Fan case energy absorption layer, aeroengine, aircraft

Abstract

The application discloses a fan case energy absorption layer, an aero-engine and an aircraft. The fan case energy absorption layer is installed on the inner wall of a fan case and comprises an inner ring component and an outer ring component. The inner ring component is arranged away from the inner wall relative to the outer ring component. An energy absorption body is filled between the inner ring component and the outer ring component. The energy absorption body comprises at least one panel. Energy absorption units are distributed along the length direction of the panel between the outer ring component and the panel, between two adjacent panels, and between the panel and the inner ring component. The energy absorption units comprise support plates provided with weak parts and connecting plates. The two ends of the support plates and the two ends of the connecting plates are connected to the panel, the adjacent panel, the inner ring component or the outer ring component. After the blade is broken, the weak part of the support plate is broken or deformed, the connecting plate located on the side of the support plate is gathered to the impact area, the impact energy of the broken fan blade is absorbed, and the containment capacity of the fan case is enhanced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a fan casing energy-absorbing layer, an aero-engine, and an aircraft. Background Technology

[0002] The primary function of the fan casing in a high-bypass turbofan engine is to contain broken fan blades. In typical aero-engine designs, a thick honeycomb layer is usually embedded within the casing. When a fan blade breaks, the fragments impact the honeycomb layer of the containment ring with significant force. During the impact, the honeycomb layer undergoes compressive deformation, absorbing the impact energy and reducing the impact load on the containment ring of the fan casing. Furthermore, the honeycomb structure provides a degree of rigidity to prevent the fan casing from rubbing against the fan rotor after deformation.

[0003] However, traditional honeycomb layers use a hexahedral structure with equal wall thickness. The honeycomb panel is radially parallel to the aero-engine. When it is hit by a broken fan blade, it will usually break and fail, resulting in poor containment effect. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the defects of the honeycomb layer inside the casing in the prior art, which is easy to break and has poor containment effect, and to provide a fan casing energy absorption layer, an aero engine, and an aircraft.

[0005] The present invention solves the above-mentioned technical problems through the following technical solution:

[0006] The present invention provides a fan casing energy-absorbing layer, which is installed on the inner wall of the fan casing. The fan casing energy-absorbing layer includes an inner ring component and an outer ring component. The inner ring component is disposed away from the inner wall relative to the outer ring component. An energy-absorbing body is filled between the inner ring component and the outer ring component.

[0007] The energy-absorbing body includes at least one panel. Energy-absorbing units are distributed along the length of the panel between the outer ring member and the panel, between two adjacent panels, and between the panel and the inner ring member. Each energy-absorbing unit includes a support plate with a weak point and a connecting plate located on at least one side of the support plate. The two ends of the support plate and the two ends of the connecting plate are respectively connected to the panel and the adjacent panel or the inner ring member or the outer ring member. The weak point is configured such that after the inner ring member is impacted by a blade, the weak point in the support plate can break or deform, thereby reducing the distance between the panels located on both sides of the support plate, the inner ring member and the panel, and the outer ring member and the panel.

[0008] In this scheme, the above-mentioned structural form is adopted. When the fan blades are working normally, the support plate enhances the structural rigidity of the fan casing and provides support between the panel and adjacent panels or inner ring components or outer ring components. After the fan blades break, the fragments hit the inner ring component with a large impact force. The weak part of the support plate breaks or deforms to ensure that the connecting plate can deform. After the force is transmitted to the outer ring component, the reaction force is applied to the energy-absorbing body. The area between the support plate and the connecting plate in the next layer of energy-absorbing unit in the panel is concave away from the fan casing. The connecting plate located on the side of the support plate is subjected to tensile force towards the force-bearing position. The connecting plate undergoes compression bending deformation and protrudes towards the support plate. The connecting plate gathers towards the impact area, generating a negative Poisson's ratio effect, absorbing part of the impact force of the fan blades, so as to reduce the impact force of the fan blades on the fan casing containment ring. The material concentration in the impact area can also better resist the penetration of the broken fan blades, absorb the impact energy of the broken fan blades, and enhance the containment capacity of the fan casing.

[0009] Preferably, the connecting plate is an arc-shaped plate, and the middle part of the connecting plate protrudes towards the support plate.

[0010] In this design, the above-mentioned structural form allows the arc-shaped connecting plate to guide the deformation direction after the inner ring component is impacted by the blade, resulting in better compression deformation of the connecting plate towards the support plate.

[0011] Preferably, the connecting plates are provided on both sides of the support plate.

[0012] In this design, the aforementioned structural form is adopted, with the connecting plates on both sides of the support plate converging towards the impact area, further enhancing the containment capacity of the fan casing.

[0013] Preferably, the panel has a recessed portion, the two ends of which are respectively connected to the support plate and the connecting plate in the next layer of the energy absorption unit, and the connection point of the recessed portion with the connecting plate of the previous layer of the energy absorption unit protrudes in a direction away from the fan casing.

