9.1.1.1. What is BladeGen?

BladeGen is a component of ANSYS BladeModeler. The BladeModeler software is a

specialized, easy-to-use tool for the rapid 3-D design of rotating machinery
components. Incorporating ANSYS, Inc’s extensive turbomachinery expertise into a
user-friendly graphical environment, the software can be used to design axial,
mixed-flow and radial blade components in applications such as pumps,
compressors, fans, blowers, turbines, expanders, turbochargers, inducers and
others.

BladeModeler provides the essential link between blade design and advanced
simulation including computational fluid dynamics and stress analyses. BladeModeler
contains a rich set of tools and functions for designing a turbomachinery blade from
scratch, using industry-specific tools, workflow, and language that the blade
designer expects.

With BladeGen, the user can re-design existing blades to achieve new design goals
or create completely new blade designs from scratch. When either redesigning or
evaluating an existing blade design, BladeGen facilitates the import of blade
geometry interactively or through user supplied files. BladeGen allows sculpted or
ruled element blades with linear or compound lean leading or trailing edges.
Over/Under-Filing can be applied and leading and trailing edge shapes are easily
specified as a full radius, an ellipse ratio, or a simple cutoff.

BladeModeler represents a pivotal link between blade design, advanced analysis and
manufacturing. Used in combination with ANSYS analysis software, users can rapidly
evaluate the performance of a component. BladeGen model files can be imported
into DesignModeler using the BladeEditor feature. BladeEditor provides a seamless
path to both structural and fluid analysis, which enables the user to efficiently
transition from preliminary blade design, to full 3-D viscous flow analysis, and finally
to the users native CAD system.

9.1.1.2. System Requirements

BladeGen is a component of ANSYS Workbench. Please check the ANSYS Workbench

help on system requirements for more details.

9.1.1.3. Using On-Line Help

Help can be obtained from the Help | Help Topics menu command.

9.1.1.4. Hover Help
Hover help is provided in most views for additional information on the data being
displayed. The bubble is displayed when the user holds the mouse cursor stationary
(hovers) over a data point. The bubble is removed when the user clicks a mouse
button or moves the mouse over the bubble.

The bubble displays various data depending on the view and data. As a minimum,
the bubble displays the horizontal and vertical coordinates of the point. Additional
information is available in the Graph Views. The table below describes the
information which can be displayed.

Symbol Description Views

X Horizontal Position All but Contour
Y Vertical Position All but Contour
Z Axial Position Graph, Contour
R Radial Position Graph, Contour
T Angular Position (Theta) Graph
Thk Thickness Graph
B Blade Angle, Axial (Beta) Graph
S Meridional Length Fraction Graph
M Meridional Location Graph
M’ M-Prime Location Graph
C Camber Location Graph
T’ Theta-Prime Location Graph
L Blade Lean Angle Graph
V Value Contour

9.1.2.1. User Interface Description

The Annotated BladeGen Window Layout (Figure  9.10:  Annotated BladeGen

Window Layout (Angle/Thickness Mode)) displays a typical layout of views used by
BladeGen. These views will automatically update whenever a change is made. Each
element of the user interface is identified in the Annotated BladeGen Window
Layout.

Related Topics

 View Descriptions

9.1.2.2. Operating Modes and Associated Views

BladeGen has two distinct modes of operation, the Angle/Thickness (Ang/Thk) Mode
and the Pressure Side/Suction Side (Prs/Sct) Mode. These two modes provide the
design environment for radial and axial blades, respectively.

Both modes use a set of Common Views, a Meridional View and an Auxiliary View,
which are positioned side by side at the top of the window. The Meridional View is
used to define the blade in radial vs. axial space. From this definition, the
streamlines are generated which are required for all of the other views. The Auxiliary
View provides the user with the display of a Blade-to-Blade View, 3D View,
Meridional Contour View and several graphs of various blade parameters.

Figure 9.1:  Common Views for Both Modes

The Ang/Thk Mode uses two views at the bottom of the window; an Angle View for
the angular distribution of the blade, and a Thickness View for the thickness
distribution of the blade. These views define the blade at discrete streamlines
(layers). The data from these two views must be combined with the streamline data
to generate the blade’s shape on a layer.

Figure 9.2:  Angle/Thickness Mode Views

The Prs/Sct Mode adds a single larger Prs/Sct View of the blade at the bottom of the
window. This view allows the user to manipulate the pressure and suction sides of
the blade to achieve the desired blade shape.

Figure 9.3:  Pressure/Suction Mode View

Although the sides of a blade are usually identified as the pressure side and suction
side, BladeGen cannot distinguish between these names. BladeGen uses the
terminology "Side1" and "Side2" to identify the sides of the blade in increasing theta
order (right-hand rule).

Related Topics:

 View Descriptions
 Common Views
 Angle/Thickness Mode Specific Views
 Pressure/Suction Mode Specific View

9.1.4. View Descriptions

A typical BladeGen Window contains a combination of Working Views and Auxiliary

Views. The Working Views are views where all blade-modification tasks are
performed. The Auxiliary Views are used for data display only and provide a variety
of formats for reviewing the blade design. The operating mode determines which
working views are active. The Annotated Window Layout, show below, describes the
components of the window.

Each view has a unique set of functions and operations that can be accessed using
context-sensitive popup menus. These menus are displayed by positioning the cursor
in the relevant view and depressing the right mouse button. Some of the functions in
these popup menus are accessible from the main menu, but many are unique to the
popup menus. See Menu List for a complete listing of menus.

Figure 9.10:  Annotated BladeGen Window Layout (Angle/Thickness

Mode)
The following topics are discussed:

 Common Mouse Functions

 View Layout Control
 Common Views
 Angle/Thickness Mode Specific Views
 Pressure/Suction Mode Specific View

9.1.4.1. Common Mouse Functions

BladeGen uses a common set of mouse functions to manipulate the views. These
functions are described in the following table.

Table 9.4:  Common Mouse Functions

Mouse Action Applies To Description

Click with Working If a point or segment is within selection distance, it is
Left Views only selected.
Drag with Left Working If a point is selected or within selection distance, the
Views only point is selected and dragged with the mouse pointer.
Releasing the mouse button updates the view.
Scroll wheel All Views Zooms the view in and out
or Drag with
Both
Click with All Views Displays the context-sensitive popup menu.
Right
Mouse Action Applies To Description
Drag with All Views Pans the view. The view moves with the mouse pointer.
Right

9.1.4.2. View Layout Control

Between each of the views in the BladeGen Window are view separators, as shown
in Figure  9.10:  Annotated BladeGen Window Layout (Angle/Thickness Mode) . These
view separators can be dragged to resize windows by positioning the mouse over a
separator, pressing the left button, and dragging to the new location. Pressing the
toolbar buttons shown below can also control the layout of the views. By utilizing
these methods, the user can control the amount of space consumed by each view
and can tailor the display to match the current task.

  Maximize the Top Left (Meridional) View

  Maximize the Bottom Left (Angle or Prs/Sct) View

  Maximize the Bottom Right (Thickness or Prs/Sct) View

  Maximize the Top Right (Auxiliary) View

  Restore View Layout, with all views the same size

9.1.4.3. Common Views

The Meridional and Auxiliary views are common to both the Angle/Thickness and
Pressure/Suction Modes. These views appear on the top half of the BladeGen
window, as shown below, and are described in more detail in the following sections:

 Meridional View
 Auxiliary View

Figure 9.11:  Common Views
9.1.4.3.1. Meridional View

A typical Meridional View is shown below. The meridional view contains the
description of the blade in an axial-radial coordinate system. BladeGen allows the
user to define the blade and the inlet/outlet extensions required by CFD programs.
See Meridional View Popup Menu for details of the options and functions available in
this view.

Figure 9.12:  Meridional View

9.1.4.3.1.1. Meridional View Popup Menu

The following commands are available:

Point Drag Control Submenu - See Point Drag Control Submenu.

Convert Points to Submenu - See Convert Points to Submenu.

Segment Type Submenu - See Segment Type Submenu.

Move Curve Submenu - See Move Curve Submenu.

Use Hyperbolic Shape Submenu - See Use Hyperbolic Shape Submenu.

Meridional Profile Submenu - See Meridional Profile Submenu.

Meridional Control Curves Submenu - See Meridional Control Curves Submenu.

Display Interpolation Grid - Toggle the display of the Meridional Interpolation

Grid on/off. The Display Interpolation Grid command toggles the display of the
S/T Interpolation Grid on/off (in the Meridional View).

Display Blade Centroid Curve - Toggle the display of the centroid curve for the
current blade on/off. The Display Blade Centroid Curve command toggles the
display of the blade centroid curve on/off (in the Meridional View).

Display Throat Mid-Point Curve - Toggle the display of the throat line midpoints
for the current blade on/off. The Display Throat Mid-Point Curve command
toggles the display of the throat line midpoints on/off (in the Meridional View).

Display Orthogonal Curves - Toggle the display of the Quasi-Orthogonal Curves

on/off. The Display Orthogonal Curves command toggles the display of
Orthogonal Curves on/off (in the Meridional View).

Display Equal Distance Curve - Toggle the display of the Equal Distance Curve
(centerline path of maximum possible diameter circle) on/off. The Display Equal
Distance Curve command toggles the display of the Equal Distance Curve
(centerline path of maximum possible diameter circle) on/off.

Copy View Image/Data to Clipboard - Copy the Current View’s Image and/or
Data to the Clipboard (in text, bitmap, or metafile formats). This allows transfer of
data to reports, spreadsheets, and presentations for documentation of the blade
design.

Zoom Fit - See Zoom Fit.

9.1.4.3.1.1.1. Point Drag Control Submenu

Any Direction - Drag in any direction (default). The Any Direction command

allows points to move in any direction during curve editing. This is the default
option.

Horizontal Only - Drag only in the horizontal direction. The Horizontal

Only command constrains points to move in the horizontal direction only during
curve editing.
Vertical Only - Drag only in the vertical direction. The Vertical Only command
constrains points to move in the vertical direction only during curve editing.

9.1.4.3.1.1.2. Convert Points to Submenu

Spline Curve Points... - Create a point set with the specified number of points for
a Spline Curve. The Spline Curve Points... command converts the selected curve
segment to the ’Best Fit’ Bezier with the specified number of points.

Bezier Control Points... - Create a control point set with the specified number of
points for a Bezier Curve. The Bezier Control Points... command converts the
selected curve segment to a spline with the specified number of points, without
changing the shape of the curve. This new curve can subsequently be changed to
Linear or Best Fit Polynomial.

9.1.4.3.1.1.3. Segment Type Submenu

Piecewise Linear Segment - Use the current points for a Piecewise Linear Curve.
The Piecewise Linear Segment command changes the representation of the
curve’s or segment’s data to Piecewise Linear. This curve type produces a curve that
uses lines between the points used to define it. This operation does not change the
location of the points.

Cubic Spline Segment - Use the current points for a Cubic Spline Curve.
The Cubic Spline Segment command changes the representation of the selected
segments data to a Lagrangian Spline. This curve type produces a curve that
intersects the points used to define it. This operation does not change the location of
the points.

Bezier Segment - Use the current points as control points for a Bezier Curve.
The Bezier Segment command changes the representation of the selected curve’s
or segment’s data to a Bezier Curve. This curve type produces a curve that
intersects the points used to define it.

Best Fit Polynomial Segment - Use the current points for a Fitted Polynomial
Curve. The Best Fit Polynomial Segment command changes the representation
of the selected curve’s or segment’s data to a Best Fit Polynomial. This curve type
produces a curve defined by a polynomial of the selected order where the
coefficients of the polynomial are selected to best fit the data. This operation does
not change the location of the points.

Arc Segment - Change segment to an Arc Segment. The Arc Segment command

changes the currently selected segment to an Arc Segment.

9.1.4.3.1.1.4. Move Curve Submenu

Intersect Two Points - Move curve to intersect two points. The Intersect Two
Points command prompts the user for two points through which the curve should
pass. When the user presses OK, the best (z,r) offset is calculated. The user is then
prompted to confirm the (z,r) offset before the offset is applied.

by Offset - Move curve by offset (z,r). The by Offset command prompts the user
for the (z,r) offset for the selected curve. When the user presses OK, the curve is
move by the specified offset.

9.1.4.3.1.1.5. Use Hyperbolic Shape Submenu

Never - Spanwise curves should always retain their meridional shape.

The Never command specifies that the hyperbolic shape created when the blade
angles at the hub and shroud differ should be ignored. The meridional shape of the
blade will then be exactly the shape of the meridional curve.

Ruled Element Only - Spanwise curves assume a hyperbolic shape when angle
distribution is ruled element. The Ruled Element Only command specifies that the
hyperbolic shape created when the blade angles at the hub and shroud differ should
only be used when the Angle Definition is Ruled Element and only two points are
used to define the specific Meridional Cutting Curve.

Any Blade Type - Spanwise curves assume a hyperbolic shape for any blade type.
The Any Blade Type command specifies that the hyperbolic shape created when
the blade angles at the hub and shroud differ should only be used whenever only
two points are used to define the specific Meridional Cutting Curve.

Force Hyperbolic Shape - Force a Hyperbolic Shape on all spanwise curves by

deleting interior points and segments, as required. The Force Hyperbolic
Shape command forces the Meridional Cutting Curves (LE/TE and LE/TE Cuts) to be
defined by two points, enabling the ruled element shape to be used.

9.1.4.3.1.1.6. Meridional Profile Submenu

Show Design Profile - Display the Design Profile for modification. The Show
Design Profile command selects the Design Definition for display in the Meridional
View.

Show Trim Profile - Display the Trim Profile for modification. The Show Trim
Profile command selects the Trim Definition for display in the Meridional View.

Show Other Profile - Show the non-active definition. The Show Other

Profile command toggles the display of the non-active Meridional Definition on/off.

Create Trim Profile - Create a separate Trim Profile from the current Design
Profile. The Create Trim Profile command creates a separate Trim Definition from
the current Design Definition.
Recreate Trim Profile - Recreate the Trim Profile from the current Design Profile.
The Recreate Trim Profile command recreates the trim definition from the Design
Meridional Definition. It is equivalent to deleting the Trim Definition and then
creating it from scratch.

Delete Trim Profile - Delete the Trim Profile and use only the Design Profile.
The Delete Trim Profile command deletes the Trim Definition and selects the
Design Definition.

9.1.4.3.1.1.7. Meridional Control Curves Submenu

Minimal - Disables the use of control curves at 35% and 65% of the meridional
length. The Minimal command forces the use of only the LE and TE curves as
Meridional Control Curves.

Normal - Enables the use of control curves at 35% and 65% of the meridional
length. The Normal command forces the use of the LE and TE curves and 35% and
65% curves as the Meridional Control Curves.

User-Defined - Enables user definition of all control curves. The User-

Defined command switches to User-Defined Meridional Control Curves. In this
mode, the user can insert, modify, and delete Meridional Control Curves to correct
for difficult geometry.

Insert - Insert a Meridional Control Curve at the next left mouse click location.
The Insert command activates the ability to insert a single control curve at the next
location the left mouse button is clicked. The curve is positioned by determining the
closest points of the hub and shroud. It is best to click in the flow passage between
the hub and shroud for this operation.

Delete - Delete the currently selected Meridional Control Curve.

The Delete command deletes the currently selected Meridional Control Curve.

Suggest - Suggest a rough location for a Meridional Control Curve.

The Suggest command determines if a new Meridional Control Curve is needed
based upon the angle of the grid lines to the hub and shroud curve normals. If the
maximum angle exceeds 30°, then a single curve is inserted at this location. The
user should reposition the control curve to provide the best grid control possible.

Modify - List user-defined control curves by end location and allow insertion and
deletion.

9.1.4.3.1.1.8. Zoom Fit

Zoom to fit the data within the current view. The Zoom Fit command fits the data to
the window.
9.1.4.3.2. Auxiliary View

The Auxiliary View is located in the upper-right corner of the BladeGen window, as
shown in the figure below. It is used to display various data sets describing the
model. The Auxiliary View is automatically updated when modifications are
performed in a Working View.

The data set to be displayed is selected by the View | Auxiliary View Content menu
commands and the Auxiliary Toolbars (displayed by default on the right edge of the
window). The user may create additional auxiliary views by invoking the New
Auxiliary View (B2B) menu command, either from the View menu or from the popup
menu in an Auxiliary View. This will create a new Blade-to-Blade view which can
then be changed to the desired type by using the Auxiliary View Content menu
command.

There are currently five Auxiliary View types. They are described in Auxiliary View
Details  . See the View Submenu (View Submenu) or the popup menu for the view
type for details of the options and functions available in this view.

9.1.4.4. Angle/Thickness Mode Specific Views

The Angle/Thickness Mode Specific Views are used to define the angular location
and thickness of a blade, as a function of some location on the layer curve. This data
indirectly specifies the location of the two sides of a blade. Both views use a quantity
derived from the meridional distance along a layer as the independent axis.

The following sections describe these views in more detail:

 Angle View
 Thickness View

Figure 9.13:  Angle/Thickness Mode Views

9.1.4.4.1. Angle View
The Angle View, shown below, describes the angular placement (Theta or  ) and

slope (Beta or  ) of the blade on a layer. See Angle View Popup Menu for details
of the options and functions available in this view.

The user can modify the data of the curve directly or use the Blade Angles Dialog
(Blade Angles Dialog) to specify common values which will be used to create a curve
that satisfies the parameters.

Figure 9.14:  Angle View

9.1.4.4.1.1. Angle View Popup Menu

Adjust Blade Angles... - Recreate the angle layer from the parameters in the
Blade Angle Dialog.

Point Drag Control Submenu - See Point Drag Control Submenu.

Convert Points to Submenu - See Convert Points to Submenu.

Segment Type Submenu - See Segment Type Submenu.

Segment Operations Submenu - See Segment Operations Submenu.

End Angle with Beta Slope=0 Definition - Define the theta curve by the end
points of the theta and beta curves as a polynomial, with second derivative set to
zero at the end points.

End Angle Definition - Define the theta curve by the end points of the theta and
beta curves as a polynomial.
Theta Definition - Define the theta curve directly.

Beta Definition - Define theta by beta and the initial theta value. The Beta
Definition command defines the theta curve by a beta curve and the initial theta
value. The existing beta curve is used to generate the points used to define the new
beta curve. The number of points used is specified by the user.

