost origin, wherein the Cartesian coordinate values are non-dimensional values of from 0% to 100% convertible to distances by multiplying the X, Y, and Z values by the minimum tip rail X-wise extent, and wherein the X, Y, and Z values are joined smoothly with one another to form an upstream side radial outer surface profile.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) These and other features of this disclosure will be more readily understood from the following detailed description of the various aspects of the disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings that depict various embodiments of the disclosure, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of an illustrative turbomachine;

(3) FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of an illustrative gas turbine assembly with four stages that may be used with the turbomachine in FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 3 shows a schematic three-dimensional view of an illustrative turbine blade including a tip shroud on a radial outer end of an airfoil, according to various embodiments of the disclosure;

(5) FIG. 4 shows a plan view of a tip shroud, according to various embodiments of the disclosure;

(6) FIG. 5 shows an upstream side view of a tip shroud including points of an upstream tip rail surface profile, according to various embodiments of the disclosure;

(7) FIG. 6 shows a downstream side view of a tip shroud including points of a downstream tip rail surface profile, according to various embodiments of the disclosure;

(8) FIG. 7 shows a rearward perspective view of a tip shroud including points of a leading Z-notch surface profile, according to embodiments of the disclosure;

(9) FIG. 8 shows a forward perspective view of a tip shroud including points of a trailing Z-notch surface profile, according to various embodiments of the disclosure;

(10) FIG. 9 shows a rearward perspective view of a tip shroud including points of a radially outer wing upstream surface profile, according to various embodiments of the disclosure; and

(11) FIG. 10 shows a side perspective view of the tip shroud including points of a radially outer wing downstream surface profile, according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

(12) It is noted that the drawings of the disclosure are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are intended to depict only typical aspects of the disclosure and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the disclosure. In the drawings, like numbering represents like elements between the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

(13) As an initial matter, in order to clearly describe the current technology, it will become necessary to select certain terminology when referring to and describing relevant machine components within a turbomachine. To the extent possible, common industry terminology will be used and employed in a manner consistent with its accepted meaning. Unless otherwise stated, such terminology should be given a broad interpretation consistent with the context of the present application and the scope of the appended claims. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that often a particular component may be referred to using several different or overlapping terms. What may be described herein as being a single part may include and be referenced in another context as consisting of multiple components. Alternatively, what may be described herein as including multiple components may be referred to elsewhere as a single part.

(14) In addition, several descriptive terms may be used regularly herein, and it should prove helpful to define these terms at the onset of this section. These terms and their definitions, unless stated otherwise, are as follows. As used herein, “downstream” and “upstream” are terms that indicate a direction relative to the flow of a fluid, such as the working fluid through the turbine engine or, for example, the flow of air through the combustor or coolant through one of the turbine's component systems. The term “downstream” corresponds to the direction of flow of the fluid, and the term “upstream” refers to the direction opposite to the flow. The terms “forward” and “aft,” without any further specificity, refer to directions, with “forward” referring to the front or compressor end of the engine, and “aft” referring to the rearward or turbine end of the engine.

(15) It is often required to describe parts that are disposed at differing radial positions with regard to a center axis. The term “radial” refers to movement or position perpendicular to an axis. For example, if a first component resides closer to the axis than a second component, it will be stated herein that the first component is “radially inward” or “inboard” of the second component. If, on the other hand, the first component resides further from the axis than the second component, it may be stated herein that the first component is “radially outward” or “outboard” of the second component. The term “axial” refers to movement or position parallel to an axis A, e.g., rotor shaft 110. Finally, the term “circumferential” refers to movement or position around an axis. It will be appreciated that such terms may be applied in relation to the center axis of the turbine.

(16) In addition, several descriptive terms may be used regularly herein, as described below. The terms “first”, “second”, and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components.

(17) The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. “Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur and that the description includes instances where the event occurs and instances where it does not.

(18) Where an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged to, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

(19) Various aspects of the disclosure are directed toward surface profiles of a tip shroud of turbine rotor blades that rotate (hereinafter, “blade” or “turbine blade”). Embodiments of the tip shroud include a pair of opposed, axially extending wings configured to couple to an airfoil at a radially outer end of the airfoil. The airfoil has a suction side and a pressure side opposing the suction side, a leading edge spanning between the pressure side and the suction side, and a trailing edge opposing the leading edge and spanning between the pressure side and the suction side. Generally, the pressure side faces upstream, and the suction side faces downstream.

(20) The tip shrouds also include a tip rail extending radially from the pair of opposed, axially extending wings. The tip rail has a downstream side and an upstream side opposing the downstream side. The tip rail also includes a forward-most and radially outermost origin that acts as a reference point or origin for the surface profiles, as described herein. Tip shroud surface profiles may be of the downstream and/or upstream side of the tip rail, a leading and/or trailing Z-notch of the tip shroud, and/or an upstream and/or downstream side radially outer surface of a wing of the tip shroud. Any combination of the six tip shroud surface profiles described herein in TABLES I-VI may be used in the present tip shroud, according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.

(21) The surface profiles are stated as shapes having a nominal profile in accordance with at least part of Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y, Z, and perhaps a thickness, set forth in a respective table. The Cartesian coordinates originate at the forward-most and radially outermost origin of the tip rail. The Cartesian coordinate values are non-dimensional values of from 0% to 100% convertible to distances by multiplying the values by a particular normalizing parameter value expressed in units of distance. That is, the coordinate values in the tables are percentages of the normalized parameter, so the multiplication of the actual, desired distance of the normalized parameter renders the actual coordinates of the surface profile for a tip shroud having that actual, desired distance of the normalized parameter.

(22) As will be described further herein, the normalizing parameter may vary depending on the particular surface profile. For purposes of this disclosure, the normalizing parameter may be a minimum tip rail X-wise extent 270 (FIG. 4) of tip rail 250. The actual X values of the tip rail surface profile can be rendered by multiplying values in the particular table by the actual, desired minimum tip rail X-wise extent 270 (e.g., 2.2 centimeters), as the case may be. In any event, the X and Y values, and Z values where provided, are connected by lines and/or arcs to define smooth surface profiles.

(23) Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an illustrative turbomachine 90 in the form of a combustion turbine or gas turbine (GT) system 100 (hereinafter “GT system 100”). GT system 100 includes a compressor 102 and a combustor 104. Combustor 104 includes a combustion region 105 and a fuel nozzle assembly 106. GT system 100 also includes a turbine 108 and a common compressor/turbine rotor shaft 110 (hereinafter referred to as “rotor shaft 110”). In one non-limiting embodiment, GT system 100 may be a 9HA.01 or 9HA.02 engine, commercially available from General Electric Company, Greenville, S.C. The present disclosure is not limited to any one particular GT system and may be implemented in connection with other engines including, for example, other HA, F, B, LM, GT, TM and E-class engine models of General Electric Company, and engine models of other companies. Further, the teachings of the disclosure are not necessarily applicable to only a GT system and may be applied to other types of turbomachines, e.g., steam turbines, jet engines, compressors, etc.

