Improved rotor blade sealing structure

The invention relates to an improved rotor blade seal structure. A rotor blade (26, 30) is provided. The rotor blade (26, 30) includes a body (35) having a shank (38), an airfoil (36) extending radially outward from the shank (38), and a platform (42). The body (35) includes a pressure side impingement surface (56) and a suction side impingement surface (58). A slot (70) is defined within each of the pressure side impingement surface (56) and the suction side impingement surface (58). The slot (70) of the pressure side impingement surface (56) and the slot (70) of the suction side impingement surface (58) each include an upstream end portion (74) defining an end (72) and a body portion (90) extending from the upstream end portion (74). The upstream end portion (74) tapers from the end (72) to the body portion (90). The body portion (90) further includes a retaining wall (78) covering a portion of the end portion (72) and defining an opening (80). The retention wall (78) also includes an internal retention sur