Theta @ Beginning... - Specify the leading edge (no cut-off) Theta value.
The Theta @ Beginning... command displays a dialog to allow the user to specify
the leading edge (no cut-off) Theta value for the Beta definition of the blade.

vs. M-Prime - Set the horizontal axis dimension to radius normalized meridional
distance (M’).

vs. % M-Prime - Set the horizontal axis dimension to the percent of the total
radius normalized meridional distance (%M’).

vs. M - Set the horizontal axis dimension to meridional distance (M).

vs. % M - Set the horizontal axis dimension to the percent of the total meridional
distance (%M).

Show Second Angle Curve - Toggle the display of the derived curve (theta or
beta) on/off.

Show Curve for each Defining Layers - Toggle the display of the angle curves
for all defining layers (other than the current layer) in the background, in gray.

Show Legend - Toggle the display of the legend on/off.

Swap Axes - Swap the horizontal and vertical axes of the selected graph.

Proportional Axes - Toggle the proportionality setting of the graph axes on/off.

Layer Control... - Display the Layer Control Dialog for the current Angle Definition.
The user can create layers and/or check or uncheck the check box to signify which
layers will be used for the Angle Definition. When both new layers are added and
current layers are removed, the checked layers are added before the unchecked
layers are removed.

Layer Submenu - The Above command changes the displayed layer to the next

layer above (by span). The Below command changes the displayed layer to the
next layer below (by span). These commands allow rapid changes in the displayed
layer, including layers which are not defining layers.

Spanwise Distribution Type Submenu - See Spanwise Distribution Type

Submenu.
Angle View Data Location Submenu - See Angle View Data Location Submenu.

Copy View Image/Data to Clipboard - Copy the Current View’s Image and/or
Data to the Clipboard (in text, bitmap, or metafile formats). This allows transfer of
data to reports, spreadsheets, and presentations for documentation of the blade
design.

Zoom Fit - Zoom to fit the data within the current view.

9.1.4.4.1.2. Blade Angles Dialog

This dialog presents the Blade Angle Parameters for the Leading Edge, Middle
Section, and Trailing Edge of the blade. The user can use this to modify the
tangential shape of the blade using common parameters of interest.

The Leading Edge tab is used to specify the Blade Angle Parameters for the
Leading Edge. The user can specify the blade angle and an optional linear section
(using one of three dimensions).

The Middle Section tab is used to specify the Blade Angle Parameters for the
Middle Section. The user can specify the location of four (two are optional, enter
zero to disable) internal points by the M-Prime length fraction.
The Trailing Edge tab is used to specify the Blade Angle Parameters for the Trailing
Edge. The user can specify the blade angle and an optional linear section (using one
of three dimensions).
9.1.4.4.1.3. Segment Operations Submenu

Insert Many Points - Insert points at the location of a left mouse click until
selected again.

Insert Point - Add a point at the next left mouse click location.

Insert Point and Split - Insert a point at the next left mouse click location and
split the segment there.

Delete Point - Delete the selected point.

Point Location... - Specify the location of the selected point using a dialog box.

Segment Points... - Displays the Point List Dialog to allow editing of all points.
Using this dialog, points can be added, modified, and deleted.

Split Segment at Point - Split the segment at the selected point, forming two
independent segments.

Join Segment at Point - Join the two segments that share the selected point into
a single segment.

Polynomial Order... - Modify the order of the selected Fitted Polynomial Curve
segment. The Polynomial Order... command displays a dialog to allow the
specification of the polynomial order of the curve.

Tangent to Previous - Toggle the ’Tangent to Previous Segment’ property on/off.

Tangent to Next - Toggle the ’Tangent to Next Segment’ property on/off.

Read Segment Points... - Read the points on the selected segment from a file.

Save Segment Points... - Save the points on the selected segment to a file.

9.1.4.4.1.4. Spanwise Distribution Type Submenu

General - Converts the Angle Spanwise Distribution to the General Distribution.

The General command converts the Angle Definition to the General Definition,
where the user can individually control each layer of the model. This is the standard
mode of operation for BladeGen.

Ruled Element - Convert the Angle Spanwise Distribution to a Ruled Element

Distribution. The Ruled Element command converts the Angle Definition to a Ruled
Element Definition. In this mode, only the hub and shroud curve can be modified. All
other layers are controlled by the hub and shroud curve.
Axial Element - Convert the Angle Spanwise Distribution to an Axial Element
Distribution. The Axial Element command converts the Angle Definition to an Axial
Element Definition. In this mode, only the hub curve can be modified. All other
layers are controlled by the hub curve.

Radial Element - Convert Angle Spanwise Distribution to a Radial Element

Distribution. The Radial Element command converts the Angle Definition to a
Radial Element Definition. In this mode, only the hub curve can be modified. All
other layers are controlled by the hub curve.

User-Defined... - Convert Angle Spanwise Distribution to User Defined, driven by

the equations entered. The User-Defined... command converts the Angle Definition
to User Defined. In this mode, the user can specify how the interpolation from hub
to shroud is performed. An equation and variables can be defined by the user which
will be used to control all but the hub and shroud layers.

Axial Taper Angle - Used for Mold Release. The Axial Taper Angle... command
displays a dialog to allow the user to specify a taper angle in the axial direction. The
maximum taper angle is the angle that reduces the blade to 10% of it’s original
thickness at the ’worst’ point.

9.1.4.4.1.5. Angle View Data Location Submenu

Meanline (default) - Define the angle data to be located at mean line.

The Meanline (default) command declares that the angle view defines the mean
line of the blade.

Side 1 - Define the angle data to be located on side 1 (first side encountered using
right hand rule). The Side 1 command declares that the angle view defines first side
of the blade, where side 1 has smaller theta values than side 2 in a right hand
system.

Side 2 - Define the angle data to be located on side 2 (second side encountered
using right hand rule). The Side 2 command declares that the angle view defines
second side of the blade, where side 1 has smaller theta values than side 2 in a right
hand system.

9.1.4.4.2. Thickness View

The Thickness View, shown below, describes the total normal or tangential thickness
of the blade along a streamline (called a layer). See Thickness View Popup Menu for
details of the options and functions available in this view.

The user can modify the data of the curve directly or elect to specify a NACA
Airfoil thickness distribution which will be used to create a curve that satisfies the
NACA parameters.
The data handled by this view has only a second order affect on the blade surfaces,
making the view seem very stable. This is the only view where the piecewise linear
segment type is recommended for use.

Figure 9.15:  Thickness View

9.1.4.4.2.1. Thickness View Popup Menu

Point Drag Control Submenu - See Point Drag Control Submenu.

Convert Points to Submenu - See Convert Points to Submenu.

Segment Type Submenu - See Segment Type Submenu.

Segment Operations Submenu - See Segment Operations Submenu.

vs. M-Prime - Set the horizontal axis dimension to radius normalized meridional
distance (M’).

vs. % M-Prime - Set the horizontal axis dimension to the percent of the total
radius normalized meridional distance (%M’).

vs. M - Set the horizontal axis dimension to meridional distance (M).

vs. % M - Set the horizontal axis dimension to the percent of the total meridional
distance (%M).

% Cam vs. % Cam - Set the axes dimensions to thickness as the percent of total
camber length (%Ct) vs. location as percent of the total camber length (%C).
NACA Thickness - Display the NACA dialog to allow specification of a NACA
thickness distribution and change the thickness display to thickness as percent of
camber length vs. location as percent of camber length. See the NACA Dialog for
further information on the parameters required.

Show Curve for each Defining Layers - Toggle the display of the thickness
curves for all defining layers (other than the current layer) in the background, in
gray.

Show Legend - Toggle the display of the legend on/off.

Swap Axes - Swap the horizontal and vertical axes of the selected graph.

Proportional Axes - Toggle the proportionality setting of the graph axes on/off.

Layer Control... - Display the Layer Control Dialog for the current Thickness
Definition. The user can create layers and/or check or uncheck the check box to
signify which layers will be used for the Thickness Definition. When both new layers
are added and current layers are removed, the checked layers are added before the
unchecked layers are removed.

Layer Submenu - The Above command changes the displayed layer to the next

layer above (by span). The Below command changes the displayed layer to the
next layer below (by span). These commands allow rapid changes in the displayed
layer, including layers which are not defining layers.

Spanwise Distribution Type Submenu - See Spanwise Distribution Type

Submenu.

Thickness View Data Type Submenu - See Thickness View Data Type Submenu.

Copy View Image/Data to Clipboard - Copy the Current View’s Image and/or
Data to the Clipboard (in text, bitmap, or metafile formats). This allows transfer of
data to reports, spreadsheets, and presentations for documentation of the blade
design.

Zoom Fit - Zoom to fit the data within the current view.

9.1.4.4.2.2. Thickness View Data Type Submenu

Normal to Camber Surface - Set the thickness definition as normal to camber

surface.

Normal to Meanline on Layer Surface (default) - Set the thickness definition as

normal to meanline (on streamline surface).
Tangential on Layer Surface - Set the thickness definition as tangential (theta
direction).

9.1.4.4.2.3. NACA Thickness Dialog

This dialog can be used to specify a thickness distribution to follow a NACA equation.
The user requests a NACA Airfoil thickness distribution by selecting the NACA
Thickness option from the popup menu in the Thickness View. This dialog allows the
user to specify several NACA Airfoil parameters for the active layer.

The Clip (X/C) parameter is used to clip the thickness distribution at a reasonable
thickness. The user should avoid specifying 1.0 as this would result in a zero
thickness value at the trailing edge.

9.1.4.5. Pressure/Suction Mode Specific View

The Pressure/Suction View, shown below, is used to define the two sides of a blade
directly. Each side is defined by its own curve, which can be either manipulated
directly or adjusted using the Bezier Blade Dialog (Bezier Blade Dialog).

Figure 9.16:  Pressure/Suction View
 Release 17.2 - © SAS IP, Inc. All rights reserved.

9.1.2.3. Blade Overview

BladeGen allows one or more blades to be defined, where the first blade is the "Main
Blade" and subsequent blades are called splitters. Only one blade is active at any
one time, but the output always includes all blades. The blades can be defined
independently or the splitters can rely on the angle and/or thickness definition of the
Main Blade.

Related Topics:

 Blade Settings

9.1.2.4. Layer Overview

A layer (or streamline) is defined as a meridional curve visible in the Meridional View
that represents surface of revolution. Most layer types, shown below, represent
curves that are automatically created and updated as the Meridional Envelope (hub
and shroud curves, leading and trailing edge curves) are modified.

Layers serve two key purposes:

 Layers are referenced by the working views (Angle, Thickness, and Prs/Sct
Views) to provide the meridional location of the view’s data sets.
 Layers specify where streamline data sets are to be constructed for export.

Table 9.1:  Layer Types
 Layer Description
Type
Span Curve is defined by a constant spanwise position, as specified by a single
Layer span fraction.
Hub Gap Curve is defined by a normal offset from the hub at a distance specified by
Layer a linear interpolation between a leading edge and a trailing edge value.
Shroud Curve is defined by a normal offset from the shroud at a distance specified
Gap Layer by a linear interpolation between a leading edge and a trailing edge value.
Data Curve is initially positioned by a span fraction value, but the user can
Layer interactively modify the curve in the Meridional View. This layer type is
also used when importing meanline data, as the data may not lie exactly on
a streamline.
Hub Curve is defined by a Meridional offset (z, r) of the hub curve.
Offset
Layer
Shroud Curve is defined by a Meridional offset (z, r) of the shroud curve.
Offset
Layer

Related Topics:

 Layer Details

9.1.2.5. Curve Overview

The curves used in BladeGen are made up of one or more segments (sub-curves).
Each segment can consist of a different curve type. By allowing different segment
types to be combined into a single curve, BladeGen provides the user with more
control over the overall curve shape than would be provided with a single-curve-type
restriction.

Related Topics:

 Curve Details

9.1.2.6. User/Data Interaction Summary

In the previous sections, the user has been exposed to the concepts of views,
blades, layers and curves. The diagram shown below describes the relationships
between the user and the model data for the Ang/Thk Mode. The data structure for
the Prs/Sct Mode is similar, but the Ang/Thk components are replaced by the Prs/Sct
equivalents.
Figure 9.4:  User/Data Interaction Diagram (Ang/Thk Mode)

The Model represents the blade system in 3 dimensions. The Model contains the
following data:

 A Design Meridional Profile, consisting of a set of curves and a list of Layers

(curves that represent streamlines).
 An optional Trim Meridional Profile with its own set of curves and layers.
 One or more Blades. Each Blade consists of an Angle and Thickness definition.

The Angle and Thickness Definitions are made up of Curves that the user can
modify. A single Curve in a definition references a single Layer from the
Design Meridional Profile’s layer list. The collection of these curves makes up
each definition.

The user’s access to the Model Data is provided through the working views
(Meridional, Angle, and Thickness). In the Meridional View , the user controls the
shape of the layer curves. In the Angle and Thickness Views, the user can modify
the definition curve that references the active Layer.
Output is created one Layer at a time. A streamline contains Z, R, M, & M’ a
meanline adds q, Tn, & b.

 The Design Meridional Profile is used to generate the streamline data for the
requested Layer (which may come from either the Design or Trim Meridional
Profile).
 The Blade’s cut-off (or extension) curves are used to trim the streamline
curve.
 The angle and thickness data is added to the streamline to create a meanline
curve.
 Over/Under-Filing is applied to the meanline in the Z vs. R*q coordinate
system.
 Leading/Trailing edges are applied to the meanline in the Z vs. R*q
coordinate system.

9.1.2.7. General Usage Guidelines

These guidelines are included to help users maximize the benefits from using
BladeGen.

 Users should first define the meridional profile before defining the Ang/Thk or
Prs/Sct views, since these views are dependent on the path length of the
meridional profile’s layers.
 The Angle, Thickness, and Pressure/Suction Views define parameters on a
layer (a streamline in the meridional view). The first layer must be the hub
and the second must be the shroud, with additional layers inserted at a user-
specified fraction of the span. If only one layer is defined, it applies to the
entire span between hub and shroud. The Pressure/Suction view requires that
both the hub and shroud layers be defined.
 All views display the same layer and blade. If a view doesn’t have a definition
for a particular layer that is being displayed, the calculated values at that
layer are displayed.
 The mode (Ang/Thk or Prs/Sct) is determined, initially, by the type of
component created or the mode of the model when it was saved. However,
the mode can be changed using the Model | Mode | Ang/Thk Mode... or
Model | Mode | Prs/Sct Mode... menu commands

9.1.5. Program Details

This section describes in detail the major features and functions of BladeGen. The
following sections are included.

 Meridional Profile
 Layer Details
 Curve Details
 Model Settings
  Blade Settings
 Blade Angular Location Method
 Auxiliary View Details
 Geometry Tools Menu

9.1.5.1. Meridional Profile

The Meridional Profile is primarily determined by a set of curves (Hub, Shroud, Inlet,
and Outlet). This data is modified with Leading and Trailing Edge Curves (and
other Meridional Control Curves) to describe an interpolation surface or grid in axial
(Z) and radial (R) coordinates vs. streamwise (U) and spanwise (V) positions. This
interpolation grid is used when defining the layers that the Meridional Profile stores,
which are referenced by the Angle, Thickness, and Prs/Sct Curves (for their position)
and used to define the location of output data sets (See User/Data Interaction
Summary  ).

Beginning with version 4.1, here are two Meridional Profiles. The Design Meridional
Profile is always required and is referenced from the Working Views to define the
blade design. An optional Trim Meridional Profile has been added that allows a
totally separate set of curves to be used and can be selected to be used for output.

Both Meridional Profiles are displayed in the Meridional View. The display of the two
Meridional Profiles is controlled by Meridional View Popup Menu commands.

The following topics are discussed:

 Control of the Trim Meridional Profile

 Meridional Control Curves
 Hyperbolic Shape of Spanwise Curves
 Confirming Meridional Orientation

9.1.5.1.1. Control of the Trim Meridional Profile

The Meridional View’s Popup Menu contains a section for the control of the
Meridional Profile. By default, the Meridional View displays the Design Profile (which
was previously the only profile available).

If the user desires to use a Trim Profile, the first step is to create one from the
current Design Profile using the Meridional Profile | Create Trim Profile popup menu
command. The user will be requested to specify the number of uniformly spaced
spanwise layers which are to be created. The Trim Profile will be created using the
first and last Layers defined for the Design Profile.

Once the Trim Profile has been created, there are several options and operations
that become available.
  The user can control which (or both) definition is to be displayed in the
Meridional View using the Meridional Profile | Show Design Profile, Meridional
Profile | Show Trim Profile, and Meridional Profile | Show Other Profile popup
menu commands.
 The user can modify the curves and layers which it contains using the same
options that are available for the Design Profile.
 The user can select which Meridional Profile is to be used when exporting
using the Output | Use Design Profile or Output | Use Trim Profile menu
commands.
 The user can delete or recreate the Trim Profile using the Meridional Profile |
Delete Trim Profile and Meridional Profile | Recreate Trim Profile popup menu
commands.

9.1.5.1.2. Meridional Control Curves

The following topics are discussed:

 Meridional Control Curves

 User-Defined Meridional Control Curves

9.1.5.1.2.1. Meridional Control Curves

The Meridional Control Curves are used to control the meridional interpolation grid.
This grid is used to create layers and control spanwise interpolation of the other
Working Views.

BladeGen now allows three modes of operation for Meridional Control Curves, as
shown below. This enables the specification of geometry that was previously
troublesome or even impossible. All three modes use the Inlet, Leading Edge,
Trailing Edge, and Outlet Curves and add control curves at break points in the hub
and shroud curves.

Minimal - The Minimal mode does not add additional control curves. It reproduces
the interpolation grid of previous versions when the "Additional Control Curve"
option was not enabled.

Normal - The Normal mode adds two predefined control curves at 35% and 65% of
the blade’s meridional length. It reproduces the interpolation grid of previous
versions when the "Additional Control Curve" option was enabled and is the default
mode.