(24) FIG. 2 shows a cross-section view of an illustrative portion of turbine 108 with four stages L0-L3 that may be used with GT system 100 in FIG. 1. The four stages are referred to as L0, L1, L2, and L3. Stage L0 is the first stage and is the smallest (in a radial direction) of the four stages. Stage L1 is the second stage and is the next stage in an axial direction (i.e., downstream of Stage L0). Stage L2 is the third stage and is the next stage in an axial direction (i.e., downstream of Stage L1). Stage L3 is the fourth, last stage (downstream of Stage L2) and is the largest (in a radial direction). It is to be understood that four stages are shown as one non-limiting example only, and each turbine may have more or less than four stages.

(25) A set of stationary vanes or nozzles 112 cooperate with a set of rotating blades 114 to form each stage L0-L3 of turbine 108 and to define a portion of a flow path through turbine 108. Rotating blades 114 in each set are coupled to a respective rotor wheel 116 that couples them circumferentially to rotor shaft 110. That is, a plurality of rotating blades 114 is mechanically coupled in a circumferentially spaced manner to each rotor wheel 116. A static blade section 115 includes stationary nozzles 112 circumferentially spaced around rotor shaft 110. Each nozzle 112 may include at least one endwall (or platform) 120, 122 connected with airfoil 130. In the example shown, nozzle 112 includes a radially outer endwall 120 and a radially inner endwall 122. Radially outer endwall 120 couples nozzle 112 to a casing 124 of turbine 108.

(26) In operation, air flows through compressor 102, and compressed air is supplied to combustor 104. Specifically, the compressed air is supplied to fuel nozzle assembly 106 that is integral to combustor 104. Fuel nozzle assembly 106 is in flow communication with combustion region 105. Fuel nozzle assembly 106 is also in flow communication with a fuel source (not shown in FIG. 1) and channels fuel and air to combustion region 105. Combustor 104 ignites and combusts fuel. Combustor 104 is in flow communication with turbine 108 within which gas stream thermal energy is converted to mechanical rotational energy. Turbine 108 is rotatably coupled to and drives rotor shaft 110. Compressor 102 may also be rotatably coupled to rotor shaft 110. In the illustrative embodiment, there are several combustors 104 and fuel nozzle assemblies 106. In the following discussion, unless otherwise indicated, only one of each component will be discussed. At least one end of rotating rotor shaft 110 may extend axially away from turbine 108 and may be attached to a load or machinery (not shown), such as, but not limited to, a generator, a load compressor, and/or another turbine.

(27) FIG. 3 shows an enlarged perspective view of an illustrative turbine rotor blade 114 in detail as a blade 200. For purposes of description, a legend may be provided in the drawings in which the X-axis extends generally axially (i.e., along axis A of rotor shaft 110 (FIG. 1)), the Y-axis extends generally perpendicular to axis A of rotor shaft 110 (FIG. 1) (indicating a circumferential plane), and the Z-axis extends radially, relative to an axis A of rotor shaft 110 (FIG. 1). The Z-axis is perpendicular to both the X-axis and the Y-axis. Relative to FIG. 3, the legend arrowheads' directions show the direction of positive coordinate values.

(28) Blade 200 is a rotatable (dynamic) blade, which is part of the set of turbine rotor blades 114 circumferentially dispersed about rotor shaft 110 (FIG. 1) in a stage of a turbine (e.g., turbine 108). That is, during operation of a turbine, as a working fluid (e.g., gas or steam) is directed across the blade's airfoil, blade 200 will initiate rotation of a rotor shaft (e.g., rotor shaft 110) and rotate about axis A defined by rotor shaft 110. It is understood that blade 200 is configured to couple (mechanically couple via fasteners, welds, slot/grooves, etc.) with a plurality of similar or distinct blades (e.g., blades 200 or other blades) to form a set of blades in a stage of the turbine. Referring to FIG. 2, in various non-limiting embodiments, blade 200 can include a first stage (L0) blade, second stage (L1) blade, third stage (L2) blade, or fourth stage (L3) blade. In particular embodiments, blade 200 is a third stage (L2) blade. In various embodiments, turbine 108 can include a set of blades 200 in only the first stage (L0) of turbine 108, or in only second stage (L1), or in only third stage (L2), or in only fourth stage (L3) of turbine 108.

(29) Returning to FIG. 3, blade 200 can include an airfoil 202 having a pressure side 204 (obstructed in this view) and a suction side 206 opposing pressure side 204. Blade 200 can also include a leading edge 208 spanning between pressure side 204 and suction side 206, and a trailing edge 210 opposing leading edge 208 and spanning between pressure side 204 and suction side 206. As noted, pressure side 204 of airfoil 202 generally faces upstream, and suction side 206 generally faces downstream.

(30) As shown, blade 200 can also include airfoil 202 that extends from a root end 213 to a radial outer end 222. More particularly, blade 200 includes airfoil 202 coupled to a platform 212 at root end 213 and coupled to a turbine blade tip shroud 220 (hereinafter “tip shroud 220”) on a tip end or radial outer end 222 thereof. Root end 213 is illustrated as including a dovetail 224 in FIG. 3, but root end 213 can have any suitable configuration to connect to rotor shaft 110. Root end 213 can be connected, via platform 212, with airfoil 202 along pressure side 204, suction side 206, leading edge 208, and trailing edge 210.

(31) In various embodiments, blade 200 includes a fillet 214 proximate a radially inner end 226 of airfoil 202, fillet 214 connecting airfoil 202 and platform 212. Fillet 214 can include a weld or braze fillet, which may be formed via conventional metal inert gas (MIG) welding, tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding, brazing, etc. Fillet 214 can include such forms as integral to the investment casting process or definition. Root end 213 is configured to fit into a mating slot (e.g., dovetail slot) in the turbine rotor shaft (e.g., rotor shaft 110) and to mate with adjacent components of other blades 200. Root end 213 is intended to be located radially inboard of airfoil 202 and to be formed in any complementary configuration to the rotor shaft.

(32) Tip shroud 220 can be connected with airfoil 202 along pressure side 204, suction side 206, leading edge 208, and trailing edge 210. In various embodiments, blade 200 includes a fillet 228 proximate radially outer end 222 of airfoil 202. Fillet 228 may connect airfoil 202 and tip shroud 220. Fillet 228 can include a weld or braze fillet, which may be formed via conventional MIG welding, TIG welding, brazing, etc. Fillet 228 can include such forms as integral to the investment casting process or definition. In certain embodiments, fillets 214 and/or fillet 228 can be shaped to enhance aerodynamic efficiencies and to provide parts of certain surface profiles as described herein.

