Development of 20,000 to 50,000 HP Aircraft-Derivative Gas Turbines
A new gas turbine, the IM5000, which has changed the image of a gas turbine plant in view of specific size and efficiency, has been developed. In 1980, Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries Co., Ltd., completed the lineup of aircraft-derivative gas turbines ranging from 15,000 to 50,000 hp when the company developed two new models in the 20,000 to 25,000 hp class, the IM2000 and the IM2500. To establish high reliability of the power turbine, an extensive investigation of the rotor assembly was completed. Engine test runs were conducted to confirm blade vibratory stresses through the whole operating range. The stress levels thus obtained revealed far below the critical limit and no detrimental resonance would be expected. The same attempt was adopted on the IM2500 power turbine which was developed in 1980. Through these two engine operations, the measuring method of blade vibratory stresses by means of strain gauges was established. Besides analyses of the rotating parts, analyses and experimental testing have been carried out on the stationary parts.