User-Defined - The User-Defined mode allows the user to add arbitrary control
curves. Curves can be added at a mouse click or the user can request that a location
be suggested when to improve the meridional interpolation. See the Meridional View
Popup Menu for information on the additional menu commands available for this
mode.
9.1.5.1.2.2. User-Defined Meridional Control Curves

When in User Defined mode for Meridional Control Curves, the control curves are
displayed as dashed lines (they are not displayed in other modes). In addition, the
Meridional Control Curve sub-menu commands are enabled, which allow the
following tasks to be performed.

 The user can create additional control curves using the Suggest menu
command. When selected, BladeGen searches the interpolation grid for the
single worst orthogonal grid condition and, it if varies more than 30° from
normal, creates a new control curve at that location.
 The user can create control curves using the Insert menu command. This
command specifies that a control curve should be created using the location
of the next left mouse click. The curve is inserted between points on the hub
and shroud that are closest to the specified point. Care should be taken to
insure that the curve does not cross existing control curves (including the
required Inlet, Leading, Trailing, and Exit curves). Invalid curves will not be
created.
 Control Curves can also be selected using the mouse and modified in all of
the ways that the Leading and Trailing edge curves can be modified. This
includes inserting points, splitting the curve into two or more segments,
changing the segment type, and applying end treatments.
 Selected Control Curves can be deleted individually using the Delete menu
command.
 Control Curves can be controlled by the end point positions using the Modify
menu command. This command displays a Meridional Control Curve
Dialog that can be used to create, delete, or modify control curves based
upon the hub and shroud end point locations. The greatest usefulness of this
dialog may be its ability to quickly delete a number of control curves quickly.

9.1.5.1.3. Hyperbolic Shape of Spanwise Curves

Previous versions of BladeGen attempted different ways of dealing with the

specialized case where the user wants to have a spanwise curve that is a straight
line in 3D space, but the hub and shroud points are at different theta locations. This
is most often needed for a ruled element blade.

The difficulty comes from what happens to the curve when collapsed to the
Meridional View. The straight 3D line forms a Hyperbola, as shown in the figure
below as a dashed line.

There are now three modes available from the Use Hyperbolic Shape sub-menu of
the Meridional View’s popup menu (shown below). These options allow the behavior
to be specifically defined:

Never - The hyperbolic shape is never generated or used.

Ruled Element Only - The hyperbolic shape is used only for the Ruled Element
angle definition spanwise interpolation mode.

Always - The hyperbolic shape is used for all angle definition spanwise interpolation
modes.

As in previous versions, if a spanwise curve has more than one segment or the only
segment has more than two points, then it is assumed that the user has specified
the desired shape and the hyperbolic shape is not used.

The Use Hyperbolic Shape | Force Hyperbolic Shape menu command can be used to
remove all interior points and extra segments from the spanwise curves, enabling
the hyperbolic shape to be used.

Figure 9.17:  Hyperbolic Shape Spanwise Curve

9.1.5.1.4. Confirming Meridional Orientation

An arrow is displayed in the meridional view to indicate the direction of flow, as

shown below. This is important because BladeGen requires the orientation of the
blade in order to export to CFD grid generators, which need to have the fluid flow
inlet and outlet defined. This direction can be reversed using the Tools | Reverse
Flow Direction command and the Hub and Shroud Curves can be swapped with the
Tools | Reverse Span Direction command.

A blue line is drawn in the Meridional View to indicate the current active layer for the
Working Views and Blade-to-Blade View.

Figure 9.18:  Meridional View

9.1.5.2. Layer Details

The following topics are discussed:

 Layer Details
 Layer Coordination
 Controlling Layers
 Layers Used for Output
 Trimming and Extending the Blade using Layers

9.1.5.2.1. Layer Details

A layer (streamline) is defined as a meridional curve that represents surface of

revolution. Angle, Thickness, and Prs/Sct Views display a single layer of the active
blade and have a Layer Indicator to show location and provide an alternative layer
navigation scheme (see Layer Coordination  for details).

Layers are controlled (created, modified, and destroyed) using the Layer Control
Dialog (Layer Control Dialog). This dialog can be accessed by selecting the Output |
Output Layer Control... menu command or the Layer Control... menu command from
a working view’s popup menu.
Related Topics

Layer Coordination

Controlling Layers

Layers Used for Output

Trimming and Extending the Blade using Layers

9.1.5.2.1.1. Layer Control Dialog

This dialog provides access to the layers of the model. This dialog is re-used to
specify which layers are to be used for the Angle, Thickness, Prs/Sct, and Output
definition of the model, one at a time.

Also See:

Layer Dialog

9.1.5.2.1.2. Layer Dialog

This dialog allows the user to select a layer’s type and set its parameters. This dialog
is used for both initial setup of a layer and modification of a layers properties.

Select a tab to specify the layer type.

The Span tab selects the Span-wise Type and provides access to the parameters.
Enter the location as a span fraction (normally 0 to 1, but values of -0.5 to 1.5 are
accepted for Design Layers).

The Hub Gap tab selects the Hub Gap Type and provides access to the parameters.
Enter a leading and trailing edge gap (in model units) into the spaces provided. The
layer will be located using an offset vector normal to the hub. The magnitude of this
offset vector at each point on the hub curve is determined by linear interpolation
between the gap values entered for the leading and trailing edges. A positive value
for either the leading or trailing edge gap implies a direction that is ’into the flow
path’ (or towards the Shroud) for that gap.

The Shr Gap tab selects the Shroud Gap Type and provides access to the
parameters. Enter a leading and trailing edge gap (in model units) into the spaces
provided. The layer will be located using an offset vector normal to the Shroud. The
magnitude of this offset vector at each point on the shroud curve is determined by
linear interpolation between the gap values entered for the leading and trailing
edges. A positive value for either the leading or trailing edge gap implies a direction
that is ’into the flow path’ (or towards the Hub) for that gap.

The Data tab selects the Data (User-Defined) Type and provides access to the
parameters. Enter the approximate location as a span fraction (normally 0 to 1, but
-0.5 to 1.5 for Design Layers). Once the layer has been created, it can be redefined
in the Meridional View interactively using the same tools provided for other curves.

The Hub Off tab selects the Hub Offset Type and provides access to the
parameters. This option creates a layer whose location from the Hub is defined by a
constant offset vector. The radial and axial components of this vector are entered in
the controls provided. A positive value for the radial or axial component implies a
direction that is ’into the flow path’ (or towards the Shroud) for that component.
The Shr Off tab selects the Shroud Offset Type and provides access to the
parameters. This option creates a layer whose location from the Shroud is defined
by a constant offset vector. The radial and axial components of this vector are
entered in the controls provided. A positive value for the radial or axial component
implies a direction that is ’into the flow path’ (or towards the Hub) for that
component.

9.1.5.2.2. Layer Coordination

All views display the Active Layer of the Active Blade. This layer is drawn in blue in
the Meridional View and highlighted in the Layer Indicator of each of the Working
Views, as shown below. If a Working View does not have a curve that references the
Active Layer, a temporary curve is generated for display only.

The Layer Indicators display a point for each layer. The points are positioned by the
layer’s span fraction with the bottom representing the hub (0% span) and the top
representing the shroud (100% span). The current (active) layer is displayed as a
red dot, other referenced layers displayed as black dots, and the remaining layers
are displayed as gray dots.

There are (at least) three methods for selecting a layer (making it the Active Layer):

 Move the mouse cursor into a Layer Indicator, position it over the desired
point and press the left mouse button. The layer represented by the closest
point will be selected.
 Select the desired layer from the Layer sub-menu of the main menu or a
Working View’s popup menu.
 Move up and down the list of layers by pressing the ’+’ or ’-’ keys.

Figure 9.19:  Working View Layer Indicators

9.1.5.2.3. Controlling Layers

Layers can be created, modified, deleted, and referenced in a Working View using
the Layer Control Dialog (Layer Control Dialog), which is also shown below. The
dialog is displayed using the Output | Output Layer Control... menu command or the
Layer Control... menu command from a Working View’s popup menu. The method
used to access the dialog only determines which tab is initially selected.
The tabs of the dialog box change if a Trim Meridional Profile is defined. The
"Output" tab is renamed to "Design" and a "Trim" tab is added.

The check boxes before the layer descriptions indicate how the layer is used. When
the "Ang Crv", "Thk Crv", or "PSS Crv" tab is selected, checking a box creates a
curve (of that type) that references the layer. When the "Output" or "Design" tab is
selected, checking a box specifies that the layer is to be used for output. There are
no check boxes in the "Trim" tab as all layers are used for output.

Note:  When adding a layer reference to a view, make sure that the layer does not
intersect other layers already referenced by that view. If an intersection does occur,
a warning message will be displayed in the view and the situation should be
corrected before proceeding.

Note:  The Angle and Thickness views must reference at least one layer in their
data definition. The Prs/Sct view must reference at least two layers (corresponding
to the Hub and Shroud).

Figure 9.20:  Layer Control Dialog

9.1.5.2.4. Layers Used for Output

Layers can be flagged to specify where streamline data sets are to be constructed
for output. The selection of layers for output is performed in the Layer Control
Dialog (Layer Control Dialog) with the "Output", "Design", or "Trim" tab selected.
The dialog is displayed using the Output | Output Layer Control... menu command or
the Layer Control... menu command from a Working View’s popup menu.

The Purge button will remove all layers not referenced by any of the working views
(even if they are flagged for output). Pressing the From Angle or From Prs/Sct
button (mode dependent name) will cause all layers used in the Angle or Prs/Sct
View to be flagged for output.

Note:  At least two layers must be flagged for output.

It is not required that these layers be the same layers on which the blade is defined.
Therefore, several operations can be performed by controlling which layers are
exported.

Often a blade is defined by one or two layers in the Angle View or Prs/Sct View.
However, if only two layers are output, many analysis and manufacturing programs
may interpret the data differently than it was intended. This is also true for the
internal throat surface calculation, which requires more than two output layers to
function properly. It is, therefore, recommended that at least five layers be flagged
for output so the blade is properly defined.

It was previously necessary to control which layers are flagged for output to trim or
extend a blade in the spanwise direction. This functionality is still available for
backward compatibility, but the Trim Meridional Profile provides a simpler and more
powerful method of obtaining the same goal.

BladeGen uses the first and last layer flagged for output as the hub and shroud
layers of the blade, respectively. This allows the user to trim or extend the blade by
adding a layer at the desired trim location and making that layer the first or last
layer flagged for output.

9.1.5.2.5. Trimming and Extending the Blade using Layers

With the introduction of the Trim Meridional Profile, the practice of trimming or
extending the blade by unselecting or adding hub and/or shroud layers is no longer
required. The Trim Profile provides simpler and more powerful method of obtaining
the same goal.

However, when the Design Profiles is selected for output, BladeGen still uses the
first and last layer selected for output as the hub and shroud layers, respectively.
This allows the user to trim or extend the blade by adding a layer at the desired trim
location and making that layer the first or last layer flagged for output.

When a Trim Meridional Profile is created, the same scheme is used.

9.1.5.3. Curve Details
The following topics are discussed:

 Curve Segment Types

 Curve Operators

9.1.5.3.1. Curve Segment Types

Most geometry operations in BladeGen involve direct manipulation of curves. All

curves used in Working Views are multi-segmented (i.e. they are made up of one or
more sub-curves) and share a common set of Segment Types and manipulation
functions.

The following curve segment types are available:

 Piecewise Linear Segment

 Cubic Spline Segment
 Bezier Segment
 Best Fit Polynomial Segment
 Arc Segment

Related Topics

Curve Operators

9.1.5.3.1.1. Piecewise Linear Segment

The points that make up this segment type are joined by straight lines.

This segment type is often a good choice for the thickness curve and is also used as
the default type when importing data into the Meridional View. It is not
recommended for most other applications.

Please note that the segment type does not use the exact shape. Instead, a
constant number of equally spaced points are used to create a spline that is used for
interpolation. If the discontinuities are desired, the user should create break points.
9.1.5.3.1.2. Cubic Spline Segment

This segment type is defined by a set of piecewise curves connecting the data
points. These curves use an interpolation formula that is continuous through the
second derivative. This derivative continuity is preserved at the junctions between
piecewise curves, resulting in a smooth total curve that passes through all of the
points.

This segment type forms the basis for many of the underlying operations within
BladeGen, especially operations involving point conversions. It replaces the
Lagrangian Spline curve used in previous versions.
9.1.5.3.1.3. Bezier Segment

This type of curve is defined by control points. It passes through the end points and
is controlled by a set of intermediate points. The curve does not necessarily pass
through the intermediate points. However, one of the properties of a Bezier curve is
that the first point in from each end determines the angle at the end points.

Bezier curves are recommended for the design of a blade in the Meridional and
Prs/Sct views, because they are both smooth in shape, and resistant to local curve
distortions resulting from manipulation of the control points.
9.1.5.3.1.4. Best Fit Polynomial Segment

This segment type is defined by a polynomial curve, the coefficients of which are
determined from a least squares fit to the data points in the segment. In general,
this type of curve will not pass through any of the data points. However, BladeGen
adds constraints to force the curve to pass through the end points. The order of the
polynomial is specified by the user.

This type of curve is best suited to use where the data is "noisy" and some
smoothing is required. It is the default curve type for imported Angle View curves.

Note:  When BladeGen applies the end-point constraints it effectively predetermines

some of the coefficients.
9.1.5.3.1.5. Arc Segment

This segment consists of a 3-point circular arc. The arc is defined by the end points
and either a fixed radius or a fixed angle. Editing of the middle point is preformed
using an Arc Parameters Dialog, created specifically for the task. A popup menu
command can be used to flip the arc if required.

This type of segment is best suited for use in the Meridional View, where it is
commonly used to define a leading or trailing edge. It is not available in the Angle
and Thickness Views.

Note:  Since this segment type uses only three points in its definition, changing to
this type from any of the other segment types will result in a loss of the original data
points.
9.1.5.3.2. Curve Operators

The following topics are discussed:

 Curve Operations
 Additional Segment Operations
 Switching Between Segment Types

9.1.5.3.2.1. Curve Operations

The following curve operations are available in BladeGen:

 Converting Points
 Inserting, Deleting and Moving Points

9.1.5.3.2.1.1. Converting Points

These operations convert the segment to a different type while attempting to

preserve the shape of the original segment. They are accessed by clicking the right
mouse button in the appropriate view and selecting the Convert Points To option in
the popup menu. The points may be converted to either Cubic Spline Points (points
on the curve) or Bezier Control Points (points not necessarily on the curve).

 Converting to a Cubic Spline Segment

 Converting to a Bezier Segment
9.1.5.3.2.1.1.1. Converting to a Cubic Spline Segment

The Convert Points to | Spline Curve Points... menu command converts the selected
segment to a spline segment with a user-specified number of equally spaced points.
BladeGen first creates new points on the original curve segment. It then fits a Cubic
Spline through them to form the new curve segment.

9.1.5.3.2.1.1.2. Converting to a Bezier Segment

The Convert Points to | Bezier Control Points... menu command converts the
selected segment to a Bezier segment with the user specified number of control
points. This is an approximation that attempts to reproduce the original curve by
matching the end derivatives.

9.1.5.3.2.1.2. Inserting, Deleting and Moving Points

Most of the functions for this class of operations are contained within the Segment
Operations popup menu, which can be displayed by clicking the right mouse button
in the Meridional, Angle, Thickness, or Pressure/Suction views. The following options
are available:

 Inserting Many Points

 Inserting a Single Point
 Deleting Points
 Specifying Point Locations
 Editing a Group of Points
 Dragging Points

9.1.5.3.2.1.2.1. Inserting Many Points

To start the point insertion mode:

1. Select the curve on which the new point will exist.

2. Click the right mouse button to display the popup menu.
3. Select Segment Operations | Insert Many Points from the popup menu.
4. Select the approximate locations using the left mouse button.

When finished:

1. Click the right mouse button to display the popup menu.

2. Select Segment Operations | Insert Many Points from the popup menu to
terminate the point insertion mode.

9.1.5.3.2.1.2.2. Inserting a Single Point

 1. Select the curve on which the new point will exist.
2. Click the right mouse button to display the popup menu.
3. Select Segment Operations | Insert Point from the popup menu.
4. Select the approximate location using the left mouse button.

9.1.5.3.2.1.2.3. Deleting Points

1. Select the point to be deleted.

2. Click the right mouse button to display the popup menu.
3. Select Segment Operations | Delete Point from the popup menu.

9.1.5.3.2.1.2.4. Specifying Point Locations

Each view has a point location dialog box that is specific to its requirements. The
angle and thickness views allow any one of four parameters to be used to specify
the horizontal location of the point.

1. Select the desired point.

2. Click the right mouse button and select Segment Operations | Point
Location... from the popup menu.
3. Enter the point coordinates.

The point location can also be edited by double-clicking with the left mouse button
on a point. The Point Location Dialog will be displayed.

9.1.5.3.2.1.2.5. Editing a Group of Points

The entire point list can be edited by double-clicking the left mouse button between
points. In this case, the Segment Point List Dialog will be displayed, as shown below.
This dialog allows editing of groups of points. This dialog can also be accessed by
invoking the Segment Operations | Segment Points... menu. See the Segment Point
List Dialog for details on the functions available.

Figure 9.21:  Segment Point List Dialog

9.1.5.3.2.1.2.6. Dragging Points

To drag a point, select the desired point by positioning the mouse cursor over the
point and pressing the left mouse button. Keeping the left mouse button depressed,
move the mouse to the desired location. When the button is released, the blade will
be updated.

9.1.5.3.2.2. Additional Segment Operations

The following additional segment operations are available in BladeGen:

 Splitting a Segment at a Point

 Joining Two Segments
 Setting the Polynomial Order
 Applying End Treatments
 Modifying Arcs
 Reading and Writing Segment Points
 Moving Meridional Curves

9.1.5.3.2.2.1. Splitting a Segment at a Point

To split a segment at a point, select the desired point, click the right mouse button
to display the popup menu, and select the Segment Operations | Split Segment at
Point menu command or use the F3 key.

9.1.5.3.2.2.2. Joining Two Segments

To join two segments at the point they share, select the point, click the right mouse
button to display the popup menu, and select the Segment Operations | Join
Segment at Point menu command or pressing the F4 key. If two different segment
types are joined, the new combined segment will assume the type of the original
upstream segment.