(33) FIG. 4 shows a plan view of tip shroud 220, according to embodiments of the disclosure. FIG. 5 shows an upstream side perspective view of tip shroud 220 including points of an upstream tip rail surface profile, according to various embodiments of the disclosure; and FIG. 6 shows a downstream side view of a tip shroud including points of a downstream tip rail surface profile, according to various embodiments of the disclosure. FIG. 7 shows a rearward perspective view of an upstream side 252 of a tip rail 250 showing points of a leading edge Z-notch surface profile; and FIG. 8 shows a forward perspective view of a downstream side 254 of tip rail 250 showing points of a trailing edge Z-notch surface profile. FIG. 9 shows a rearward perspective view of an upstream side 252 of tip shroud 220 showing points of an upstream side, radial outer surface profile, and FIG. 10 shows a side perspective view of a downstream side 254 of tip shroud 220 showing points of a downstream side, radial outer surface profile. Data points illustrated in the drawings, e.g., FIGS. 4-10, are schematically represented, and may not match data points in the tables, described hereafter.

(34) With reference to FIGS. 3-10 collectively, tip shroud 220 may include a pair of opposed, axially extending wings 230 configured to couple to airfoil 202 at radially outer end 222 of airfoil 202 (e.g., via fillet 228). More particularly, as shown best in FIGS. 4-8, tip shroud 220 may include an upstream side wing 232 and a downstream side wing 234. Upstream side wing 232 extends generally circumferentially away from tip rail 250 over pressure side 204 of airfoil 202, and downstream side wing 234 extends generally circumferentially away from tip rail 250 over suction side 206 of airfoil 202. Upstream side wing 232 includes a radial outer surface 236 facing generally radially outward from axis A of rotor shaft 110 (FIG. 1), and a radially inner surface 238 facing generally radially inward toward axis A of rotor shaft 110 (FIG. 1). Similarly, downstream side wing 234 includes a radial outer surface 240 facing generally radially outward from axis A of rotor shaft 110 (FIG. 1), and a radially inner surface 242 facing generally radially inward toward axis A of rotor shaft 110 (FIG. 1).

(35) Tip shroud 220 also includes tip rail 250 extending radially from the pair of opposed, axially extending wings 230. Tip rail 250 has an upstream side 252 and a downstream side 254 opposing upstream side 252. Upstream side 252 of tip rail 250 faces generally circumferentially towards pressure side 204 of airfoil 202 and melds smoothly according to the surface profiles described herein with radial outer surface 236 of upstream side wing 232. Similarly, downstream side 254 of tip rail 250 faces generally circumferentially towards suction side 206 of airfoil 202 and melds smoothly according to the surface profiles described herein with radial outer surface 240 of downstream side wing 234. As shown in FIGS. 4-7 and 9, tip rail 250 includes a forward-most and radially outermost origin (point) 260 at an end thereof. (As shown for reference purposes only in FIGS. 4-6, 8 and 10, tip rail 250 may also include a rearward-most and radially outermost origin (point) 262 at an opposing end thereof). Forward-most and radially outermost origin 260 may act as an origin for certain surface profiles described herein.

(36) FIG. 4 also shows a normalization parameter that may be used to make Cartesian coordinate values for the various surface profiles of tip shroud 220 non-denominational and scalable (and vice versa, make non-denominational Cartesian coordinate values actual coordinate values of a tip shroud). As shown in FIG. 4, a “minimum tip rail X-wise extent” 270 is a minimum distance between tip rail upstream side 252 and tip rail downstream side 254 extending in the X-direction, i.e., parallel to axis A of rotor shaft 110 (FIG. 1) along the X-axis. While shown at a particular location, it is recognized that minimum tip rail X-wise extent 270 can be anywhere along tip rail 250 that includes upstream side 252 and downstream side 254, i.e., it excludes the angled ends of tip rail 250.

(37) Referring to FIGS. 5-10, various surface profiles of tip shroud 220 according to embodiments of the disclosure will now be described. The surface profiles are each identified in the form of X, Y, Z coordinates, and perhaps a thickness, listed in a number of tables, i.e., TABLES I-VI. The X, Y, and Z coordinate values and the thickness values in TABLES I-VI have been expressed in normalized or non-dimensionalized form in values of from 0% to 100%, but it should be apparent that any or all of the values could instead be expressed in distance units so long as the percentages and proportions are maintained. To convert X, Y, Z or thickness values of TABLE I-VI to actual respective X, Y or Z coordinate values from the relevant origin (e.g., origin 260 on tip rail 250) and thicknesses at respective data points, in units of distance, such as inches or meters, the non-dimensional values given in TABLE I-VI can be multiplied by a normalization parameter value. As noted, the normalization parameter used herein may be minimum tip rail X-wise extent 270. In any event, by connecting the X, Y and/or Z values with smooth continuing arcs or lines, depending on the surface profile, each surface profile can be ascertained, thus forming the various nominal tip shroud surface profiles.

(38) The values in TABLES I-VI are non-dimensionalized values generated and shown to three decimal places for determining the various nominal surface profiles of tip shroud 220 at ambient, non-operating, or non-hot conditions, and do not take any coatings into account, though embodiments could account for other conditions and/or coatings. To allow for typical manufacturing tolerances and/or coating thicknesses, ±values can be added to the values listed in TABLE I-VI. In one embodiment, a tolerance of about 10-20 percent can be applied. For example, a tolerance of about 5-10 percent applied to a thickness of a Z-notch surface profile in a direction normal to any surface location along the relevant tip shroud radial outer surface can define a Z-notch thickness range at cold or room temperature. In other words, a distance of about 5-10 percent of a thickness of the relevant Z-notch edge can define a range of variation between measured points on an actual tip shroud surface and ideal positions of those points, particularly at a cold or room temperature, as embodied by the disclosure. The tip shroud surface profile configurations, as embodied herein, are robust to this range of variation without impairment of mechanical and aerodynamic functions.

(39) The surface profiles can be scaled larger or smaller, such as geometrically, without impairment of operation. Such scaling can be facilitated by multiplying the normalized/non-dimensionalized values by a common scaling factor (i.e., the actual, desired distance of the normalization parameter), which may be a larger or smaller number of distance units than might have originally been used for a tip shroud, e.g., of a given minimum tip rail X-wise extent, as appropriate. For example, the non-dimensionalized values in TABLE I, particularly the X and Y values, could be multiplied uniformly by a scaling factor of 2, 0.5, or any other desired scaling factor of the relevant normalized parameter. In various embodiments, the X, Y, and Z distances and Z-notch thicknesses are scalable as a function of the same constant or number (e.g., minimum tip rail X-wise extent) to provide a scaled up or scaled down tip shroud. Alternatively, the values could be multiplied by a larger or smaller desired constant.

(40) While the Cartesian values in TABLE I-VI provide coordinate values at predetermined locations, only a portion of Cartesian coordinate values set forth in each table may be employed. In one non-limiting example, with reference to FIG. 6, tip rail downstream side 254 surface profile may use a portion of X, Y, Z coordinate values defined in TABLE II, i.e., from points 5 to 12. Any portion of Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y, Z and thicknesses set forth in TABLES I-VI may be employed.

