Gas turbine rotor and wheel forging steel
In today’s industry, gas turbine rotors and wheels are used increasingly in many different applications. The gas turbine rotors and wheels have been designed to maximize efficiency, power output, and reliability. As a result, it is important to select the right type of forging steel for these applications.
Gas turbine rotors and wheels are used to propel gas through a turbine, thereby converting the kinetic energy of the gas into mechanical energy. In order to maximize power output and efficiency, precision tolerances must be maintained in the internal components of the rotor and wheel. The precision tolerances can only be guaranteed with proper heat treatment of the forging steel during the manufacturing process.
When selecting the forging steel for gas turbine rotors and wheels, the grade is important. Generally, high carbon and low alloyed steel grades are used for gas turbine rotors and wheels. High carbon grades provide strong, tough steel with good hardening characteristics. The low alloyed grades provide low cost and good formability when processed.
In order to ensure proper heat treatment, the forging steel needs to have the correct cooling curve. Forging steel grades that contain high amounts of carbon and low amounts of alloying elements provide a good forging advance when they are properly cooled. The carbon content of forging steel is also important because it determines steel’s hardenability. Hardenability is a measure of how well steel can be hardened by heat treatment. The higher the carbon content of the steel, the harder and stronger it can be hardened.
The mechanical properties of the forging steel also need to be taken into consideration for gas turbine rotors and wheels. The mechanical properties determine the strength and toughness of the forging steel. Most forging applications require the forging steel to have good resistance to impact, fatigue and creep. The forging steel also needs to have good wear resistant properties and high tensile strength.
In short, when selecting the forging steel for gas turbine rotors and wheels, the grade, cooling curve, and mechanical properties of the steel need to be taken into consideration. High carbon and low alloyed grades are generally used for these types of applications. The carbon content of the forging steel is important because it determines the steel’s hardenability. The mechanical properties of the forging steel also need to be taken into consideration to ensure they meet the required specifications.