9.1.5.3.2.2.3. Setting the Polynomial Order

The Polynomial Order Dialog applies only to Best Fit Polynomial Segments. It is
displayed when curve type is changed to a Polynomial or when the Segment
Operations | Polynomial Order... popup menu command is selected.

The dialog box allows the user to specify the order of the polynomial. The value
must be between (1+k) and (n-1-k). Where n is the number of points and k is
determined by how many additional constraints are required. Two are required to
insure the curve passes through the ends points, plus one for each end angle or
tangency constraint.

9.1.5.3.2.2.4. Applying End Treatments

The Segment End Treatment Dialog, shown below, allows the user to apply
additional constraints to both the upstream and downstream ends of the segment. It
is accessed using the Segment Operations | End Treatment... menu command.

The dialog is not available in the Angle and Thickness Views, as only tangency can
be specified. Instead the tangency is specified using the Segment Operations |
Tangent to Previous and Segment Operations | Tangent to Next popup menu
commands.

The details of the operation of the dialog and popup menu commands are available
in the help.

Figure 9.22:  Segment End Treatment Dialog

9.1.5.3.2.2.5. Modifying Arcs

The Arc Segment Parameter Dialog, shown below, allows the user to specify the Arc
Type (Fixed Radius or Fixed Angle) and then set the appropriate value (radius or
angle). It is displayed by selecting an existing arc segment and performing one of
the following operations:

 Dragging the middle point.

 Double-clicking on the middle point.
 Depressing the right mouse button and selecting Segment Operations | Edit
Arc Segment Parameter... from the resulting popup menu.

The Segment Operations | Flip Arc Segment menu toggles the arc segment between
a concave and convex shape while preserving the existing radius or angle.

Figure 9.23:  Arc Segment Parameter Dialog

9.1.5.3.2.2.6. Reading and Writing Segment Points

Reading Points from a File

The locations of all points on a curve segment can be defined by reading a file.
Select the desired curve or segment, click the right mouse button to display the
popup menu, and select the Segment Operations | Read Segment Points... menu
command.

Saving Points to a File

The locations of all points in a curve segment can be saved to a file. Select the curve
or segment, click the right mouse button to display the popup menu, and select the
Segment Operations | Save Segment Points... menu command.

Curve Segment File Format

The first number in a curve segment file represents the total number of points. This
is followed by the coordinates for each point (horizontal and vertical - one coordinate
pair for each line) separated with a space, tab, and/or comma. The values must be
in the dimensions displayed for the curve. If the curve is an angle curve, the angle
must be in radians.

File Format Description Example File

{number of points} 5
{horizontal}{vertical} 11
{horizontal}{vertical} 1.0001e1, 2
: 1.0003, 3
: 1.1 5
: 1.3, 6

9.1.5.3.2.2.7. Moving Meridional Curves

BladeGen provides two options for translating an entire curve. These options are
only available for curves in the Meridional View and are accessed by depressing the
right mouse button in the view and selecting the Move Curve sub-menu from the
resulting popup menu.

Move Curve | by Offset

This menu command displays a Point Offset Dialog, as shown below. This dialog
prompts for both a horizontal and vertical distance. The entire curve will be offset by
this vector.

Figure 9.24:  Point Offset Dialog Box

Move Curve | Intersect Two Points

This menu command displays a Point Pair Location Dialog, as shown below. This
dialog prompts for the horizontal and vertical coordinates of two points. BladeGen
will calculate an offset vector designed to move the curve as close as possible to
both points. This offset vector will be displayed for confirmation in a Point Offset
Dialog. The user may then either complete the operation by clicking OK or abort the
operation by clicking Cancel.

Figure 9.25:  Point Pair Location Dialog

9.1.5.3.2.3. Switching Between Segment Types

To switch to a different segment type:

1. Select a segment with the mouse button.

2. Depress the right mouse button and select the Segment Type option from the
resulting popup menu.
3. Select the desired segment type from the displayed list.

Note that this is different than performing the point conversion operations described
above, because the shape of the original curve is not necessarily preserved. The new
curve type uses the original set of points directly, even though it may interpret those
points differently than the old curve type.
For example, when switching from a Bezier Curve to a Cubic Spline Curve, the new
spline curve is simply fit through the original Bezier control points. This is different
than using the Convert Points to | Spline Curve Points... function where BladeGen
would first generate new points on the Bezier Curve and then fit a spline through
them.

9.1.5.4. Model Settings

This section describes a class of functions that apply to the overall model or blade
system. These functions are accessed using the Model menu.

 Model Parameters
 Operating Mode
 Spanwise Calculation Method
 Right/Left-Handed Coordinate System
 Angle/Thickness Control Settings
 Number of Blade Sets
 Maximum Curve Error

9.1.5.4.1. Model Parameters

Users can now assign various model properties within BladeGen using the Model
Property Dialog, shown below. These properties are stored in the model and are
used for some of the export options. These include a description of the component,
the length unit, the name of the designer and company, and a comment field.
Access is also provided to the ’Plus’ parameters through the Load and Edit buttons.

Figure 9.26:  Model Properties Dialog

9.1.5.4.2. Operating Mode

The initial operating mode of a model is determined by the type of component

selected in the Initial Meridional Profile Dialog or the mode assumed by the file type.

Users can change between operating modes by using the Model | Mode | Ang/Thk
Mode... or Model | Mode | Prs/Sct Mode... menu commands. These commands
display the Mode Transfer Dialog shown below, which, when transitioning between
Angle/Thickness and Pressure/Suction Mode, allows the user to select how the
conversion is to be made.

The first conversion option is to return to the data that already exists in the targeted
mode, ignoring any changes made in the current mode. This option is disabled if
there is no valid data in the targeted mode.

The second option transfers an approximation of the data in the current mode into
the targeted mode, using the number of points specified for the curves.

Figure 9.27:  Mode Transfer Dialog

9.1.5.4.3. Spanwise Calculation Method

BladeGen offers two options for calculating spanwise locations for layers or
streamlines.

The Model | Spanwise Calculation | Geometric command specifies that the spanwise
location is calculated based on geometric distance between hub and shroud. This
option creates layers that are evenly spaced in the Meridional View.

The Model | Spanwise Calculation | Area Weighted command specifies that the
spanwise location is calculated based on the flow path area. This option creates
layers that represent the area fraction. For example, a span layer at 0.2 has 20% of
the flow passage area ’below’ the curve and 80% ’above’ the curve.

9.1.5.4.4. Right/Left-Handed Coordinate System

The coordinate system used for design can be controlled using the Model |
Coordinate System Orientation | Right-handed and Model | Coordinate System
Orientation | Left-handed menu commands. These commands only affect the
interpretation of the angle view data. Output is always converted to a right-handed
coordinate system.

9.1.5.4.5. Angle/Thickness Control Settings

The following settings control various parameters in the Angle/Thickness Mode:

Beta Definition - The user has the option to define the angle Beta from either the
axial direction or the tangential direction. These options are specified using the
Model | Ang/Thk Beta Definition | Beta from Axial and Model | Ang/Thk Beta
Definition | Beta from Tangential menu commands.

Data Direction - This option specifies the direction in which the Angle/Thickness
data will be displayed, either from leading edge to trailing edge or from trailing edge
to leading edge. The direction is selected using the Model | Ang/Thk Data Direction |
From LE to TE and Model | Ang/Thk Data Direction | From TE to LE menu
commands.
9.1.5.4.6. Number of Blade Sets

Select the Model | Number Blades Sets menu command or the    toolbar button to
specify the main blade count for the model. This will open a Blade Count Dialog,
shown below, where the number of blade sets can be entered. Press OK to complete
the operation or Cancel to abort the operation.

Figure 9.28:  Blade Count Dialog

9.1.5.4.7. Maximum Curve Error

This setting controls how smoothly curves are displayed on the screen. In BladeGen,
curves are displayed as piecewise linear. The point spacing on the display curve is
determined by recursively subdividing the original curve. The division continues until
the maximum normal distance between the curve segment and its straight-line
approximation falls below the specified value. This value can be set using the Model
| Maximum Curve Error... menu command.

9.1.5.5. Blade Settings

This section describes parameters and functions that apply to a single blade. They
are accessed using either the Blade menu or the blade toolbar.

BladeGen has the ability to design with splitter blades. Splitter blades are blades
positioned between main blades for additional flow control. Splitter blades can be
dependent on the main blade for their angular and thickness definitions or have their
own, independent, definitions.

Like layers, BladeGen has one active blade at a time. Most views display only the
data pertaining to the active blade. Only the Blade-to-Blade and 3D Views display all
blades.

The following topics are discussed:

 Blade Parameters
 Adding a Splitter
  Deleting a Splitter
 Selecting a Blade
 Angle and Thickness Spanwise Distributions
 Angle View Data Location
 Thickness View Data Type

9.1.5.5.1. Blade Parameters

Each blade is defined by a series of parameters, accessible from a single Blade

Property Dialog (shown below). Individual parameters, previously accessed from
individual dialogs, are now accessed by selecting the appropriate tab. See Blade
Property Dialog for more information.

Figure 9.29:  Blade Property Dialog Box

9.1.5.5.2. Adding a Splitter

Splitter blades are added using the Blade | Add Splitter... menu command or
the    toolbar button. The Blade Property Dialog (Blade Property Dialog) will be
displayed to allow the specification of the new blade’s parameters. The
Location/Definition tab of this dialog box can used to specify whether the splitter
uses the main blade’s Angle or Thickness Definition, and the offset of the splitter
(expressed as a pitch fraction).

9.1.5.5.3. Deleting a Splitter
The current splitter blade can be deleted using the Blade | Del Splitter menu
command or the    toolbar button. To prevent accidental deletion of data, the user
will be prompted for confirmation.

9.1.5.5.4. Selecting a Blade

The user can select the blade to be displayed by selecting the appropriate command
from the Blade sub-menu or by pressing one of the toolbar buttons shown below.

  Main Blade

  Splitter1

  Splitter2

  Splitter3

  Splitter4

  Splitter5

  Splitter6

9.1.5.5.5. Angle and Thickness Spanwise Distributions

BladeGen offers several options for controlling the spanwise distribution of angle and
thickness values. These options can be displayed by clicking the right mouse button
in the Angle or Thickness View and selecting Spanwise Distribution Type sub-menu
from the resulting popup menu. Note that it is allowable for the Angle View to have
a different Spanwise Distribution type than the Thickness View. The following
Spanwise Distribution types are available:

 General Spanwise Distribution

 Ruled Element Spanwise Distribution
 Axial Element Spanwise Distribution
 Radial Element Spanwise Distribution
 User-Defined Spanwise Distribution

9.1.5.5.5.1. General Spanwise Distribution

The General Distribution is the default Spanwise Distribution type. The parameter of
interest (angle or thickness) is defined by curves on defining layers that use various
meridional coordinates from those layers. Since these layers may have arbitrary
shapes that don’t necessarily correspond to true streamlines, BladeGen must first
convert their coordinates to "true" meridional coordinates (consistent with the
meridional interpolation grid) before using them to compute the parameters to
generate a blade.

9.1.5.5.5.2. Ruled Element Spanwise Distribution

The Ruled Element Spanwise Distribution type is only available in the Angle View.

In a ruled element blade, the angular location is defined by a straight line drawn in
3D space between points at the span location on the hub and shroud. The hub and
shroud curves are the master curves. They control the generation of all other
defining curves. Thus, the hub and shroud curves are the only curves that the user
can modify in the Spanwise Distribution type.

When one of the defining curves is updated from the hub curve, it obtains its
location by the intersection of the surface of revolution generated using the
meridional streamline and the lines drawn between corresponding pairs of points on
the hub and shroud. Once this update occurs, a conversion is made to "true"
meridional coordinates using the same method as in the general Spanwise
Distribution type.

It is important to specify enough defining layers to adequately describe the

geometry of interest. In most cases, 5 layers are sufficient.

Note:  This option should be combined with the Hyperbolic Shape of Spanwise

Curves (Hyperbolic Shape of Spanwise Curves  ) option to produce the classic "Ruled
Element" blade.

9.1.5.5.5.3. Axial Element Spanwise Distribution

In an axial element blade, the parameter of interest (angle or thickness) depends

exclusively on radial position (R) at each span location. The hub curve is the master
curve; it controls the curves for all of the other defining layers. Thus, the hub curve
is the only curve that the user can modify in this Spanwise Distribution type. When a
defining layer curve is updated from the hub curve, it obtains its parameter (angle or
thickness) at a given meridional position by using an axial projection from the hub
curve. Once this update occurs, a conversion is made to "true" meridional
coordinates using the same method as in the general Spanwise Distribution type.

When using axial element blades, it is important to specify enough defining layers to
adequately describe the geometry of interest. In most cases, 5 layers are sufficient.

When this distribution type is used in the Thickness View, there is a menu command
in the popup menu to specify a taper angle. The taper angle, which normally
defaults to zero, is limited to guarantee a minimum thickness of 10% of the specified
value.
9.1.5.5.5.4. Radial Element Spanwise Distribution

In a radial element blade, the parameter of interest (angle or thickness) depends

exclusively on axial position (z) at each span location. The hub curve is the master
curve; It controls the curves for all of the other defining layers. Thus, the hub curve
is the only curve that the user can modify in this Spanwise Distribution type. When a
defining layer curve is updated from the hub curve, it obtains its parameter (angle or
thickness) at a given meridional position by using a radial projection from the hub
curve. Once this update occurs, a conversion is made to "true" meridional
coordinates using the same method as in the general Spanwise Distribution type.

When using radial element blades, it is important to specify enough defining layers
to adequately describe the geometry of interest. In most cases, 5 layers are
sufficient.

9.1.5.5.5.5. User-Defined Spanwise Distribution

The following topics are discussed:

 User-Defined Spanwise Distribution

 Specifying the Equation
 Fitting to the Prior Values

9.1.5.5.5.5.1. User-Defined Spanwise Distribution

With this Spanwise Distribution type, the user generates an equation describing how
the parameter of interest (theta or thickness) is distributed between the hub and
shroud. Select the Spanwise Distribution Type | User-Defined menu command of
either the Angle or Thickness Views to enable this option. The Fitting Data Array Size
Dialog is displayed (see below) to allow the specification of the number of points
that are to be collected and stored for use when fitting a User-Defined Spanwise
distribution.

Figure 9.30:  User-Defined Fitting Data Array Size Dialog Box

Once the fitting data has been collected, the view changes to the specialized
spanwise view (shown below). The view initially displays the hub and shroud value
curves which are required of every definition. A user-defined equation can then
specified as described in Specifying the Equation  . Any user-defined variables used
in the equation are then also displayed in this view.

Figure 9.31:  User-Defined Spanwise Angle View

Several tools are provided to modify the data displays. First, as with the other
Working Views, the user has access to all of the interactive curve modification tools.
In addition, the user has the option of disabling the display of selected curves and
scaling of values to maximize the utility of the view.

Related Topics:

Specifying the Equation

Fitting to the Prior Values

9.1.5.5.5.5.2. Specifying the Equation

The equation can be defined by selecting the Edit Equation... command from the
view’s popup menu. This will display the User-Defined Spanwise Specification
Distribution Equation Dialog shown below.

Enter the equation into the "Equation(s)" control. The equation can be one or more
lines. The "Equation Helper" controls can insert the selected Constant, Operator, or
Function prototype into the equation.

There are several predefined variables that the equation can utilize. These are listed
in below.
Table 9.5:  Predefined Variables

Name Description
Zh Z Location at the hub
Rh Radial Location at the hub
Xh X coordinate at the hub
Yh Y coordinate at the hub
Th Theta coordinate at the hub (Angle View only)
Vh Value at the Hub
Zs Axial coordinate at the shroud
Rs Radial Location at the shroud
Xs X coordinate at the shroud
Ys Y coordinate at the shroud
Ts Theta coordinate at the shroud (Angle View only)
Vs Value at the shroud
Stream Streamwise fraction ranging from 0.0 to 1.0
Span Spanwise fraction ranging from -0.5 to 1.5
V Returned value. Must be defined by the user equation.

The equation must return the value of interest by assigning it to a variable call "V"
(as shown in the equation below).

All user-defined variables (referenced but not defined) are listed in the Variables
control. These variables are initially assigned a value of 0.1 (non-zero). These
variables are actually curves which define the variable as a function of the stream
fraction (ranging from 0.0 to 1.0).

The "Debug Messages" displays the result of evaluating the equation. It displays the
predefined variables first (with a "Define:" statement) followed by each of the
equation lines. The result of the evaluation is listed to the right of the equation. Only
when this is error free is the equation valid.

Figure 9.32:  User-Defined Spanwise Equation Dialog

9.1.5.5.5.5.3. Fitting to the Prior Values

Once the equations have been defined, the user may either view the differences
between the new and original data, or have BladeGen attempt to adjust the
equations to fit the new data to the original data. (The original data consists of the
angle and thickness values that existed before the conversion to user-defined
mode.)

The variables can be fitted to the prior values by selecting the Fit to Data... popup
menu command. The User-Defined Span-Wise Distribution Fitting Dialog, displayed
below, provides access to data fitting functions and control of variable parameters
when using a User-Defined Span-wise Distribution.
The user-defined variables are listed in the Variables control. Double-clicking on a
variable displays the Variable Property Dialog which can be used to specify the
minimum and maximum values for each variable. Each variable can be enabled or
disabled (for fitting) using the check box in the Variables list.

The data is presented in the Display window (located at the bottom of the dialog)
using one of two display modes - stream or surface.

In the stream display mode, the value (theta or thickness) is plotted as a function of
span fraction at a given streamwise location. The original data (labeled "Data") is
plotted in blue. The user defined curve (labeled "Curve") is plotted in red. The user
can step through the streamwise and spanwise locations using the "Position"
controls located in the upper right portion of the dialog.

In the surface display mode, the data is plotted in 3D. As in the "Stream" display
mode, the original data is plotted in blue and the user-defined data is plotted in red.
The axes drawn in the surface display are color coordinated shown in the table
below.

Table 9.6:  Surface Plot Axis Colors

Axis Color Description

X Red Streamwise direction (x=0 represents the leading edge)
Y Green Spanwise direction (y=0 represents the hub)
Z Blue Data value (theta or thickness depending upon the view)

When the Fit to Data button is pressed, the enabled user-defined variables are
adjusted within their minimum and maximum values to attempt to find a better fit to
the data. When completed, the result of the fitting process is displayed.