(41) FIG. 5 shows a number of X, Y, and Z coordinate points that define a tip rail upstream side 252 surface profile. In certain embodiments, upstream side 252 of tip rail 250 has a shape having a nominal profile in accordance with at least part of Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y, and Z set forth in TABLE I (below) and originating at forward-most and radially outermost origin 260. The Cartesian coordinate values are non-dimensional values of from 0% to 100% convertible to distances by multiplying: the X, Y, and Z values by a minimum tip rail X-wise extent 270 (FIG. 4), expressed in units of distance. That is, the normalization parameter for the X, Y, and Z coordinates is minimum tip rail X-wise extent 270 (FIG. 4). When scaling up or down, the X, Y, and Z coordinate values in TABLE I can be multiplied by the actual, desired minimum tip rail X-wise extent 270 (FIG. 4) to identify the corresponding actual X, Y, and Z coordinate values of the tip shroud upstream side 252 surface profile. Collectively, the actual X, Y, and Z coordinate values created identify the tip rail upstream side 252 surface profile, according to embodiments of the disclosure, at any desired size of tip shroud. As shown in FIG. 5, X, Y, and Z values may be connected by lines to define the tip rail upstream side 252 surface profile at a common Z height near the radially outermost edge of tip rail 250.

(42) TABLE-US-00001 TABLE I Tip Rail Upstream Side Surface Profile [non-dimensionalized values] X Y Z 1 1.050 1.458 −0.769 2 1.054 4.078 −0.769 3 1.058 6.697 −0.769 4 1.094 9.316 −0.769 5 1.133 11.935 −0.769 6 1.172 14.555 −0.769 7 1.211 17.174 −0.769 8 1.493 17.912 −0.769 9 2.102 18.396 −0.769 10 2.099 22.890 −0.769 11 1.499 23.371 −0.769 12 1.217 24.100 −0.769 13 1.161 26.564 −0.769 14 1.105 29.028 −0.769 15 1.049 31.492 −0.769 16 1.044 33.957 −0.769 17 1.038 36.421 −0.769 18 1.031 38.886 −0.769

(43) FIG. 6 shows a number of X, Y, and Z coordinate points that define a tip rail downstream side 254 surface profile. In certain embodiments, downstream side 254 of tip rail 250 has a shape having a nominal profile in accordance with at least part of Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y, and Z set forth in TABLE II (below) and originating at forward-most and radially outermost origin 260. The Cartesian coordinate values are non-dimensional values of from 0% to 100% convertible to distances by multiplying the X, Y, and Z by a minimum tip rail X-wise extent 270, expressed in units of distance. Here again, the normalization parameter for the X, Y, and Z coordinates is minimum tip rail X-wise extent 270 (FIG. 4) of tip rail 250. When scaling up or down, the X, Y, and Z coordinate values in TABLE II can be multiplied by the desired minimum tip rail X-wise extent 270 (FIG. 4) of tip rail 250 to identify the corresponding actual X, Y, and Z coordinate values of the tip shroud downstream side 254 surface profile. Collectively, the actual X, Y, and Z coordinate values created identify the tip rail downstream side 254 surface profile, according to embodiments of the disclosure, at any desired size of tip shroud. As shown in FIG. 6, X, Y, and Z values may be connected by lines to define the tip rail downstream side 254 surface profile at a common Z height near the radially outermost edge of tip rail 250.

(44) TABLE-US-00002 TABLE II Tip Rail Downstream Side Surface Profile [non-dimensionalized values] X Y Z 1 −0.047 −0.002 −0.769 2 −0.051 2.325 −0.769 3 −0.055 4.652 −0.769 4 −0.060 6.980 −0.769 5 −0.099 9.306 −0.769 6 −0.137 11.633 −0.769 7 −0.176 13.960 −0.769 8 −0.215 16.287 −0.769 9 −0.496 17.022 −0.769 10 −1.102 17.506 −0.769 11 −1.100 22.011 −0.769 12 −0.492 22.493 −0.769 13 −0.208 23.228 −0.769 14 −0.153 26.077 −0.769 15 −0.098 28.925 −0.769 16 −0.048 31.774 −0.769 17 −0.042 34.623 −0.769 18 −0.035 37.472 −0.769

(45) In another embodiment, tip shroud 220 may also include both upstream and downstream side tip rail surface profiles, as described herein relative to TABLES I and II.

(46) FIG. 7 shows a forward perspective view of tip shroud 220 including points of a leading Z-notch surface profile 276. As understood in the field, leading and trailing Z-notch surfaces 276, 278 (latter in FIGS. 4 and 8) of adjacent tip shrouds 220 on adjacent blades 200 (FIG. 3) mate to collectively define a radially inner surface for a hot gas path in turbine 108 (FIG. 1), e.g., via wings 230. Each Z-notch surface 276, 278 has a thickness or radial extent (“Thk”) that varies along its length, and which can be part of a Z-notch surface profile, according to embodiments of the disclosure.

(47) Leading Z-notch surface 276 (FIGS. 4 and 7) can have a shape having a nominal profile in accordance with at least part of Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y, Z and thickness (Thk) values set forth in TABLE III (below) and originating at forward-most and radially outermost origin 260. The Cartesian coordinate (and thickness) values are non-dimensional values of from 0% to 100% convertible to distances by multiplying the values by a minimum tip rail X-wise extent 270 (FIGS. 4 and 7). That is, the normalization parameter for the X, Y, and Z coordinates and the thickness (Thk) are the same: minimum tip rail X-wise extent 270 of tip rail 250. When scaling up or down, the X, Y, Z coordinate and thickness (Thk) values in TABLE III can be multiplied by the actual, desired minimum tip rail X-wise extent 270 to identify the corresponding actual X, Y, Z coordinate and/or thickness (Thk) values of the leading Z-notch surface profile. The stated thickness (Thk) of leading Z-notch surface 276 profile at each X and Y coordinate value extends radially inwardly from a corresponding Z value. That is, the Z coordinate values are those of a radially outer wing surface 236 of upstream wing 232 or radially outer wing surface 240 of downstream wing 234, from which thickness (Thk) extends radially inward (down on page). The actual X and Y coordinate values can be joined smoothly with one another to form the leading Z-notch surface profile.

