Abstract: Upon application of first inputs and for a first proposed maintenance event, a lifing model responsively produces a cost of an unplanned failure for an asset. Upon application of second inputs, a performance analysis model responsively produces a cost of degradation of performance of the asset over time. A projected revenue for the asset is based upon third inputs. A profitability of the asset is determined for the first proposed maintenance event. Subsequently, one or more of the first inputs, the second inputs, or the third inputs are adjusted based upon a second proposed maintenance event, and an adjusted profitability determined for the proposed second maintenance event. The adjusted profitability is displayed at the display. One of the proposed maintenance events is selected.

Abstract: An airfoil for a gas turbine includes a leading edge, a trailing edge a tip plate, a first sidewall extending in radial span between an airfoil root and the tip plate, and a second sidewall connected to the first sidewall at the leading edge and the trailing edges, to define a cooling cavity therein. The sidewall extends in radial span between the airfoil root and the tip plate. The airfoil also includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart trailing edge cooling slots arranged in a column extending through the first sidewall. The slots are in flow communication with the cooling cavity and arranged in a non-uniform distribution along the trailing edge so that the number of slots in at least one portion of the trailing edge is greater than a different portion of the trailing edge.

Abstract: An airfoil for a gas turbine includes a leading edge, a trailing edge a tip plate, a first sidewall extending in radial span between an airfoil root and the tip plate, and a second sidewall connected to the first sidewall at the leading edge and the trailing edge to define a cooling cavity therein. The sidewall extends in radial span between the airfoil root and the tip plate. The airfoil also includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart trailing edge cooling slots arranged in a column extending through the first sidewall. The slots are in flow communication with the cooling cavity and arranged in a non-uniform distribution along the trailing edge so that the number of slots in at least one portion of the trailing edge is greater than a different portion of the trailing edge.

Abstract: A turbine bucket and wheelpost assembly reduces the number of buckets in the third stage of the turbine from ninety-two to ninety while reducing stresses at the assembly points of the buckets and wheelposts. The buckets and wheelposts are formed with complementary fillets and tangs that provide for the insertion of the bucket into the broach slot between two wheelposts. The angles of the fillets on both the bucket and wheelpost range from 50° to 59°. The upper surface of the wheelpost is scalloped to reduce weight and the tangs and fillets of both the bucket and wheelpost are formed from curved and straight surfaces to reduce stresses on the assembly.

Abstract: A turbine bucket and wheelpost assembly reduces the number of buckets in at least one of the stages of the turbine from 92 to 60 while reducing stresses at the assembly points of the buckets and wheelposts. The buckets and wheelposts being formed with complementary fillets and tangs that provide for the insertion of the bucket into the broach slot between two wheelposts. The angles of the tang surfaces on both the bucket and wheelpost range from 50° to 57°. The upper surface of the wheelpost is scalloped to reduce weight and the tangs and fillets of both the bucket and wheelpost are formed from curved and straight surfaces to reduce stresses on the assembly.

Abstract: A turbine bucket comprising an airfoil portion, a shank portion and a dovetail mounting portion; an internal cooling circuit including inlet passages in the shank portion and the dovetail mounting portion connected to a cooling circuit in the airfoil portion, the inlet passages including a primary inlet passage on one side of a radial centerline of the bucket, and a secondary inlet cavity on an opposite side of the radial centerline; and a purge passage connecting the secondary inlet passage to the primary inlet passage.