Pressing the OK button finalizes the fitting process. Press Cancel to abort the
changes made and preserve the previous values of the user-defined variables.

Figure 9.33:  User-Defined Fitting Dialog - Surface Display

9.1.5.5.6. Angle View Data Location

The interpretation of the angle view data can be modified by using the Blade | Angle
View Data Location | Side1, and Blade | Angle View Data Location | Side2 menu
commands. The default assumption is that the angle view defines data on the mean
line (the Blade | Angle View Data Location | Mean menu command). The Side1 and
Side2 commands cause the data to refer to a side of the blade.

Option Description
Mean is the default option and specifies that the theta values are for the location of
the meanline.
Side1 specifies that theta values locate Side1 of the blade. The thickness will be
applied to specify the other side of the blade (at a larger theta value).
Side2 specifies that theta values locate Side2 of the blade. The thickness will be
applied to specify the other side of the blade (at a smaller theta value).
Note:  It is recommended that the Side1 or Side2 options be avoided if possible.
These commands add another interpolation step to convert the data to mean line, so
that the leading and trailing edge treatments can be applied and could result in
reduced accuracy of the output.

9.1.5.5.7. Thickness View Data Type

The Blade | Thickness View Data Type sub-menu controls the meaning of the
thickness data.

Option Description
Normal to This was previously called "Normal to Meanline" and is still the
Meanline on default. In this mode, the thickness specified in the thickness view is
Layer Surface applied from a meanline point normal to the meanline curve on the
layer surface (a surface of revolution).
Normal to This is a new option that scales the thickness by the secant of local
Camber Surface blade lean angle. This reproduces the effect of a normal to camber
surface definition while maintaining the thickness vector.
Tangential on When this option is selected, the thickness vector is modified to
Layer Surface purely tangential.

Note:  It is recommended that the tangential thickness option be avoided if

possible. Currently all output uses data converted to normal thickness to prevent the
leading and trailing edge treatments from being skewed. This could result in reduced
accuracy of the output.

9.1.5.6. Blade Angular Location Method

The Angle View allows the angular location of the blade to be specified using a
number of methods. The user can select a method from the Angle View Popup Menu
(Angle View Popup Menu). The following four types of angle definitions are
available:

Angle Definition by End Angle

When defining the angle distribution of a blade using the End Angles option, only
four points are used. They are the Theta and Beta at each end of the blade. Using
these four points, the theta curve can be calculated using a third order polynomial.
The beta values are then calculated from the derivative of the theta curve.

Angle Definition by End Angle with Zero Beta Slope

This option applies the End-Angle definition described above, with an additional
restriction that sets the slope of the Beta curve to zero at the leading and trailing
edges. The additional constraints make the polynomial fifth order.
Angle Definition by Theta Curve

When defining the angle distribution of a blade using the Theta Curve option, the
user manipulates the theta curve directly. The beta values are then calculated from
the derivative of the theta curve.

Angle Definition by Beta Curve

When defining the angle distribution of a blade using the Beta Curve option, the user
manipulates the beta curve directly. BladeGen uses the beta curve values along with
the leading edge theta value to calculate the remaining theta values. This calculation
is performed using numerical integration. The leading edge theta value is zero by
default, but can be modified using the "Beginning Theta Specification Dialog", shown
below. This dialog is displayed by right clicking in the Angle View and selecting Theta
@ Beginning... from the resulting popup menu.

Figure 9.34:  Beginning Theta Specification Dialog

9.1.5.7. Auxiliary View Details

The Auxiliary View is used to display various data sets describing the model and is
automatically updated when modifications are performed in a Working View. The
values displayed are calculated from the same data structures and functions that are
used to output geometry for other purposes.

The Auxiliary View contents are controlled by the View menu (View Submenu) and
the Auxiliary View Menu (Auxiliary View Menu), using the Auxiliary View Contents
sub-menu. A new, independent Auxiliary View can be created by selecting the New
Auxiliary View (B2B) menu command.

The following view types are available:

 Auxiliary View Menu

 Blade-to-Blade View
 3D View
 Meridional Contour View
 Graph View
 Blade Information Table
Blade-to-Blade View

3D View

Meridional Contour View

Graph View

Blade Information Table

9.1.5.7.1. Auxiliary View Menu

The following Auxiliary View Menu are available:

 File Submenu - See File Submenu.

 Layer Submenu - The Above command changes the displayed layer to the
next layer above (by span). The Below command changes the displayed
layer to the next layer below (by span). These commands allow rapid changes
in the displayed layer, including layers which are not defining layers.
 View Submenu - See View Submenu.
 Window Submenu - See Window Submenu.
 Help Submenu - Provides access to help and program information such as
the version number.

9.1.5.7.1.1. File Submenu

New - Create a new document.

Open - Open an existing document. The filename extension is used to determine

the type of window in which it should be displayed.

Close - Close the active document (window).

Save - Save the active document. The Save command saves the document in the
active window to disk. If the document is unnamed, the Save File As dialog box is
displayed so you can name the file, and choose where it is to be saved.

Save As... - Save the active document with a new name. The Save As... command
allows the user to save a document under a new name, or in a new location on disk.
The command displays the Save File As dialog box. The user can enter the new file
name, including the drive and directory. All windows containing this file are updated
with the new name. If an existing file name is chosen, the user will be asked for
confirmation to overwrite the file.

Compare... - Compare the current geometry to a saved blade geometry.

The Compare... command displays the file selected in the File Open Dialog in the
background (gray), behind the current model, for comparison. This allows the user
to save a version of a model and then modify the current version with a visual
comparison to the original model.

Export Submenu - See Export Submenu.

Print... - Print the active document. The Print... command prints the contents of

the active window (or view). Use File | Print Preview... to see how the document
will be laid out on printer pages. Use File | Print Setup... to select a printer, and to
set printer options. Use File | Export | Report... to output a detailed report of a
BladeGen model.

Print Preview - Display full pages. The Print Preview command opens a special

window that shows how the active document will appear when printed. The preview
window shows one or two pages of the active document as they would look when
printed.

Print Setup... - Change the printer and printing options. The Print

Setup... command displays the Printer Setup dialog box which allows you to select
and configure the printer to be used to print documents in the application.

Preferences... - Display the User Preferences Dialog to allow the user to select
some of the program defaults.

Recent File - Open a document from a selection of recently opened files.

Exit - Quits the application; prompts to save documents. If you have modified
documents without saving, you will be prompted to save before exiting.

9.1.5.7.1.1.1. Export Submenu

Text Data File... - Export a text description of the blade geometry to a ASCII text
file. The Text Data File... command creates a formatted text file which includes R,
Theta, Z, and normal thickness (Tn) for each of the layers in the specified directory.

RTZT File... - Export ’rtzt’ data to the specified file. The RTZT File... command
create a generic ’rtzt’ file from the current model.

2D DXF Drawing Views... - Export 2D DXF drawing views as specified by the user.
The 2D DXF Drawing Views... command creates a DXF file for each of the
selected drawing views and tables to the specified directory. The Drawing View
Dialog is displayed to control the output parameters. These files can then be
imported into the users CAD system to generate a drawing of the blade geometry.

Pro/ENGINEER ibl File... - Export a Pro/ENGINEER ibl (wireframe only) datum

curves to the specified file. The Pro/ENGINEER ibl File... command creates a
wireframe Pro/Engineer ’ibl’ file which can be imported into Pro/Engineer using the
Feature | Create | Datum | Curve | From File command. The file will include the hub
and shroud curves and each blade, as defined on the output layers.

3D DXF File... - Export a 3D DXF wireframe to the specified file. The 3D DXF
File... command creates a wireframe DXF file for inclusion into CAD drawings. The
file will include the hub and shroud curves and each blade, as defined on the output
layers.

3D IGES File... - Export a 3D model to the specified IGES file. The 3D IGES
File... command creates a wireframe and optional surfaces in a IGES file for
inclusion into CAD drawings. The file will include the hub and shroud curves and
each blade, as defined on the output layers.

TurboGrid Input Files... - Exports a TurboGrid file set to the specified directory.
The TurboGrid Input Files... command creates the hub, shroud, and profile files
for ANSYS TurboGrid in the specified directory.

ICEM TETIN File... - Export a CFX-HEXA file. The CFX-HEXA File... command

exports a ICEM TETIN file for creation of a hexahedral mesh.

9.1.5.7.1.2. View Submenu

Toolbars Submenu - See Toolbars Submenu.

Arrange Views Submenu - See Arrange Views Submenu.

New Auxiliary View (B2B) - Display a new auxiliary Blade-to-Blade View of the
current layer.

Auxiliary View Content Submenu - See Auxiliary View Content Submenu.

Ang/Thk Plot Horizontal Axis Submenu - See Ang/Thk Plot Horizontal Axis

Submenu.

Layers for Plots of ’All Layers’ Submenu - See Layers for Plots of ’All Layers’
Submenu.

9.1.5.7.1.2.1. Toolbars Submenu

Main Toolbar - Show or hide the main toolbar. The Main Toolbar command

toggles visibility of the main toolbar on/off.

Analysis Toolbar - Display Analysis Toolbar. The Analysis Toolbar command

toggles the display of the Analysis Toolbar on/off.

Blade Toolbar - Show or hide the blade toolbar. The Blade Toolbar command

toggles the display of the blade toolbar on/off.
Auxiliary Toolbar #1 - Show or hide auxiliary view toolbar #1. The Auxiliary
Toolbar #1 command toggles the display of the auxiliary view toolbar #1 on/off.

Auxiliary Toolbar #2 - Show or hide auxiliary view toolbar #2. The Auxiliary
Toolbar #2 command toggles the display of the auxiliary view toolbar #2 on/off.

3D View Toolbar - Show or hide the 3D View toolbar. The 3D View

Toolbar command toggles visibility of the OpenGL toolbar on/off.

Status Bar - Show or hide the status bar.

Save Positions - Save the current positions for retrieval when the program starts.
The Save Positions command saves toolbar positions for retrieval when the
program starts.

9.1.5.7.1.2.2. Arrange Views Submenu

All Four Views - Display all four views at the same size.

Top-Left View Only - Maximize the top-left view.

Bottom-Left View Only - Maximize the bottom-left view.

Bottom-Right View Only - Maximize the bottom-right view.

Top-Right View Only - Maximize the top-right view.

9.1.5.7.1.2.3. Auxiliary View Content Submenu

3D View - Change the auxiliary view to a 3D View

Blade-to-Blade View - Change the auxiliary view to the Blade-to-Blade View of the
current layer.

Meridional Contour View - Change the auxiliary view to a Meridional Contour

View of the current layer.

Meridional Curvature - Change the auxiliary view to a Meridional Curvature

Graph.

Blade-to-Blade Curvature - Change the auxiliary view to the Blade-to-Blade

Curvature Graph of the current layer.

Blade Lean Angle - Changes the auxiliary view to the Blade Lean Angle Graph of
the hub and shroud.
LE/TE Theta - Change the auxiliary view to a LE & TE Theta Graph of the current
layer.

LE/TE Beta - Change the auxiliary view to a LE & TE Beta Graph of the current
layer.

LE/TE Parameters - Change the auxiliary view to a LE/TE Parameter Graph for the
current blade. This view displays the all LE/TE Parameters vs. the % Span, including
the elliptical ratio and over/under-filing parameters (where applicable).

Quasi-Orthogonal Area - Display the Quasi-Orthogonal Area Graph in the auxiliary

view.

Airfoil Area - Change the auxiliary view to an Airfoil Area Graph. This graph plots
the area in the blade loop of the Blade-to-Blade View at its mid-length span.

Maximum Diameter - Change the auxiliary view to a Maximum (Meridional)

Diameter Graph. This data, combined with the throat data from the Blade-to-Blade
view, can be used to determine the maximum spherical ball diameter.

Blade Information Table, Current Layer - Display the Information Table for the
current layer in the auxiliary view.

Blade Information Table, All Layers - Display the Information Table for all of the
defined layers in the auxiliary view.

Blade Angles, Current Layer - Display a Blade Angle Graph (Theta and Beta) for
the current layer in the auxiliary view.

Blade Angles, All Layers - Display a Blade Angle Graph (Theta and Beta) for all of
the defined layers in the auxiliary view.

Theta, All Layers - Display a graph of Theta for all of the defined layers in the
auxiliary view.

Beta, All Layers - Display a graph of Beta for all of the defined layers in the
auxiliary view.

Beta vs. Theta, All Layers - Display a graph of Beta vs. Theta for all of the
defined layers in the auxiliary view.

Thickness, Current Layer - Display a graph of the blade thickness for the current
layer in the auxiliary view.

Thickness, All Layers - Display a graph of blade thickness for all of the defined
layers in the auxiliary view.

9.1.5.7.1.2.4. Ang/Thk Plot Horizontal Axis Submenu

M-Prime Position - Display the current blade angle or thickness graph with the
horizontal axis using the radius normalized meridional distance (M-Prime).

% M-Prime Position - Display the current blade angle or thickness graph with the
horizontal axis using the percent of the radius normalized meridional distance (%M-
Prime).

Meridional Position - Display the current blade angle or thickness graph with the
horizontal axis using the meridional distance (M).

% Meridional Position - Display the current blade angle or thickness graph with
the horizontal axis using the percent of the meridional distance (%M).

% Camber Length - Displays the current thickness graph with the vertical axis
displaying the blade thickness as the percent of the total camber length and the
horizontal axis displaying location as the percent of the total camber length.

Axial Loc (Z) - Display the current blade angle or thickness graph with the
horizontal axis using the axial location (Z).

Radial Loc (R) - Display the current blade angle or thickness graph with the
horizontal axis using the radial location (R).

9.1.5.7.1.2.5. Layers for Plots of ’All Layers’ Submenu

All Layers - Specify that the data from all existing layers should added to ’All Layer’
plots.

Output Layers - Specify that only data from output layers should added to ’All
Layer’ plots.

Defining Layers - Specify that only data from layers used to define the blade
should added to ’All Layer’ plots.

9.1.5.7.1.3. Window Submenu

New Window - Open another window for the active document.

Cascade - Arrange windows so they overlap. The Cascade command arranges all

document windows from the top-left position of the application’s main window so
that the title bar of each is visible.

Tile Horizontal - Arrange all document windows horizontally in a non-overlapping

pattern.

Tile Vertical - Arrange all document windows vertically in a non-overlapping

pattern.
Arrange Icons - Arrange icons at the bottom of the window.

9.1.5.7.2. Blade-to-Blade View

The following topics are discussed:

 Blade-to-Blade View
 Coordinate Systems

9.1.5.7.2.1. Blade-to-Blade View

The Blade-to-Blade view, shown below, combines the meridional, angular, and
thickness descriptions of the blade along a streamline (called a layer). The blade is
displayed as a function of the distance along the streamline in the meridional view
and its angular position using one of three Coordinate Systems ( Coordinate
Systems  ).

This view is displayed using either the View | Auxiliary View Content | Blade-to-Blade
View menu command or the    toolbar button (located by default on the right
edge of the main window). See Blade-To-Blade View Popup Menu for details of the
options and functions available in this view.

Figure 9.35:  Blade-to-Blade View

9.1.5.7.2.1.1. Blade-To-Blade View Popup Menu

Layer Submenu - The Above command changes the displayed layer to the next

layer above (by span). The Below command changes the displayed layer to the
next layer below (by span). These commands allow rapid changes in the displayed
layer, including layers which are not defining layers.
New Auxiliary View (B2B) - Display a new auxiliary Blade-to-Blade View of the
current layer.

Auxiliary View Content Submenu - See Auxiliary View Content Submenu.

Coordinate System Submenu - See Coordinate Systems  .

Show Points - Toggle the display of the defining points on/off.

Show Centroid - Toggle the display of the blade centroid on/off.

Show Throat(s) - Toggle the display of throat(s) on/off.

Show LE/TE - Toggle the display of the leading and trailing edges on/off.

Copy View Image/Data to Clipboard - Copy the Current View’s Image and/or
Data to the Clipboard (in text, bitmap, or metafile formats). This allows transfer of
data to reports, spreadsheets, and presentations for documentation of the blade
design.

Zoom Fit - Zoom to fit the data within the current view.

9.1.5.7.2.2. Coordinate Systems

The Blade-to-Blade view displays the shape of the blade on a surface of rotation that
may or may not be cylindrical or planar. Therefore, a conformal coordinate system
must be used to transform the 3D data into a 2D view. Several systems have been
developed over the years, each with its strengths and weaknesses, as detailed
below. The selection of one system over another is left to the user.

Note:  See the section on BladeGen Definitions for the definitions of the variables
used.

The selection of the coordinate system is performed using the Coordinate System
sub-menu of the view’s popup menu. The following coordinate systems are
available:

 M-Prime vs. Theta

 M vs. R*Theta
 M vs. Theta-Prime

9.1.5.7.2.2.1. M-Prime vs. Theta

The M-Prime vs. Theta conformal coordinate system presents all of the blades in an
angular shape preserving view, as shown below. However, because of the
normalizing of the meridional distance with radius, the thickness of the blade is
distorted.
Figure 9.36:  M-Prime vs. Theta System

9.1.5.7.2.2.2. M vs. R*Theta

The M vs. R*Theta conformal coordinate system preserves the thickness of the
blade, as shown below. However, the angular shapes of all blades are distorted.

Figure 9.37:  M vs. R*Theta

9.1.5.7.2.2.3. M vs. Theta-Prime

The M vs. Theta-Prime conformal coordinate system is the only system that
preserves both the angular shape and the thickness of the current blade, as shown
below. However, it distorts the angular shape of all other blades.

Figure 9.38:  M vs. Theta-Prime System

9.1.5.7.3. 3D View

This view allows the user to visualize the model in three dimensions, as shown
below. The model can be dynamically rotated, panned and zoomed to achieve the
desired viewing perspective. With material (surface) visibility and clipping plane
controls, the user can choose to view a subset of the model in greater detail. The
user may also choose to view multiple blades by using the replicates controls. Like
any other auxiliary view, the 3D view is automatically updated when a change is
made in one of the working views. This view is displayed using the View | Auxiliary
View Content | 3D View menu command or the    toolbar button.