(48) TABLE-US-00003 TABLE III Leading Z-notch Surface Profile [non-dimensionalized values] X Y Z Thickness 1 −1.120 −0.472 −6.169 0.909 2 −0.327 −0.014 −5.355 1.875 3 −0.246 −0.011 −4.016 3.267 4 −0.164 −0.007 −2.678 4.627 5 −0.082 −0.004 −1.339 5.987 6 0.000 0.000 0.000 7.347 7 1.000 1.328 0.043 7.599 8 1.044 1.444 −0.679 6.885 9 1.089 1.560 −1.401 6.170 10 1.142 1.687 −2.121 5.463 11 1.254 1.891 −2.815 4.792 12 1.425 2.170 −3.470 4.165 13 1.643 2.509 −4.081 3.599 14 1.907 2.871 −4.661 3.078 15 2.252 3.130 −5.251 2.563 16 2.686 3.258 −5.825 2.093 17 3.191 3.176 −6.343 1.706 18 3.516 3.061 −6.617 1.516 19 3.854 2.938 −6.870 1.352 20 4.363 3.610 −7.223 1.118 21 4.945 4.267 −7.522 1.005 22 5.595 4.894 −7.732 1.053 23 6.815 5.840 −8.016 1.372 24 8.153 6.611 −8.337 1.788 25 9.579 7.189 −8.684 2.155 26 11.066 7.567 −9.050 2.291 27 12.587 7.740 −9.429 2.097 28 14.117 7.705 −9.814 1.661

(49) FIG. 8 shows a forward perspective view of a tip shroud including points of a trailing Z-notch surface 278 profile, according to various embodiments of the disclosure. As noted, leading and trailing Z-notch surfaces 276, 278 (former in FIGS. 4 and 7) of adjacent tip shrouds 220 on adjacent blades 200 (FIG. 3) mate to collectively define a radially inner surface for a hot gas path in turbine 108 (FIG. 1), e.g., via wings 230. Each trailing Z-notch surface 278 has a thickness or radial extent Thk that varies along its length, and which can be part of a Z-notch surface profile, according to embodiments of the disclosure.

(50) Trailing Z-notch surface 278 (FIGS. 4 and 8) can have a shape having a nominal profile in accordance with at least part of Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y, Z and thickness (Thk) values set forth in TABLE IV (below) and originating at forward-most and radially outermost origin 260. The Cartesian coordinate (and thickness) values are non-dimensional values of from 0% to 100% convertible to distances by multiplying the values by a minimum tip rail X-wise extent 270 (FIG. 4). That is, the normalization parameter for the X, Y, and Z coordinates and the thickness (Thk) are the same: minimum tip rail X-wise extent 270 (FIG. 4) of tip rail 250. When scaling up or down, the X, Y, Z coordinate and thickness (Thk) values in TABLE IV can be multiplied by the actual, desired minimum tip rail X-wise extent 270 to identify the corresponding actual X, Y, Z coordinate and/or thickness (Thk) values of the leading Z-notch surface profile. The stated thickness (Thk) of leading Z-notch surface profile at each X and Y coordinate value extends radially inwardly from a corresponding Z value. That is, the Z coordinate values are those of a radially outer wing surface 236 of upstream wing 232 or radially outer wing surface 240 of downstream wing 234, from which thickness (Thk) extends radially inward (down on page). The actual X and Y coordinate values can be joined smoothly with one another to form the leading Z-notch surface profile.

(51) TABLE-US-00004 TABLE IV Trailing Z-notch Surface Profile [non-dimensionalized values] X Y Z Thickness 1 −7.692 39.813 −4.844 0.878 2 −6.945 39.334 −5.008 0.878 3 −6.197 38.855 −5.173 0.878 4 −5.450 38.376 −5.338 0.878 5 −4.700 37.895 −5.489 0.895 6 −3.941 37.409 −5.529 1.023 7 −3.185 36.925 −5.440 1.282 8 −2.450 36.454 −5.211 1.674 9 −1.722 36.140 −4.807 2.245 10 −1.062 36.275 −4.218 3.007 11 −0.608 36.711 −3.577 3.782 12 −0.290 37.132 −2.847 4.611 13 −0.113 37.368 −1.998 5.516 14 −0.055 37.445 −1.100 6.431 15 0.000 37.518 −0.201 7.347 16 1.000 38.845 −0.262 7.599 17 1.067 38.933 −1.359 6.523 18 1.134 39.022 −2.456 5.448 19 1.200 39.110 −3.553 4.372 20 1.267 39.199 −4.650 3.296 21 1.334 39.288 −5.746 2.221 22 1.517 39.521 −6.782 1.244 23 2.321 39.893 −7.369 0.876 24 3.291 39.488 −7.593 0.876

(52) In another embodiment, tip shroud 220 may also include profiles of both leading and trailing Z-notch surfaces 276, 278, as described herein relative to TABLES III and IV. Other embodiments of the disclosure may include any combination of surface profiles described herein.

(53) FIG. 9 shows a rearward perspective view of a tip shroud 220 including points of a radially outer, upstream wing surface profile, according to various embodiments of the disclosure. As shown in FIG. 9, radially outer surface 236 of wing 232 on upstream side 252 of tip rail 250 has a shape having a nominal profile in accordance with at least part of Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y, Z set forth in TABLE V and originating at forward-most and radially outermost origin 260. The Cartesian coordinate values are non-dimensional values of from 0% to 100% convertible to distances by multiplying the X, Y, and Z values by minimum tip rail X-wise extent 270. That is, the normalization parameter for the X, Y, and Z coordinates are the same, minimum tip rail X-wise extent 270 of tip rail 250. When scaling up or down, the X, Y, Z coordinate values in TABLE V can be multiplied by the actual, desired minimum tip rail X-wise extent 270 of tip rail 250 to identify the corresponding actual X, Y, Z coordinate values of the upstream side radial outer surface 236 profile. The actual X, Y, and Z values are joined smoothly with one another to form an upstream side radial outer surface 236 profile.