Figure 9.39:  3D View
The following display controls are available with the 3D view:

 Display Group Control

 3D View Surface Display
 Replicates
 Clipping Planes
 Viewpoint Controls
 Light Properties
 Material Properties
 Animation

9.1.5.7.3.1. Display Group Control

The Display Group Control... menu command controls which items are displayed in
the 3D view. This command will display the Display Group Control Dialog shown
below. Placing a checkmark in the box to the left of an item will cause that item to
be displayed.

Figure 9.40:  Display Group Control Dialog

Double clicking on an item in the Display Group Control Dialog will invoke a Display
Group Property Dialog for that item, as shown below. This dialog allows the user to
set the following display attributes for the selected item:

 Opaqueness - This controls the transparency of the item when the model is
shaded. (0=transparent, 255=opaque).
 Color - This will be the unshaded color of the item (i.e. the color of the item
when the model is displayed in either Wireframe or Meshed mode).

Figure 9.41:  Display Group Property Dialog

9.1.5.7.3.2. 3D View Surface Display

Objects may be displayed in three different ways, as shown below. The desired view
type can be selected in the view’s popup menu (using the Surface Display command)
or by pressing a toolbar button.

Table 9.7:  3D View Display Options

Menu Button Description

Command
Wireframe Shows the curves that define the edges of the surfaces.
 
Meshed Shows the surface mesh from which the shaded surfaces and
  volume mesh will be defined.
Shaded Shows opaque surfaces defined by the surface mesh.
 

9.1.5.7.3.3. Replicates

In a BladeGen model of a cyclically symmetric blade system, only the geometry

between a single set of periodic boundaries is stored. This geometry typically
consists of a main blade and any associated splitters. Even though BladeGen does
not store redundant geometry, it allows the user to visualize the entire blade system
by using replicates. The table below lists the available commands for viewing
replicates. These commands are accessed by using the Replication option in the
view’s popup menu or by pressing the appropriate toolbar button.

Table 9.8:  3D View Replication Options

Menu Button Description

Command
Original Only Shows a single blade (and any splitters). This is the model
  stored in BladeGen and used for flow calculations.
One Replica Shows two side-by-side blades. Useful to see how the
  individual blade models fit together.
All Replicas Shows the entire blade system.
 

9.1.5.7.3.4. Clipping Planes

Clipping planes allow the user to explore the inside of the model by clipping away
parts of the view. There are six clipping planes available. To activate the clipping
planes, use the Clip command in the view’s popup menu or the toolbar buttons.
These provide options to toggle each plane on or off, select which plane to move
with the mouse wheel, and open the Clipping Plane Property Dialog. With Windows
NT and later, the selected clipping plane can be moved by depressing the mouse
wheel and then rotating it.

Figure 9.42:  Clipping Plane Property Dialog

Each clipping plane can be customized with the Clipping Plane Property Dialog,
shown above, which is accessed using the Clip | Setup menu command or the   
toolbar button. This dialog allows the user to specify the clipping direction (either by
setting the components of a vector normal to the plane or by using one of the
predefined direction options). It also allows the user to set the initial plane location,
either by specifying the coordinates of a point on the plane or by setting a minimum
distance from the origin. The clipping plane can also be activated and deactivated in
this dialog.

The clipping planes are initially defined as shown below.

Table 9.9:  Clipping Plane Default Values

Plane No. Plane Side Displayed

1 XY -Z
2 YZ +X
3 XZ +Y
4 XY +Z
5 YZ -X
6 XZ -Y

9.1.5.7.3.5. Viewpoint Controls

The viewpoint controls are provided to manipulate the orientation and position of the
3D View. A combination of keyboard shortcuts, menu commands, or mouse buttons
are available. In addition, some of the menu commands are duplicated on the
toolbars.

Table 9.10:  3D View Menu/Keyboard Equivalent Commands

Function Menu Command Keyboard Shortcut

Positive rotation about X Rotate | X+ Ctrl + down arrow
Negative rotation about X Rotate | X- Ctrl + up arrow
Positive rotation about Y Rotate | Y+ Ctrl + right arrow
Negative rotation about Y Rotate | Y- Ctrl + left arrow
Rotate Counter-Clockwise Rotate | Z+ Shift + Ctrl + right arrow
Rotate Clockwise Rotate | Z- Shift + Ctrl + left arrow
Translate Right Translate | Right Shift + Right Arrow
Translate Left Translate | Left Shift + Left Arrow
Translate Up Translate | Up Shift + Up Arrow
Translate Down Translate | Down Shift + Down Arrow
 Function Menu Command Keyboard Shortcut
Translate In Translate | In Ctrl + Shift + up arrow
Translate Out Translate | Out Ctrl + Shift + down arrow
Look down X axis Align | Along X x
Look down Y axis Align | Along Y y
Look down Z axis Align | Along Z z
Isometric Align | Isometric i
Flip (rotate 180 about Y) Align | Flip f
Reset View Zoom | Fit Home
Zoom Box Zoom | Box End

The coordinates in the above table refer to screen coordinates where positive X is to
the right, positive Y is upwards and positive Z is out of the screen. Positive rotation
about a given axis is defined as counterclockwise when looking down that axis from
its positive direction.

Table 9.11:  3D View Mouse Commands

Function Mouse Movement

Rotate Model Drag with left mouse button pressed
Translate Model Drag with right mouse button pressed
Zoom & Spin Model Drag with both mouse buttons pressed
Zoom Rotate mouse wheel (NT only)
Scroll Clipping Planes Rotate mouse wheel with Shift pressed (NT only)

9.1.5.7.3.6. Light Properties

The 3D view allows up to eight lighting sources. The user may override the default
parameters for these sources by using the Light Control Dialog shown below. This
dialog is displayed by using the Light Control... popup menu command.

Figure 9.43:  Light Control Dialog

9.1.5.7.3.7. Material Properties

In the 3D view, the material properties control the display of the shaded surface.
The Material Control Dialog, shown below, allows the user to set material properties
(such as color and shininess) for these surfaces. The Material Control Dialog is
displayed by using either the Front Material Def... or the Back Material Def... popup
menu command.

BladeGen allows the user to specify different lighting properties on the front and
back sides of a surface. (The front side is typically the side exposed to the flow
path.) Use the Shaded Material Mode | Front/Back Unique popup menu command to
select this option.

Figure 9.44:  Material Control Dialog

The Shaded Material Mode | Front/Back Same popup menu command forces both
the front and back material properties to be the same. In this case, the Back
Material Def... popup menu command will be disabled and both sides will use the
properties of the front material.

9.1.5.7.3.8. Animation

The animation capability of the 3D view allows the user to see the model rotating on
the screen. To animate the model, select the Animate popup menu command from
the view’s popup menu. The user can customize the way the animation is performed
by using the Animation Dialog shown below. This dialog is displayed using the
Animation Setup... popup menu command. The degrees of rotation per animation
frame can be entered in either model or screen coordinates. The speed at which the
frames will be shown can also be entered. However, the speed of the animation will
ultimately be limited by the speed of the CPU and graphics card.

Figure 9.45:  Animation Dialog
9.1.5.7.4. Meridional Contour View

BladeGen allows the user to plot contours of Theta, Beta, Lean, or Thickness on the
meridional profile, as shown below. This view can be displayed using the View |
Auxiliary View Content | Meridional Contour View menu command or by pressing
the    toolbar button (located by default on the right edge of the main window).

The Contour view can display the following values: Theta (Blade Location); Beta
(Blade Angle); Blade Lean Angle; Normal Thickness; and Modified Thickness
(Includes Over/Under-Filing).

The user can select from several grid densities: Very Fine; Fine; Medium; and
Coarse. These settings use predetermined point counts which are distributed using
the lengths of the four edges of the blade.

See Contour View Popup Menu for details of the options and functions available in
this view.

Figure 9.46:  Meridional Contour View

9.1.5.7.4.1. Contour View Popup Menu

Blade Submenu - See Blade Submenu.

New Auxiliary View (B2B) - Display a new auxiliary Blade-to-Blade View of the
current layer.

Auxiliary View Content Submenu - See Auxiliary View Content Submenu.

Theta (Location) Angle - Display a color contour plot of blade angle (Theta) in the
Meridional View using the current interpolation grid density.

Beta (Blade) Angle - Display a color contour plot of blade angle (Beta) in the
Meridional View using the current interpolation grid density.
Blade Lean Angle - Display a color contour plot of the blade lean angle in the
Meridional View using the current interpolation grid density.

Normal Thickness - Display a color contour plot of blade thickness in the

Meridional View using the current interpolation grid density.

Modified Thickness - Plot Modified (with Over/Under-Filing) Thickness Contours in

the Meridional View. The Modified Thickness command selects the ’Enhanced
Thickness’ data for display in the Contour View. The ’Enhanced Thickness’ is the
blade thickness with any over/under-filing applied (but not the ellipse or cut-off).

Data Grid Density Submenu - Set the density of the grid used to interpolate
contour data. When a contour plot is generated, blade data for the selected data
type is extracted for each point in the interpolation grid. Contour boundaries are
then generated by interpolating between the values at these data points.

Show Contour Lines - Show solid lines between contour levels.

Show Data Points - Show the points at which blade data is extracted for contour
plotting.

Show Grid - Display the interpolation grid used to extract blade data for contour
plotting. Each intersection in the grid represents a point at which blade data is
generated.

Copy View Image/Data to Clipboard - Copy the Current View’s Image and/or
Data to the Clipboard (in text, bitmap, or metafile formats). This allows transfer of
data to reports, spreadsheets, and presentations for documentation of the blade
design.

Zoom Fit - Zoom to fit the data within the current view.

9.1.5.7.4.2. Blade Submenu

Main Blade - Select the main blade for display and modification. The data for this
blade will then be available for editing.

Splitter 1 - Select splitter #1 for display and modification. The data for this blade
will then be available for editing.

9.1.5.7.5. Graph View

The graph view displays the selected data in an X-Y plot (as shown below) and is the
workhorse of the Auxiliary Views. The graph type is selected using the View |
Auxiliary View Content menu command or the Auxiliary Toolbars (displayed by
default on the right edge of the window). See Graph View Popup Menu for details of
the options and functions available in this view.
Fly-Over bubble help is provided for additional information on the points. The user
can position the mouse cursor over a point and the bubble help will be displayed to
describe these parameters. The bubble is removed when the user clicks a mouse
button or moves the mouse over the bubble. For more information, see Hover Help  .

Figure 9.47:  Graph View

9.1.5.7.5.1. Graph View Popup Menu

Layer Submenu - The Above command changes the displayed layer to the next

layer above (by span). The Below command changes the displayed layer to the
next layer below (by span). These commands allow rapid changes in the displayed
layer, including layers which are not defining layers.

New Auxiliary View (B2B) - Display a new auxiliary Blade-to-Blade View of the
current layer.

Auxiliary View Content Submenu - See Auxiliary View Content Submenu.

Ang/Thk Plot Horizontal Axis Submenu - See Ang/Thk Plot Horizontal Axis

Submenu.

Layers for Plots of ’All Layers’ Submenu - See Layers for Plots of ’All Layers’
Submenu.

Show Legend - Toggle the display of the legend on/off.

Show Points - Toggle the display of the data points on/off.

Show Comparison Curves - Toggle the display of the data curves from the
comparison model on/off. These curves are darker in color and use a smaller marker
to differentiate them from the other curves.

Number of Points... - Displays a dialog to allow the user to select the number of
points displayed in the curves.

Swap Axes - Swap the horizontal and vertical axes of the selected graph.

Proportional Axes - Toggle the proportionality setting of the graph axes on/off.

Flip X Axis Direction - Flip the direction of the X Axis. When the Axis is flipped, the
positive direction is reversed.

Flip Y Axis Direction - Flip the direction of the Y Axis. When the Axis is flipped, the
positive direction is reversed.

Log X Scale - Toggle between Linear and Log (base 10) scaling on the horizontal
axis.

Log Y Scale - Toggle between Linear and Log (base 10) scaling on the vertical axis.

Save Graph Data... - Save the data from the graph to the specified file. The Save
Graph Data... command displays the File Save Dialog and saves the data in the
current graph in the specified file. The file is comma delimited and can be read into
Microsoft Excel(tm) or similar software.

Copy View Image/Data to Clipboard - Copy the Current View’s Image and/or
Data to the Clipboard (in text, bitmap, or metafile formats). This allows transfer of
data to reports, spreadsheets, and presentations for documentation of the blade
design.

Zoom Fit - Zoom to fit the data within the current view.

9.1.5.7.5.2. Graph View Data Set Types

BladeGen displays a number of data sets in the Graph View. The table below lists the
current data sets.

Menu Command Button Description

Meridional Curvature Meridional Curvature vs. Meridional Fraction
 
Blade-to-Blade Blade-to-Blade Curvature vs. Meridional Fraction
 
Curvature
LE/TE Theta LE/TE Theta vs. %Span
 
 Menu Command Button Description
LE/TE Beta LE/TE Beta vs. %Span
 
LE/TE Parameter  
 
Graph
Blade Lean Angle Blade Lean Angle vs. %M
 
Quasi-Orthogonal Quasi-Orthogonal Area vs. Meridional Fraction
 
Area
Airfoil Area Airfoil Area vs. Span Fraction
 
Maximum Diameter Maximum Meridional Diameter vs. Meridional
 
Fraction
Blade Angles, Current Blade Angles (Current Layer) vs. Mp, %Mp, M, %M,
 
Z or R
Blade Angles, All Blade Angles (All Layers) vs. Mp, %Mp, M, %M, Z
 
or R
Theta, All Theta (All Layers) vs. Mp, %Mp, M, %M, Z or R
 
Beta, All Beta (All Layers) vs. Mp, %Mp, M, %M, Z or R
 
Beta vs. Theta Beta vs. Theta (All Layers)
 
Thickness, Current Thickness (Current Layer) vs. Mp, %Mp, M, %M,
 
%C, Z or R
Thickness, All Thickness (All Layers) vs. Mp, %Mp, M, %M, %C, Z
 
or R

9.1.5.7.6. Blade Information Table

Blade and layer properties may be displayed in text format in the auxiliary view by
using either of the following menu commands:

 View | Auxiliary View Content | Blade Information Table, Current

Layer
 View | Auxiliary View Content | Blade Information Table, All Layers

These commands will generate a view similar to the one shown below. Additional
throat data may be included in the view by selecting the Include Throat Calculation
command from the view’s popup menu.

Note:  Different information will be displayed in this view depending on whether the

operating mode is Angle/Thickness or Pressure/Suction.
Figure 9.48:  Blade Information Table - All Layers

9.1.5.8. Geometry Tools Menu

BladeGen provides a class of operations for performing global geometry

modifications to the blade system. These operations are accessed through the Tools
sub-menu and are described below.

Sub-Menu Description
Command
Scale Model... Scales the model by a specified factor. See Scaling the Model for
more information.
Shift in Z Translates the model along the axis by a specified distance.
Direction See Shifting the Model in the Z Direction for more information.
 Sub-Menu Description
Command
Flip Z Changes the sign of the axial (Z) dimension of all meridional points.
Dimension
Reverse Span Swaps the hub and shroud curves for the model.
Direction
Reverse Flow Reverses the streamwise direction for the model by swapping the
Direction leading and trailing edge curves, inlet and outlet curves, and all cut-
off or extension curves.
Reverse Reverses the sign of the theta values for the model.
Rotation
Direction
Zero Average Attempts to minimize the value of theta on the leading edge of the
LE Theta blade. This is accomplished by calculating an average leading edge
theta over all of the layers and offsetting every theta value in the
model by this result. Note that this operation does not change the
overall shape of the blade system.
Zero Average Attempts to minimize the value of theta on the trailing edge of the
TE Theta blade. This is accomplished by calculating an average trailing edge
theta over all of the layers and offsetting every theta value in the
model by this result. Note that this operation does not change the
overall shape of the blade system.
Blade Rotation Rotates the blade about an axis. See Blade Rotation Operations for
Setup... and more information
Rotate Blade
Stack Blade on Aligns each blade layer’s centroids (in the tangential direction) to the
Centroid hub layer’s centroid. The purpose of this operation is to modify the
blade shape to reduce bending stresses under rotational loads.
Create from Uses the current output definition to replace the current blade. The
Output Trim Meridional Profile is destroyed and the Design Meridional
Profile, Layers, Angle and Thickness Curves are created from the
output (with default options).

Related Topics:

Scaling the Model

Shifting the Model in the Z Direction

Blade Rotation Operations

9.1.5.8.1. Scaling the Model

The Tools | Scale Model... menu command displays the dialog shown in the figure
below. This dialog prompts the user for a scaling factor. The model is then scaled.

Figure 9.49:  Model Scale Dialog

9.1.5.8.2. Shifting the Model in the Z Direction

The Tools | Shift in Z Direction... menu command displays the dialog shown below.
The dialog prompts the user for an offset. The meridional points of the model are
then moved by that amount.

Figure 9.50:  Model Z Shift Dialog

9.1.5.8.3. Blade Rotation Operations

The Tools | Setup Blade Rotation... and Tools | Rotate Blades about Axes menu
commands allow the user to rotate the main blade about an arbitrary axis.

When the Setup Blade Rotation... menu command is selected, one of the following
will be displayed. If more than one blade is defined, then the Blade Rotation Axis
Setup Dialog (Figure  9.51:  Blade Rotation Axis Setup Dialog) will be displayed. If
only one blade exists, than the Blade Rotation Axis Specification Dialog
(Figure  9.52:  Blade Rotation Axis Specification Dialog) is displayed.

The Tools | Setup Blade Rotation... and Tools | Rotate Blades about Axes menu
commands allow the user to rotate the main blade about an arbitrary axis.
When the Setup Blade Rotation... menu command is selected, one of the following
dialogs is shown.

If more than one blade is defined, then the Blade Rotation Axes Setup Dialog
(shown below) will be displayed. This dialog lists the blades to allow the user to edit
each, individually. The user can double-click on a blade’s description in the dialog to
edit the blade’s rotation settings, using the Blade Rotation Axis Specification Dialog.

Figure 9.51:  Blade Rotation Axis Setup Dialog

The Blade Rotation Axis Specification Dialog (second dialog below) provides access
to a blade’s rotation settings. It is displayed initially if only one blade exists, or when
the user double-clicks on a blade’s description in the Blade Rotation Axes Setup
Dialog. Using this dialog, the user may specify the Meridional Fraction, Pitch Fraction
and Axis Angle for the new rotation axis as well as the Rotation Angle for the blade
(right-hand rule).

Note:  The origin of the rotation axis will always lie on the hub. The axis angle
applies to the meridional view, with a zero degree line being positive and to the
right.

Figure 9.52:  Blade Rotation Axis Specification Dialog

Once the rotation parameters have been set up, the rotation axis will be available for
display in both the Meridional View and 3D View. The final step is to apply the blade
rotation by selecting the Tools | Rotate Blades about Axes menu command.

9.1.6. Evaluating the Design

BladeGen provides a variety of tools to assist the user in evaluating the design of the
blade system. These tools are described in the following sections:

 Checking the Design

 Auxiliary View Displays
 Throat Area and Length
 Surface Areas
 Comparing Blades

9.1.6.1. Checking the Design

The Output | Check Output menu command performs various check on the model
that are too time consuming to be done every time the geometry is updated. These
checks highlight problems and suggest methods of improving the design. It is
recommended that these checks be performed before outputting geometry.

9.1.6.2. Auxiliary View Displays

The Auxiliary View can display a variety of data sets describing the blade design. An
Auxiliary View is always displayed in the upper right hand corner of the BladeGen
main window and its content is controlled by the toolbar to the right. Additional,
separate Auxiliary Views can be opened as needed, with each displaying its own set
of data.
The Auxiliary Views are described in detail in Auxiliary View Details  .

9.1.6.3. Throat Area and Length

The throat lengths can be displayed in the Blade-to-Blade View by selecting Show
Throat(s) in the popup menu. The throat length for a single blade system is simply
the minimum distance between adjacent blades. When splitters are added, there is
more than one possible throat location. When the Show Throat(s) option is
activated, BladeGen will display all possible throat curves for the active layer in the
Blade-to-Blade view, along with a color coded legend showing the lengths of those
curves.

In the example shown above, two throat lengths are shown. The first throat is throat
number 0, which has a total length of 8.51752 units, and consists of two parts: one
connecting blade 0 to blade 1, and one connecting blade 1 to blade 0. The second
throat is throat number 1, which has a length of 8.54695 units, and which is
measured between blade 0 and blade 0.

The throat curves on each layer at a given location in the flow path can be
assembled into surfaces. The throat area is the total area of these surfaces for all
throats between all blades in the machine. Throat surfaces can be displayed in the
3D view by selecting the "Throat Surfaces" option in the Display Group Control
Dialog. This dialog is accessed using the Display Group Control... command in the
3D view’s popup menu. To see the surface area as a number, select Analyze |
Surface Areas. For details, see Surface Areas.

9.1.6.4. Surface Areas

Surface areas for the throat(s) and blade(s) can be displayed using the Model |
Analyze | Surface Areas... menu command or the    toolbar button. This will
display a dialog box, as shown below. The areas are calculated by breaking up the
surface into rectangular regions indicated by the Integration Parameters controls.
The Surface of Interest can be one of the following: Throat Surface Area, Corrected
Throat Area, or Blade Surface Area. These are described below.

Surface of Description
Interest
Throat The Throat Surface Area is the area of the throat surface, as displayed in
Surface the 3D View.
Area
Corrected The Corrected Throat Area multiplies the area by the dot product of the
Throat Area local surface normal and the assumed flow direction (see "whiskers" in
3D View). This attempts to correct for situations where the throat surface
is angled to the flow and, therefore, does not represent the actual throat
area.
Blade The Blade Surface Area is the area of the blade surfaces (sides only, not
Surface ends).
Area

The areas reported in the Surface Area Dialog are total areas for all throats between
all blades in the machine.

Figure 9.53:  Surface Area Dialog

In the example shown above, two throat areas are shown. This case is taken from
the example in Throat Area and Length  . The first area is area number 0, which is
5882.8 square units, and consists of two parts: one between blade 0 and blade 1,
and one between blade 1 and blade 0. The second area is area number 1, which is
6430.41 square units, and which is between blade 0 and blade 0.

9.1.6.5. Comparing Blades

The File | Compare... menu command can be used to compare the current blade
design against an existing BladeGen file. The selected file is displayed in gray behind
the current design, as shown below.
The comparison is displayed in the Meridional, Angle, Thickness, Prs/Sct, Blade-to-
Blade, and Graph Views. In the Graph View, the user must select the Show
Comparison Curves popup menu command to enable the display. The 3D and
Contour Views do not display comparisons.

Select the File | Compare... menu command again to turn off the comparison.

Figure 9.54:  Comparing Blades

9.1.7. Data Import/Export

BladeGen provides a variety of methods for data import/export. They are described
in the following sections:

 Data Control for Display and Export

 Built-In Export Data Types
 UserIO (User-Defined Meanline Data Import/Export)
 Data Import Wizard

9.1.7.1. Data Control for Display and Export

BladeGen allows the user to control which layers are output, and the number of data
points included with those layers.
The following topics are discussed:

 Output Layer Control

 Output Point Control
 Selecting which Meridional Profile to use for Output

9.1.7.1.1. Output Layer Control

The Layer Control Dialog allows the user to specify which layers are used for output.
It is accessed using either the Model | Output Layer Control menu command or
the    toolbar button. Note that these layers can be different than the layers used
to define the blade in the angle and thickness views. Pressing the From Angle button
in the dialog will cause all layers used in the Angle or Pressure/Suction views
(depending on the operating mode) to be flagged for output. For a complete
description on the use of layers, refer to Layer Details  .

Figure 9.55:  Layer Control Dialog

9.1.7.1.2. Output Point Control

The Point Control Dialog specifies the distribution and number of points to be
generated per layer in all export operations. It is accessed from the Output | Output
Point Control... menu command or the    toolbar button. If you select Output
Meridional Defining Points Only then the Point Distribution and Points per Layer
settings are ignored, in which case the only points that will be exported are the
defining points. Note that you should not select Output Meridional Defining Points
Only when the case involves splitter blades.

Figure 9.56:  Point Control Dialog

9.1.7.1.3. Selecting which Meridional Profile to use for Output

In a Trim Meridional Profile has been created, the user can choose to create output
using either the Design or Trim Meridional Profile.

Sub-Menu Toolbar Description

Command Button
Use Design Profile Uses the Design Profile (curves and layers) to
 
create the output.
Use Trim Profile Uses the Trim Profile (curves and layers) to
 
create the output.

9.1.7.2. Built-In Export Data Types

The following topics are discussed:

 Built-In Export Data Types

 Report File
 Batch Input File
 TurboGrid Input File Set
 2D Drawing Files
 Pro/ENGINEER’ibl’File
 3D DXF File
 3D IGES File
 Neutral Data File (NDF File)

9.1.7.2.1. Built-In Export Data Types

Data can be exported in the following formats using the File | Export menu. Many
file types can also be exported using the File | Save As... menu command and
selecting the desired type in the File Type control.

Table 9.12:  Data Export File Types

Format Extension Description

Report File rtf Generates a Rich Text Format (.rtf) file containing
user-selected plots and tables
Batch Input File bgi Generates an ASCII file containing the model
definitions and equations suitable for batch
processing.
TurboGrid Input curve Generates data files of the hub, shroud, and blade
File contour for TurboGrid.
2D Drawing Views dxf Generates DXF files for the selected drawing views
and tables.
Pro/ENGINEER ibl ibl Generates a Pro/ENGINEER ’ibl’ file of the blade(s)
File and meridional contour.
3D DXF File dxf Generates a DXF file of the blade(s) and meridional
contour for import into CAD packages.
3D IGES File igs Generates an IGES file of the blade(s) and meridional
contour for import into CAD packages.
Neutral Data File xml  

9.1.7.2.2. Report File

This export option writes a Rich Text Format (.rtf) file containing plots and tables
describing the blade design. Using the Report Export Specification Dialog shown
below, the user can specify either a default or custom format for the report. The
dialog box also enables you to create, modify or delete templates.

All of the views in BladeGen (Meridional, Angle, Thickness, Pressure/Suction, and

Auxiliary Views) are available for inclusion in the report. The underlying data used to
describe the working views (Angle, Thickness, and Pressure/Suction) can be included
as tables in the report.

Figure 9.57:  Report Export Specification Dialog

9.1.7.2.3. Batch Input File

Selecting this export option generates a ’bgi’ file of the current model. The BGI
Export Options Dialog, shown below, is displayed to allow the user to specify units
and other options before the file is created. After the file is created, the Batch Input
Editor Window (also shown below) is displayed.

Figure 9.58:  Batch Input File Export Options Dialog

Figure 9.59:  Batch Input File Window

Related Topics:

Batch File Format (BGI)

9.1.7.2.4. TurboGrid Input File Set

The export type generates the files required by TurboGrid to generate a grid. The
TurboGrid File Export Dialog, shown below, is used to control the directory and file
names for the data files.

Figure 9.60:  TurboGrid Export Dialog

9.1.7.2.5. 2D Drawing Files

The 2D DXF Drawing Views... menu command exports a series of 2D DXF files.
These files can be imported into CAD systems to construct tables and views
documenting the blade design. When the export type is chosen, the Export Drawing
View Dialog, shown below, is displayed to control the output. The typical views are
shown below.

Figure 9.61:  Export Drawing View Dialog

Figure 9.62:  Example Drawing Views. Each view is a separate file.

9.1.7.2.6. Pro/ENGINEER’ibl’File

This produces a 3D wireframe in Pro/ENGINEER’s ’ibl’ format, as shown below.

Figure 9.63:  3D Wireframe Export Example (Radial Impeller with Splitter)

9.1.7.2.7. 3D DXF File

This option produces a 3D wireframe in DXF format, as shown below.

Figure 9.64:  3D Wireframe Export Example (Radial Impeller with Splitter)

9.1.7.2.8. 3D IGES File

This option produces a 3D model of the current blade system in IGES format. This
file can then be imported into CAD packages. The IGES Output Parameters Dialog
shown below controls which entities are included in the IGES file.

Figure 9.65:  IGES Output Parameters Dialog

9.1.7.2.9. Neutral Data File (NDF File)

Blades can be imported from, and exported to, files of the format Neutral Data
File (*.xml) (also known as NDF files). Such files can be written and loaded by
BladeGen and BladeEditor.

NDF File Import Details and Limitations

 BladeGen can model only one blade row at a time. If the NDF file being
loaded contains more than one blade row, BladeGen will prompt you to select
a main blade; it will then load the blade row associated with that blade.
 The supported length units in the NDF file are: mm, m, cm, in, ft.
 BladeGen ignores the angular tolerance specified in the NDF file.
  NURBS curves are converted to approximate Bezier curves or approximate
cubic splines. An warning is issued when NURBS to cubic spline conversion
exists.
 A NURBS curve used in a user defined layer contour in an NDF file is
converted to a Bezier segment or cubic spline segment, according to built-in
heuristics. If the conversion is to a cubic spline segment, the conversion is
approximate.
 A user defined layer contour in an NDF file may extend beyond the leading
edge or trailing edge contours. If the layer contour does not reach the leading
edge or trailing edge contours, BladeGen will automatically extend the
contours using linear extrapolation.
 For interpolated layers, the interpolation type specified in the NDF file is
ignored, and interpolation is always done in R*Theta space. A warning
message is issued.
 Blades (in an NDF file) that are defined using Theta with leading and trailing
edge Beta values will have their Beta values set only for the main blade, and
for independent splitters having neither leading nor trailing edges cut-off, only
if the angle definition (in the NDF file) is a curve consisting of a single Bezier
segment with least four control points. For any other blade being imported
from an NDF file, the end Beta angles are ignored and a warning message is
issued.

NDF File Export Details and Limitations

 Model > Mode > Prs/Sct is not supported for NDF export and triggers an

error.
 Each best fit polynomial curve is converted to a cubic spline. This applies to
all instances: Meridional definitions, Angle definitions, and Thickness
definitions. A warning message is issued to notify you of any conversions.
 Angle/Thickness data is written to NDF files only in the direction of leading
edge to trailing edge. If this data is specified from trailing edge to leading
edge (Model > Ang/Thk Data Direction > Data from TE to LE) then the
direction is converted in the exported NDF file and a warning message is
issued.
 Meridional trim profiles are not written to the NDF file. A warning message is
issued if such profiles exist.
 Meridional control curves are not written to the NDF file. The Meridional
Control Curves setting is treated as being set to Normal. A warning
message is issued if the Meridional Control Curves setting is not set
to Normal.
 Meridional curve constraints are not supported by the NDF format.
 Use Hyperbolic Shape must be Ruled Element Only, otherwise NDF
export triggers an error.
 Model > Spanwise Calculation must be Geometric. Constant span layers
that are calculated using area weighting are not supported for NDF export
and trigger an error.
  Only constant span layers, data layers and one shroud gap layer, are written
into the NDF file for the FlowPath definition. If there are any other layers,
they are ignored and a warning message is issued.
 The closest shroud gap layer to the hub is treated as a blade tip clearance
with specified shroud gap leading edge and trailing edge values. All other
shroud gap layers are ignored and a warning message is issued. The shroud
gap layer can be a defining layer.
 Angle View Data Location must be Meanline (default). The other
settings (Side 1 and Side 2) are not supported for NDF export and trigger an
error.
 The angle Spanwise Distribution Type of User-Defined is not supported
for NDF export and triggers an error.
 When the thickness Spanwise Distribution Type is Axial Element,
BladeGen has Axial Taper Angle, which is not supported for NDF export and
which triggers an error when it is larger than zero.
 End Angle Definition and End Angle with Beta Slope=0 Definition are
not supported by NDF. These two types of definitions are converted to Theta
Definition and a warning message is issued.
 A blade may be defined by Theta alone, or by Theta with leading and trailing
edge Beta angles, depending on several factors:
o For the main blade, and for independent splitters having neither
leading nor trailing edge cut-off, if the angle definition is a curve
consisting of a single Bezier segment with least four control points, and
slope (Beta angle) constraints are applied to both the leading and
trailing edges, the angle definition written to the NDF file includes
leading and trailing edge Beta angles.
o For all other cases, a Theta definition is created in the NDF file without
any specification of leading and trailing edge Beta angles.
 Thickness data defined as %Cam vs. %Cam (for example, NACA thickness)
is not supported for NDF export and triggers an error.
 When a cut-off leading or trailing edge is defined for splitters, the angle
definition curve is first trimmed by the cut-off and then converted to a cubic
spline curve. The same treatment is applied to the thickness definition curve.
In such cases, a warning message is issued.
 Blade Properties are supported for NDF export as follows:
o For a leading or trailing edge ellipse, the Ellipse Location option must
be set to the meanline option, not the tangent option, otherwise NDF
export triggers an error.
o Over/Under-Filing Values are not supported. NDF export triggers
an error if any side of a blade has filing defined.
o LE/TE Cut-Off is supported for splitters, but not main blades, in
which case NDF export triggers an error. 
o  LE/TE Extension is not supported and causes NDF export to trigger
an error.
o Hub/Shr Ends is not supported; NDF export ignores these values.

9.1.7.3. UserIO (User-Defined Meanline Data Import/Export)

BladeGen now provides a single interface for both import and export. This option
provides the user with the highest level of flexibility when it comes to supporting
specialized or proprietary file formats.

Several of the file formats previously supported internally have been converted to
UserIO modules. These include the Meanline (.rtzt) and Machine (.mch) files. This
change demonstrates the capability of the interface and allows users to start with
one of these modules and enhance it to meet their needs.

The interface works by identifying the modules which are located in a specific
location (the UserIO sub-directory of the installation). These executables are called
with a specific command line parameter. If the executable returns the proper data, it
is added to a data structure for later use.

All modules configured for export appear in the File | Export sub-menu. Export
modules can also indicate that they should be added to the File Save Dialog’s File
Type control. Import modules are added to the File Open Dialog’s File Type control.

Figure 9.66:  File | Export menu with UserIO modules shown

Figure 9.67:  File Open Dialog - File Type control with UserIO modules

shown
9.1.7.4. Data Import Wizard

BladeGen provides a general purpose capability for importing data from a variety of
sources. The import process involves converting general 3D geometry into a
meanline format suitable for BladeGen. The process is initiated by selecting the File |
New | Data Import Wizard... menu command.

For further information on this process, please see the Data Import Wizard Guide.

Figure 9.68:  Data Import Wizard - Gather Data Files

13.2.6.1. Appendix A: Sign Convention for Angles and
Velocities in Vista TF

13.2.6.1.1. General

When looking along the axis of the machine in the direction of flow we have a
cylindrical coordinate system (r, θ, z). The positive θ direction is the clockwise
direction when viewed along the meridional direction from the inlet. The angular
coordinate (theta) is taken as positive in the clockwise direction and negative in the
counterclockwise direction. The normal case considered by Vista TF if the speed of
rotation is specified as a positive value is clockwise rotation when looking along the
axis in the direction of the flow so that the angular coordinate increases in the
rotational direction. See Figure  13.4:  Coordinate System used by Vista TF below.

Figure 13.4:  Coordinate System used by Vista TF

Blade angles are then defined from the axial and radial directions in a similar way
using the positive theta direction as a basis. The rate of change of the angular
coordinate with the meridional direction then defines the sign of the blade angle,
and this applies for the blade angles, flow angles and also applies to the blade lean
angles; see below. As you move along an axial rotor blade in the axial direction of a
clockwise rotating machine then the blade wrap angle (theta) steadily decreases as
the blade is sloped backwards against the rotational direction, and so the rotor blade
angles are negative. This also applies for radial impeller outlet angles, which are
generally also backswept. In fact, at the outlets of both compressor and turbine
rotors, a negative blade angle is expected for a machine rotating in the clockwise
direction. In stator vanes, the angular coordinate generally increases along the blade
in the meridional direction so that the blade angles are generally positive.

This rule works for axial, radial, and mixed flow compressors, provided that the
meridional direction is used as a basis. In a turbine stator, theta also increases
positively from LE to TE and, in a turbine rotor, theta decreases from LE to TE.
There are some exceptions to this rule, related to high camber at leading edges to
adapt the flow to the incoming flow direction, as shown in Figure  13.5:  Sign
Convention for Blade Angles in Vista TF for a highly cambered turbine stator. This
situation can also occur in blades with leading edge recamber in ventilator blades in
channels of high curvature.