(54) TABLE-US-00005 TABLE V Upstream Side Radial Outer Wing Surface Profile [non-dimensionalized values] X Y Z 1 1.000 1.328 0.043 2 1.058 1.479 −0.902 3 1.117 1.632 −1.847 4 1.244 1.873 −2.765 5 1.000 2.016 0.064 6 1.058 2.101 −0.889 7 1.117 2.182 −1.843 8 1.473 2.245 −3.617 9 1.244 2.252 −2.790 10 1.689 2.579 −4.192 11 1.217 2.648 −2.686 12 1.496 2.678 −3.723 13 1.122 2.688 −1.906 14 1.027 2.743 −0.358 15 1.063 2.767 −0.948 16 1.099 2.791 −1.539 17 1.000 2.794 0.086 18 1.966 2.930 −4.774 19 3.854 2.938 −6.870 20 1.222 3.120 −2.761 21 3.297 3.139 −6.436 22 1.494 3.148 −3.775 23 2.329 3.167 −5.365 24 1.129 3.191 −2.007 25 2.781 3.262 −5.933 26 4.234 3.449 −7.142 27 1.027 3.578 −0.335 28 1.226 3.592 −2.847 29 1.063 3.601 −0.926 30 1.000 3.610 0.108 31 1.501 3.619 −3.861 32 1.099 3.624 −1.516 33 1.956 3.645 −4.843 34 2.581 3.669 −5.746 35 3.354 3.690 −6.526 36 1.137 3.713 −2.125 37 4.649 3.947 −7.384 38 1.233 4.159 −2.959 39 1.499 4.184 −3.940 40 1.938 4.208 −4.890 41 2.543 4.230 −5.763 42 3.290 4.249 −6.518 43 4.143 4.264 −7.125 44 1.027 4.414 −0.314 45 1.000 4.427 0.129 46 5.103 4.430 −7.584 47 1.063 4.436 −0.904 48 1.099 4.458 −1.495 49 1.150 4.498 −2.317 50 1.126 4.524 −1.936 51 1.239 4.725 −3.074 52 1.496 4.748 −4.021 53 1.920 4.770 −4.938 54 2.504 4.790 −5.781 55 3.226 4.808 −6.510 56 4.049 4.822 −7.096 57 4.933 4.832 −7.523 58 5.595 4.894 −7.732 59 1.000 5.244 0.149 60 1.027 5.250 −0.294 61 1.126 5.259 −1.919 62 1.063 5.271 −0.885 63 1.162 5.284 −2.506 64 1.245 5.291 −3.184 65 1.099 5.292 −1.475 66 1.493 5.312 −4.099 67 1.903 5.332 −4.985 68 2.467 5.351 −5.799 69 3.164 5.367 −6.503 70 3.959 5.380 −7.069 71 4.813 5.390 −7.481 72 5.420 5.593 −7.671 73 1.251 5.856 −3.280 74 1.491 5.876 −4.167 75 1.888 5.894 −5.025 76 2.434 5.911 −5.814 77 3.109 5.926 −6.496 78 3.880 5.938 −7.044 79 4.707 5.947 −7.443 80 1.000 6.061 0.167 81 1.173 6.076 −2.663 82 1.027 6.086 −0.276 83 1.063 6.106 −0.866 84 1.099 6.126 −1.457 85 5.276 6.278 −7.620 86 1.255 6.421 −3.356 87 1.489 6.439 −4.219 88 1.876 6.456 −5.055 89 2.408 6.472 −5.823 90 3.066 6.485 −6.488 91 3.816 6.496 −7.022 92 4.622 6.504 −7.411 93 1.000 6.878 0.183 94 1.045 6.878 −0.551 95 1.090 6.878 −1.285 96 1.135 6.878 −2.019 97 1.180 6.878 −2.753 98 1.000 6.878 0.183 99 1.272 6.892 −3.465 100 1.517 6.909 −4.318 101 1.900 6.925 −5.118 102 2.411 6.939 −5.843 103 3.036 6.951 −6.473 104 3.986 6.964 −7.120 105 4.575 6.969 −7.389 106 5.192 6.973 −7.585 107 1.199 7.798 −2.842 108 1.013 7.814 0.200 109 1.176 7.914 −2.436 110 1.110 7.914 −1.369 111 1.045 7.914 −0.303 112 1.343 7.922 −3.780 113 5.094 7.923 −7.543 114 3.848 7.933 −7.050 115 1.857 7.933 −5.073 116 2.723 7.937 −6.206 117 1.218 8.675 −2.938 118 1.026 8.750 0.216 119 1.189 8.835 −2.435 120 1.124 8.835 −1.368 121 1.059 8.835 −0.302 122 4.947 9.285 −7.484 123 1.367 9.296 −3.892 124 3.758 9.297 −7.014 125 1.857 9.303 −5.127 126 2.683 9.303 −6.208 127 1.237 9.552 −3.038 128 1.039 9.686 0.230 129 1.203 9.755 −2.434 130 1.138 9.755 −1.368 131 1.072 9.755 −0.301 132 1.256 10.429 −3.138 133 1.052 10.622 0.241 134 4.800 10.648 −7.429 135 3.668 10.661 −6.981 136 2.644 10.669 −6.214 137 1.390 10.669 −4.008 138 1.858 10.672 −5.184 139 1.216 10.676 −2.433 140 1.151 10.676 −1.367 141 1.086 10.676 −0.301 142 1.275 11.305 −3.245 143 1.065 11.558 0.251 144 1.230 11.597 −2.432 145 1.165 11.597 −1.366 146 1.100 11.597 −0.300 147 4.631 12.011 −7.372 148 3.563 12.025 −6.950 149 2.598 12.035 −6.226 150 1.855 12.041 −5.255 151 1.415 12.041 −4.145 152 1.296 12.178 −3.373 153 1.079 12.494 0.259 154 1.244 12.517 −2.431 155 1.179 12.517 −1.365 156 1.113 12.517 −0.299 157 1.293 12.575 −3.223 158 1.318 13.047 −3.524 159 4.415 13.376 −7.308 160 3.427 13.390 −6.918 161 2.534 13.401 −6.248 162 1.848 13.409 −5.349 163 1.440 13.413 −4.324 164 1.092 13.430 0.266 165 1.257 13.438 −2.431 166 1.192 13.438 −1.364 167 1.127 13.438 −0.298 168 1.306 13.481 −3.223 169 1.340 13.917 −3.673 170 1.271 14.359 −2.430 171 1.206 14.359 −1.363 172 1.141 14.359 −0.297 173 1.106 14.366 0.270 174 1.320 14.387 −3.222 175 4.241 14.740 −7.258 176 3.319 14.754 −6.894 177 2.486 14.767 −6.269 178 1.846 14.777 −5.431 179 1.465 14.784 −4.473 180 1.361 14.791 −3.789 181 1.285 15.279 −2.429 182 1.219 15.279 −1.363 183 1.154 15.279 −0.296 184 1.333 15.294 −3.221 185 1.120 15.302 0.273 186 1.380 15.668 −3.892 187 4.103 16.104 −7.221 188 3.235 16.119 −6.878 189 2.451 16.133 −6.290 190 1.848 16.145 −5.501 191 1.490 16.153 −4.600 192 1.347 16.200 −3.220 193 1.298 16.200 −2.428 194 1.233 16.200 −1.362 195 1.168 16.200 −0.296 196 1.134 16.238 0.274 197 1.405 16.498 −4.099 198 1.460 16.796 −4.926 199 3.040 16.803 −6.954 200 2.683 16.935 −6.865 201 2.386 17.154 −6.791 202 1.779 17.166 −6.409 203 1.515 17.174 −5.742 204 1.454 17.174 −4.738 205 1.393 17.174 −3.733 206 1.331 17.174 −2.729 207 1.270 17.174 −1.724 208 1.208 17.174 −0.720 209 1.148 17.174 0.273 210 1.957 17.378 −6.554 211 1.629 17.480 −6.058 212 1.249 17.628 0.272 213 1.618 17.632 −5.736 214 1.556 17.632 −4.731 215 1.495 17.632 −3.727 216 1.433 17.632 −2.722 217 1.372 17.632 −1.718 218 1.311 17.632 −0.714 219 2.120 17.661 −6.554 220 2.228 17.894 −6.443 221 1.868 17.894 −6.058 222 1.526 18.010 0.270 223 1.587 18.012 −0.697 224 1.648 18.012 −1.701 225 1.710 18.012 −2.706 226 1.771 18.012 −3.710 227 1.833 18.012 −4.714 228 1.894 18.012 −5.719 229 2.298 18.250 −5.694 230 2.237 18.250 −4.690 231 2.175 18.250 −3.685 232 2.114 18.250 −2.681 233 2.053 18.250 −1.676 234 1.991 18.250 −0.672 235 1.934 18.250 0.269