Figure 13.5:  Sign Convention for Blade Angles in Vista TF

Figure  13.6:  Sign Convention for Angles in Vista TF shows the angle definitions used
in Vista TF; these are consistent with the blade angle definitions. The sign
convention for velocity values is that an axial velocity component in the positive axial
direction is positive, a radial component in the positive radial direction is positive,
and a circumferential component in the positive angular direction (theta) is positive.
Note that the rotational speed has an associated sign, so that clockwise rotation
corresponds with positive rotational speed and counterclockwise rotation
corresponds with negative rotational speed.

Figure 13.6:  Sign Convention for Angles in Vista TF

As examples of this notation, Figure  13.7:  Sign Convention for Blade and Flow
Angles in Vista TF for a Clockwise Turbine  and Figure  13.8:  Sign Convention for
Blade and Flow Angles in Vista TF for a Clockwise Compressor show the velocity
triangles with blade angles and flow angles for typical axial compressors and
turbines rotating in the clockwise rotational sense.

Figure 13.7:  Sign Convention for Blade and Flow Angles in Vista TF for a

Clockwise Turbine

Figure 13.8:  Sign Convention for Blade and Flow Angles in Vista TF for a

Clockwise Compressor
To demonstrate that this notation can be used for counterclockwise rotation and for
counter-rotating blade rows, Figure  13.9:  Sign Convention for Blade and Flow
Angles in Vista TF for a Counterclockwise Turbine , Figure  13.10:  Sign Convention
for Blade and Flow Angles in Vista TF for a Counterclockwise Compressor,
and Figure  13.11:  Sign Convention for Blade and Flow Angles in Vista TF for a
Counter-rotating Compressor show these cases.

Figure 13.9:  Sign Convention for Blade and Flow Angles in Vista TF for a

Counterclockwise Turbine
Figure 13.10:  Sign Convention for Blade and Flow Angles in Vista TF for a
Counterclockwise Compressor

Note that the rule given above for blade angles is applied independently of the
rotational direction of the blade rows. For example, if the blade rotational speed is
defined as negative then the blade angles of a compressor rotor would typically be
positive as the angle theta then increases in the flow direction, as shown
in Figure  13.10:  Sign Convention for Blade and Flow Angles in Vista TF for a
Counterclockwise Compressor.

Figure  13.11:  Sign Convention for Blade and Flow Angles in Vista TF for a Counter-
rotating Compressor shows an example of a counter-rotating compressor with two
rotors, the second rotating in the reverse direction. In this case the first rotor blade
row has negative blade angles and the second rotor with reverse rotation has
positive angles.

Note:  Vista TF uses the rules outlined above to identify the type of machine from
the geometrical data of the blade angles in the geometry input file, so you do not
have to specify this in the input data. The knowledge of the blade angles and the
rotational direction is sufficient to identify the type of machine.

Figure 13.11:  Sign Convention for Blade and Flow Angles in Vista TF for a

Counter-rotating Compressor
13.2.6.1.2. Definition of Blade Lean Angles

Consider a point q on a radial impeller blade camber surface, as shown

in Figure  13.12:  Definition of Angles. We can define the blade lean angles,   
and    as the angle made by the blade fibers with a radial line and the angle made
with an axial line, as follows:

In order to assist the understanding of the angles,   ,   , and ε, the analogy to
the angles known as yaw, roll, and pitch of a sailing boat might be useful.

Figure 13.12:  Definition of Angles
Notes on   :

 This is the blade lean to the radial direction.

 This angle is zero for a blade comprising purely radial blade elements, so is
generally close to zero for axial blade rotor rows (which tend to have no lean)
and centrifugal impeller leading edges or radial turbine trailing edges.
 It is non-zero for blades with lean. If, when moving along the blade in the
radial direction, the lean is against the direction of rotation then it is negative
and lean in the direction of rotation is positive.
 A radial compressor impeller with a purely radial blade at impeller outlet (no
backsweep) would have   =0° and    corresponds to the back-sweep
angle in a typical back-swept radial impeller. For an impeller with 30° of back-
sweep,    would be negative (-30°) at the trailing edge. Note that, in some
sign conventions, the back-sweep angle would be given a positive value, but
in Vista TF, it is negative.
 In a the diffuser of a radial pump or compressor stage, this angle corresponds
to the diffuser blade angle and would be typically between 60° and 70° at the
leading edge, and would decrease through the blade row.

Notes on   :

 This is the blade angle measured from the axial direction in the direction of
rotation.
 In an axial blade element (or close to the leading edge of a typical radial
impeller or the trailing edge of a radial turbine impeller), this is the blade
camber angle. At the inlet to an axial blade row, this is the blade inlet angle;
at the outlet, it is the blade outlet angle.
  In a typical rotor blade, it is negative and, in a typical stator, it is positive.
Note that the common exceptions would be turbine rotors with a low degree
of reaction and compressor rotor roots with very high turning.
 In a compressor where the flow is turned by the blade rows towards the axial
direction, the absolute values decrease from the leading edge to the trailing
edge whereas in a turbine where more swirl is added to the flow, the absolute
values increase from the leading edge to the trailing edge.
 For a blade with purely axial blade elements (as in a typical 2D diffuser and at
a radial impeller outlet with no rake angle), this angle is zero.

13.2.6.1.3. Definition of Meridional Streamline Inclination Angle

or Pitch Angle

The angle    is the inclination of a meridional streamline to the axial direction:

which on the hub and casing walls becomes the meridional slope angle of the walls.

13.2.6.1.4. Definition of Blade Angle

Internally the program uses the angles    and    to calculate   , which is the
effective blade angle measured from the meridional direction.    is defined as:

Notes on   :

 The wrap angle is taken as positive in the direction of rotation. This is

consistent with the flow angle definition used by the program.
 This angle is zero for a blade in which the wrap angle does not change in the
meridional direction, such as an axial strut in an axial channel or a radial strut

in a radial channel, where   .

 If the wrap angle increases in the meridional direction then the blade angle is
positive. If the wrap angle decreases in the meridional direction then the
blade angle is negative.
 Note that the actual value of the blade angle as seen by the flow is
dependent on the lean angle of the meridional streamline, and is not an
absolute fixed value for a certain blade. Thus a change in the meridional
 direction of the flow at an impeller outlet with lean changes the value of the
blade angle.

9.2.5.1. Creating an Axial Turbine Blade

The following procedure can be followed as an example of using BladeGen to create

an Axial Turbine blade from start to finish.

9.2.5.2. Initial Design Parameters - Axial Turbine Blade

BladeGen allows the user to create a blade system from scratch, using one of six
standard initial configuration types. For this example, a Normal Axial template is
used.

Figure 9.93:  Initial Meridional Configuration Dialog

1. Select the File | New | BladeGen Model menu command or    toolbar button
which will display the Initial Meridional Configuration Dialog (shown
in Figure  9.93:  Initial Meridional Configuration Dialog).
2. Select the Normal Axial tab
3. Enter the parameters for the initial blade layout as shown
in Figure  9.93:  Initial Meridional Configuration Dialog.
4. Be sure to select Ang/Thk mode in the bottom right corner
5. Press Enter or select the OK button to continue

9.2.5.3. Initial Angle/Thickness Parameters

Figure 9.94:  Initial Angle/Thickness Dialog

Using Figure  9.94:  Initial Angle/Thickness Dialog, the initial blade parameters are
completed:

1. Enter the nominal wrap angle of 5 degrees, thickness of 5 and 83 blades.

2. Press Enter or select the OK button to display the BladeGen Window.

9.2.5.4. Setting Model Properties

Set the model properties as follows:

1. Select Model | Properties from the main menu.

2. Set Component Type to Turbine.
3. Set Configuration Type to Axial.
4. Set Model Units to MM.
5. Click OK.

9.2.5.5. Optimizing the Meridional View

The most critical operation in the meridional view is to define the shape of the hub
and shroud curve. The endpoints for these curves were specified when Initial Design
Parameters were entered.

9.2.5.6. Defining the Inlet and Outlet Sections

The following topics are discussed:

 Defining the Inlet and Outlet Sections

 Adjusting Blade Hub and Shroud Curve

9.2.5.6.1. Defining the Inlet and Outlet Sections

The hub and shroud definitions up and downstream of the blade can be defined
when the user will be performing CFD analysis on the proposed design. It is also
nice to set the inlet and outlet sections to reasonable values to make the BladeGen
model represent the final design. To set the position of the inlet and outlet points:

1. Double click the shroud inlet point at the top left of the meridional view
2. The Point Location Dialog will open. The Horizontal value is the Axial location
(Z co-ordinate) and the Vertical value represents the Radius.
3. Enter 40 and 360 for the horizontal and vertical values. Click OK.
4. Double click the hub inlet point (bottom left corner) and enter 40 and 254 for
the horizontal and vertical values. Click OK.
5. Double click the hub outlet point (bottom right corner) and enter 110 and 254
for the horizontal and vertical values. Click OK.
6. Double click the shroud outlet point (top right corner) and enter 110 and 360
for the horizontal and vertical values. Click OK .

9.2.5.6.2. Adjusting Blade Hub and Shroud Curve

By default, BladeGen creates the blade’s hub and shroud curves as curves with 5
control points. For this example, a single straight edge is required. Therefore, we
can convert this curve to two control points.

1. Left-click the blade’s hub curve.

2. Right-click the mouse and select Convert Points to.. Spline Curve Points…
3. In the Point Count Dialog, enter 2 points and select OK.
4. Repeat this procedure for the blade’s shroud curve.

9.2.5.7. Adjusting the Blade Angles at the Shroud in the Angle

View

The following topics are discussed:

 Adjusting the Blade Angles at the Shroud in the Angle View

 Adjusting the Shroud Beta Profile

9.2.5.7.1. Adjusting the Blade Angles at the Shroud in the Angle

View
The meridional profile is now defined and the Blade angles can be set. In the Angle
View, the active layer is indicated by a red dot in the layer column on the right-hand
side. Make the Shroud layer active by selecting the black dot at the top of the layer
column. It will turn red and the Shroud is now active.

The blade angles can now be defined as follows:

1. Right-click in the Angle view and select Adjust Blade Angles

2. In the Leading Edge tab, enter a Beta value of -4.65°. The Tang. Beta value
will be updated automatically to a value of 90° minus Beta.
3. Enter a Theta value of -2.5°.
4. In the Trailing edge tab, enter a Beta value of 70.10°. The Tangential Beta
value will be updated automatically to a value of 19.90°.
5. Enter a Theta value of 2.15°
6. Leave all other values set to zero.
7. Close the Blade Angle Dialog by selecting OK

9.2.5.7.2. Adjusting the Shroud Beta Profile

Setting the blade angles did not create a suitable profile. Modify the Beta curve as
follows:

Figure 9.95:  Shroud Beta Profile

1. Right-click in the Angle view and select Beta Definition

2. Right-click the mouse a second time in the Angle view and select Convert
Points to.. Spline Curve Points…
3. In the Point Count Dialog, enter 5 points and select OK.
 4. Modify the control points by dragging them with the left mouse button so that
the beta curve looks similar to Figure  9.95:  Shroud Beta Profile.

9.2.5.8. Adjusting Blade Profiles at Mid-span Locations

The following topics are discussed:

 Adjusting Blade Profiles at Mid-span Locations

 Activating an Additional Layer
 Set the Beta Definition at the New Layer

9.2.5.8.1. Adjusting Blade Profiles at Mid-span Locations

It is often desirable to control the blade shape at more than just the hub and shroud
locations. To control the blade profiles at more locations, additional Layers can be
activated or generated. In this example, the layer generated at a span location of
0.5 will be used.

9.2.5.8.2. Activating an Additional Layer

1. Right-click in the Angle view and select Layer Control.

2. Click the empty box to the left of Span 0.500 to select the layer.
3. Select OK.

9.2.5.8.3. Set the Beta Definition at the New Layer

Figure 9.96:  Span=0.5 Beta Profile

Make the new layer active by select the new black dot at the mid-span location of
the layer column. After you have selected it, the dot will turn red. Repeat the
procedure defined earlier using Figure  9.96:  Span=0.5 Beta Profile as a guide. For
the Blade Angles:

1. In the Leading Edge tab, enter a Beta value of -40.7° and a Theta value of
-1.5°.
2. In the Trailing edge tab, enter a Beta value of 66.88° and a Theta value of
2.74°.

9.2.5.9. Adjusting the Hub Blade Angles

Make the Hub layer active by selecting the black dot at the bottom of the layer
column. After you have selected it, the dot will turn red. Repeat the procedure
described earlier using a leading edge Beta value of -67°, a leading edge Theta
value of 0.5°, a trailing edge Beta value of 42°, and a trailing edge Theta value of
3.33°.

9.2.5.10. Defining the Blade Thickness Profile

The following topics are discussed:

 Defining the Blade Thickness Profile

 Defining the Blade Thickness at the Shroud
 Defining the Blade Thickness at Span 0.5
 Defining the Blade Thickness at the Hub

9.2.5.10.1. Defining the Blade Thickness Profile

Figure 9.97:  Inactive Layer Warning

By default, BladeGen assumes that the blade thickness profile is uniform from hub to
shroud. If you try to make some thickness modifications at any layer other than the
hub a warning message as shown in Figure  9.97:  Inactive Layer Warning appears.

If the blade thickness is to be non-uniform from hub to shroud, additional layers

must be activated as follows:
 1. Right-click in the Thickness view and select Layer Control…
2. In the Layer Control Dialog, check the box beside the layer at Span: 1.000
and Span: 0.500.
3. Select OK.

9.2.5.10.2. Defining the Blade Thickness at the Shroud

Define the Blade Thickness at the Shroud:

1. Click on the black dot at the top of the Layer Column in the Thickness view to
make the shroud layer active.
2. Convert the thickness curve to a 3-point spline. Right-click the mouse in the
Thickness view and select Convert Points to.. Spline Curve Points…
3. In the Point Count Dialog, enter 3 points and select OK.
4. Set the Leading edge thickness to 1.25mm by double-clicking the leading
edge point and entering a thickness of 1.25mm.
5. Set the Trailing edge thickness to 0.50mm.
6. Double-click the middle point and set the thickness to 3.25. Also adjust the
Meridional position by setting the M value to 9.

Now, extra control points can be added to create the profile as shown
in Figure  9.98:  Shroud Thickness Profile:

Figure 9.98:  Shroud Thickness Profile

1. Right-click the mouse in the Thickness view and select Segment Operations..
Insert Many Points…
2. Click the left mouse button near each of the locations indicated by the black
arrows in Figure  9.98:  Shroud Thickness Profile.
3. After you have added all 4 points, Right-click the mouse and select Segment
Operations.. Insert Many Points… again to finish adding points.
 4. Click and drag the newly-added points to the locations indicated by the
arrows in Figure  9.98:  Shroud Thickness Profile.

9.2.5.10.3. Defining the Blade Thickness at Span 0.5

1. Click on the black dot in the middle of the Layer Column in the Thickness view
to make the span 0.5 layer active.
2. Convert the Thickness curve to a spline with 3 Control Points.
3. Set the Leading Edge to 1.1mm thickness, trailing edge to 0.5mm and the
middle control point to a thickness of 5.5 at a Meridional distance of 9.0
4. Create 4 extra control points as described earlier to create a similar profile as
shown in Figure  9.98:  Shroud Thickness Profile.

9.2.5.10.4. Defining the Blade Thickness at the Hub

1. Click on the black dot at the bottom of the Layer Column in the Thickness
view to make the hub layer active.
2. Convert the Thickness curve to a spline with 3 Control Points.
3. Set the Leading Edge to 1.0mm thickness, trailing edge to 0.5mm and the
middle control point to a thickness of 6.5 at a Meridional distance of 18.
4. Create 4 extra control points as described earlier to create a similar profile as
shown in Figure  9.98:  Shroud Thickness Profile.

9.2.5.11. Prescribing the Leading/Trailing Edge Ellipse

Figure 9.99:  LE/TE Ellipse Settings

Select Blade | Properties menu commands or the    toolbar button located on the
left hand side of the BladeGen window to set the blade properties. Set the Leading
Edge/Trailing Edge Ellipse tab; adjust the values as shown in Figure  9.99:  LE/TE
Ellipse Settings. All other values can remain unchanged.
9.2.5.12. Adding Custom Output Layers

The following topics are discussed:

 Adding Custom Output Layers

 Creating Additional Output Layers at Constant Span Locations
 Creating an Additional Output Layer at a Variable Span Location

9.2.5.12.1. Adding Custom Output Layers

A layer (streamline) is defined as a meridional curve that represents surface of

revolution. So far, layers have been used to control the blade angles and thickness
profiles. Layers are also used for controlling the output from BladeGen. For more
detailed information, see Layer Details  .

9.2.5.12.2. Creating Additional Output Layers at Constant Span

Locations

1. Right-click the mouse in the Angle View and select Layer Control… from the
pop-up menu.
2. Select the Output tab and click the Create button.
3. In the Layer Dialog, enter a span value of 0.05 and click OK.
4. Repeat this procedure for span values of 0.1 and 0.125.
5. Click OK to close the Layer Control Dialog.

9.2.5.12.3. Creating an Additional Output Layer at a Variable

Span Location

Layers can also be generated at variable span locations as follows:

Figure 9.100:  Layers at Non-Uniform Span Locations

 1. Right-click the mouse in the Angle View and select Layer Control… from the
pop-up menu.
2. Select the Output tab and click the Create button.
3. In the Layer Dialog, click the Shr Gap tab and enter LE gap of 90.125 and a
TE gap of 86.95 as shown in Figure  9.100:  Layers at Non-Uniform Span
Locations. Click OK.
4. Click OK to close the Layer Control Dialog.

9.2.5.13. Saving Your Model

Upon exiting BladeGen, the blade model is automatically saved to a file associated
with the Workbench project. You must save the project before closing it in order to
retain the project files. You can save the project from the Workbench interface as
usual. You will be prompted for a project name if you have not previously saved the
project. The File | Save menu command (Save    toolbar button) can function as
an alternative way to save the project; see Saving a Blade Model  for details.