(55) FIG. 10 shows a side perspective view of the tip shroud 220 including points of a radially outer, downstream wing surface profile, according to various embodiments of the disclosure. As shown in FIG. 10, radially outer surface 240 of wing 234 on downstream side 254 of tip rail 250 has a shape having a nominal profile in accordance with at least part of Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y, Z set forth in TABLE VI and originating at forward-most and radially outermost origin 260. The Cartesian coordinate values are non-dimensional values of from 0% to 100% convertible to distances by multiplying the X, Y, and Z values by minimum tip rail X-wise extent 270. That is, the normalization parameter for the X, Y, and Z coordinates are the same, minimum tip rail X-wise extent 270 of tip rail 250. When scaling up or down, the X, Y, Z coordinate values in TABLE VI can be multiplied by the actual, desired minimum tip rail X-wise extent 270 of tip rail 250 to identify the corresponding actual X, Y, Z coordinate values of the downstream side radial outer surface 240 profile. The actual X, Y, and Z values are joined smoothly with one another to form an upstream side radial outer surface 240 profile.

(56) TABLE-US-00006 TABLE VI Downstream Side Radial Outer Wing Surface Profile [non-dimensionalized values] X Y Z 1 −0.934 22.157 0.237 2 −0.972 22.157 −0.394 3 −1.015 22.157 −1.101 4 −1.059 22.157 −1.807 5 −1.102 22.157 −2.513 6 −1.145 22.157 −3.219 7 −1.188 22.157 −3.925 8 −1.234 22.157 −4.671 9 −1.367 22.219 −5.110 10 −0.784 22.393 −3.950 11 −0.741 22.393 −3.244 12 −0.529 22.393 0.234 13 −0.698 22.393 −2.538 14 −0.655 22.393 −1.831 15 −0.611 22.393 −1.125 16 −0.568 22.393 −0.419 17 −0.672 22.568 −4.705 18 −1.019 22.680 −5.466 19 −0.251 22.771 0.229 20 −0.292 22.771 −0.436 21 −0.335 22.771 −1.142 22 −0.378 22.771 −1.848 23 −0.421 22.771 −2.555 24 −0.464 22.771 −3.261 25 −0.507 22.771 −3.967 26 −1.720 22.805 −5.706 27 −0.668 23.220 −5.327 28 −1.237 23.223 −5.743 29 −0.147 23.228 0.222 30 −0.188 23.228 −0.442 31 −0.231 23.228 −1.149 32 −0.274 23.228 −1.855 33 −0.317 23.228 −2.561 34 −0.361 23.228 −3.267 35 −0.404 23.228 −3.973 36 −0.449 23.228 −4.719 37 −1.882 23.234 −5.768 38 −0.170 24.010 −0.400 39 −0.344 24.010 −3.251 40 −0.305 24.010 −2.601 41 −0.216 24.010 −1.150 42 −0.262 24.010 −1.900 43 −0.888 24.048 −5.020 44 −1.459 24.049 −5.438 45 −0.519 24.053 −4.445 46 −0.132 24.055 0.209 47 −2.119 24.057 −5.616 48 −0.379 24.064 −3.839 49 −2.738 24.069 −5.566 50 −1.186 24.884 −4.736 51 −1.638 24.884 −5.066 52 −0.816 24.886 −4.324 53 −2.143 24.887 −5.295 54 −0.545 24.890 −3.860 55 −2.667 24.892 −5.413 56 −0.378 24.896 −3.378 57 −3.177 24.899 −5.426 58 −0.306 24.903 −2.906 59 −3.648 24.907 −5.352 60 −0.152 24.960 −0.401 61 −0.198 24.960 −1.151 62 −0.244 24.960 −1.901 63 −0.115 24.985 0.193 64 −3.733 25.842 −5.349 65 −0.283 25.843 −2.824 66 −3.246 25.851 −5.426 67 −0.357 25.852 −3.312 68 −2.719 25.858 −5.412 69 −0.529 25.859 −3.809 70 −2.179 25.864 −5.291 71 −0.808 25.865 −4.288 72 −1.657 25.867 −5.055 73 −1.191 25.868 −4.714 74 −0.134 25.911 −0.402 75 −0.180 25.911 −1.152 76 −0.225 25.911 −1.902 77 −0.098 25.915 0.175 78 −3.817 26.777 −5.347 79 −0.260 26.784 −2.745 80 −3.317 26.823 −5.427 81 −0.335 26.829 −3.246 82 −0.082 26.845 0.155 83 −0.116 26.861 −0.403 84 −0.161 26.861 −1.153 85 −0.207 26.861 −1.904 86 −2.775 26.863 −5.414 87 −0.513 26.868 −3.758 88 −2.217 26.893 −5.288 89 −0.801 26.896 −4.252 90 −1.678 26.910 −5.045 91 −1.196 26.911 −4.692 92 −3.901 27.712 −5.348 93 −0.237 27.725 −2.667 94 −0.065 27.775 0.134 95 −3.393 27.811 −5.430 96 −0.097 27.811 −0.404 97 −0.143 27.811 −1.154 98 −0.189 27.811 −1.905 99 −0.313 27.822 −3.177 100 −2.837 27.898 −5.415 101 −0.496 27.906 −3.702 102 −2.262 27.962 −5.285 103 −0.794 27.967 −4.211 104 −1.705 27.998 −5.032 105 −1.204 27.999 −4.666 106 −3.986 28.647 −5.350 107 −0.215 28.666 −2.591 108 −0.049 28.704 0.110 109 −0.079 28.762 −0.405 110 −0.125 28.762 −1.155 111 −0.171 28.762 −1.906 112 −3.475 28.805 −5.433 113 −0.291 28.821 −3.104 114 −2.909 28.943 −5.416 115 −0.479 28.955 −3.638 116 −2.317 29.046 −5.280 117 −0.790 29.054 −4.162 118 −1.739 29.104 −5.015 119 −1.217 29.106 −4.634 120 −4.086 29.582 −5.351 121 −0.191 29.608 −2.501 122 −0.032 29.634 0.085 123 −0.061 29.712 −0.406 124 −0.107 29.712 −1.157 125 −0.153 29.712 −1.907 126 −3.573 29.790 −5.434 127 −0.269 29.812 −3.017 128 −2.996 29.974 −5.415 129 −0.463 29.991 −3.562 130 −2.384 30.113 −5.270 131 −0.787 30.124 −4.102 132 −1.782 30.190 −4.992 133 −1.235 30.194 −4.593 134 −4.230 30.519 −5.342 135 −0.165 30.552 −2.368 136 −0.016 30.564 0.058 137 −0.043 30.662 −0.407 138 −0.089 30.662 −1.158 139 −0.134 30.662 −1.908 140 −3.704 30.761 −5.428 141 −0.245 30.789 −2.897 142 −3.107 30.975 −5.406 143 −0.449 30.997 −3.461 144 −2.469 31.139 −5.253 145 −0.789 31.153 −4.024 146 −1.836 31.230 −4.960 147 −1.261 31.234 −4.539 148 −4.298 31.453 −5.354 149 0.000 31.494 0.029 150 −0.029 31.494 −0.439 151 −0.115 31.494 −1.845 152 −0.072 31.494 −1.142 153 −0.143 31.494 −2.315 154 −3.762 31.705 −5.442 155 −0.225 31.739 −2.854 156 −3.153 31.929 −5.420 157 −0.433 31.955 −3.430 158 −4.361 32.033 −5.357 159 −2.501 32.100 −5.263 160 −0.782 32.117 −4.006 161 −0.139 32.137 −2.270 162 −0.101 32.144 −1.642 163 −0.069 32.155 −1.124 164 −0.035 32.167 −0.559 165 0.000 32.178 0.007 166 −1.854 32.195 −4.963 167 −1.265 32.201 −4.532 168 −3.821 32.298 −5.446 169 −0.227 32.386 −2.817 170 −3.205 32.535 −5.423 171 −0.442 32.603 −3.402 172 −2.546 32.719 −5.264 173 −0.799 32.762 −3.987 174 −1.890 32.826 −4.959 175 −1.291 32.841 −4.522 176 −4.496 32.944 −5.355 177 −0.101 33.024 −1.672 178 −0.069 33.035 −1.154 179 −0.035 33.048 −0.589 180 −0.131 33.057 −2.162 181 0.000 33.061 −0.024 182 −3.933 33.207 −5.448 183 −0.221 33.303 −2.733 184 −3.294 33.442 −5.425 185 −0.444 33.516 −3.341 186 −2.612 33.625 −5.262 187 −0.812 33.672 −3.946 188 −1.935 33.732 −4.949 189 −1.319 33.748 −4.498 190 −4.594 33.853 −5.363 191 −0.101 33.903 −1.704 192 −0.069 33.916 −1.186 193 −0.035 33.930 −0.621 194 0.000 33.944 −0.055 195 −0.125 33.975 −2.095 196 −4.007 34.096 −5.461 197 −0.218 34.199 −2.690 198 −3.347 34.312 −5.440 199 −0.445 34.391 −3.318 200 −2.648 34.480 −5.276 201 −0.819 34.530 −3.938 202 −1.959 34.579 −4.959 203 −1.333 34.596 −4.501 204 −4.692 34.763 −5.373 205 −0.069 34.797 −1.220 206 −0.035 34.811 −0.654 207 0.000 34.826 −0.089 208 −0.118 34.895 −2.029 209 −4.077 34.968 −5.476 210 −0.215 35.078 −2.652 211 −3.394 35.150 −5.457 212 −0.446 35.234 −3.301 213 −2.678 35.292 −5.292 214 −0.824 35.345 −3.937 215 −1.977 35.377 −4.973 216 −1.344 35.395 −4.510 217 −0.069 35.677 −1.255 218 −0.035 35.693 −0.689 219 0.000 35.709 −0.124 220 −4.797 35.719 −5.386 221 −0.112 35.860 −1.960 222 −4.159 35.869 −5.492 223 −0.217 35.994 −2.634 224 −3.460 36.004 −5.477 225 −0.469 36.104 −3.329 226 −2.734 36.111 −5.317 227 −1.348 36.166 −4.509 228 −1.998 36.199 −4.984 229 −0.840 36.435 −3.940 230 −4.882 36.469 −5.396 231 −0.069 36.558 −1.291 232 −0.035 36.574 −0.726 233 −4.223 36.576 −5.505 234 0.000 36.591 −0.161 235 −0.106 36.619 −1.905 236 −2.763 36.654 −5.327 237 −3.506 36.673 −5.490 238 −0.214 36.706 −2.599 239 −0.456 36.912 −3.277 240 −3.526 37.143 −5.496 241 −4.961 37.152 −5.406 242 −4.286 37.221 −5.516 243 −0.210 37.240 −2.562 244 −0.103 37.381 −1.884 245 −0.069 37.426 −1.329 246 −0.035 37.472 −0.765 247 0.000 37.518 −0.201 248 −4.303 37.641 −5.526 249 −5.074 38.135 −5.422

(57) In another embodiment, tip shroud 220 may also include both upstream and downstream radially outer wing surface profiles, as described herein relative to TABLES V and VI. Further, any of the surface profiles described herein can be used with any of the other surface profiles described herein in any combination, e.g., a tip shroud 220 including surface profiles as described relative to TABLES I, III and V.

(58) The disclosed surface profiles provide unique shapes to achieve, for example: 1) improved interaction between other stages in turbine 108 (FIG. 1); 2) improved turbine longevity and reliability by reducing creep; and 3) normalized aerodynamic and mechanical blade or tip shroud loadings. The disclosed loci of points defined in TABLE I-VI allow GT system 100 or any other suitable turbine system to run in an efficient, safe and smooth manner. As also noted, any scale of tip shroud 220 may be adopted as long as: 1) interaction between other stages in the pressure of turbine 108 (FIG. 1); 2) aerodynamic efficiency; and 3) normalized aerodynamic and mechanical blade or airfoil loadings, are maintained in the scaled turbine.

(59) Tip shroud 220 surface profile(s) described herein thus improves overall GT system 100 reliability and efficiency. Tip shroud 220 surface profile(s) also meet all aeromechanical and stress requirements. Turbine blades including tip shrouds 220, described herein, have very specific aerodynamic requirements. Significant cross-functional effort was required to meet these goals. Tip shroud 220 surface profile(s) of turbine blade 200 thus possess specific shapes to meet aerodynamic, mechanical, and heat transfer requirements in an efficient and cost effective manner.

(60) The apparatus and devices of the present disclosure are not limited to any one particular turbomachine, engine, turbine, jet engine, power generation system or other system, and may be used with turbomachines such as aircraft systems, power generation systems (e.g., simple cycle, combined cycle), and/or other systems (e.g., nuclear reactor). Additionally, the apparatus of the present disclosure may be used with other systems not described herein that may benefit from the increased efficiency of the apparatus and devices described herein.

(61) Approximating language, as used throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about,” “approximately” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and/or interchanged; such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise. “Approximately” as applied to a particular value of a range applies to both end values and, unless otherwise dependent on the precision of the instrument measuring the value, may indicate +/−10% of the stated value(s).

(62) The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosure in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the disclosure and the practical application and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.