[0014] In this solution, by adopting the above-mentioned structural form, after the inner ring component is impacted by the blade, the recessed part can guide the deformation direction, the curvature of the recessed part increases, and further applies tensile force to the connecting plate on the side, resulting in better deformation effect of the connecting plate.

[0015] Preferably, the connecting plate and the supporting plate are spaced apart.

[0016] In this scheme, the above-mentioned structural form is adopted to increase the space of the cavity formed by the support plate, connecting plate, panel, adjacent panel or outer ring member or inner ring member. When the connecting plate deforms, the space for the connecting plate to deform is larger, thereby obtaining a stronger deformation energy absorption capacity.

[0017] Preferably, the support plate has a groove to form the weak part;

[0018] Alternatively, holes may be made in the support plate to form the weak point.

[0019] In this solution, the above-mentioned structural form is adopted, which facilitates processing.

[0020] Preferably, the energy-absorbing body includes energy-absorbing units of at least two sizes, and the cavity formed by the support plate, the connecting plate, the panel, the adjacent panel or the outer ring member or the inner ring member is larger the closer to the inner wall.

[0021] In this scheme, the above-mentioned structural form is adopted. The energy-absorbing unit with small cavity is close to the inner ring component, and the energy-absorbing unit with large cavity is close to the outer ring component. The small-scale energy-absorbing unit close to the inner ring component can provide sufficient stiffness, and the large-scale energy-absorbing unit close to the outer ring component can have sufficient deformation energy absorption capacity, and the hollowness is high, resulting in a lightweight structure.

[0022] Preferably, in each layer of the energy-absorbing body, a plurality of energy-absorbing units are evenly distributed along the circumferential direction of the fan casing.

[0023] Preferably, the fan casing energy-absorbing layer is formed by additive manufacturing process.

[0024] In this solution, additive manufacturing is employed to achieve manufacturing feasibility. Using metal powder (such as aluminum alloy) as raw material, the fan casing energy-absorbing layer is integrally formed through laser melting / rapid solidification layer-by-layer deposition, which can ensure the structural reliability of the fan casing energy-absorbing layer. Furthermore, the fan casing energy-absorbing layer can be filled according to the shape of the fan casing. In addition, the processing personnel can process different thicknesses in different areas of the fan casing energy-absorbing layer according to actual needs.

[0025] Preferably, the energy-absorbing layer of the fan casing is made of aluminum alloy.

[0026] In this solution, the energy-absorbing layer structure of the fan casing is made lightweight.

[0027] The present invention provides an aero engine, the aero engine including the fan casing energy-absorbing layer as described above.

[0028] The present invention provides an aircraft comprising an aircraft engine as described above.

[0029] The positive and progressive effects of this invention are as follows:

[0030] In the present invention, when the fan blades are operating normally, the support plate of the fan casing energy-absorbing layer enhances the structural rigidity of the fan casing and provides support between the panel and adjacent panels or inner ring components or outer ring components. After the fan blade breaks, the fragment impacts the inner ring component with a large impact force, and the weak part of the support plate breaks or deforms to ensure that the connecting plate can deform. After the force is transmitted to the outer ring component, the reaction force is applied to the energy-absorbing body. The area between the support plate and the connecting plate in the next layer of energy-absorbing unit in the panel is concave away from the fan casing, and a tensile force is applied to the connecting plate located on the side of the support plate towards the force-bearing position. The connecting plate undergoes compression bending deformation and protrudes towards the support plate. The connecting plate gathers towards the impact area, generating a negative Poisson's ratio effect, absorbing part of the impact force of the fan blade, so as to reduce the impact force of the fan blade on the fan casing containment ring. The material concentration in the impact area can also better resist the penetration of the broken fan blade, absorb the impact energy of the broken fan blade, and enhance the containment capacity of the fan casing. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the energy-absorbing layer of the fan casing according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the fan casing energy-absorbing layer from another angle, representing a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 3 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the fan casing energy-absorbing layer according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the installation of the fan casing energy-absorbing layer of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, applicable to a hard-walled enclosed casing.

[0035] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the installation of the fan casing energy-absorbing layer, which is adapted to a soft-walled enclosure casing, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0037] Fan casing energy absorption layer 1

[0038] Inner ring component 11

[0039] Outer ring component 12

[0040] Energy absorbing body 13

[0041] Panel 131

[0042] Recess 1311

[0043] Energy absorption unit 132

[0044] Support plate 1321

[0045] Weak point 13211

[0046] Connector plate 1322

[0047] Cavity 1323

[0048] First Enclosing Ring 2

[0049] First abrasive coating 3

[0050] Second Enclosing Ring 4

[0051] Second abrasive coating 5

[0052] Kevlar winding layer 6 Detailed Implementation

[0053] The present invention will be further illustrated by way of embodiments below, but the present invention is not limited to the scope of the following embodiments.

[0054] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides a fan casing energy-absorbing layer 1, installed on the inner wall of the fan casing. The fan casing energy-absorbing layer 1 includes an inner ring member 11 and an outer ring member 12. The inner ring member 11 is disposed away from the inner wall relative to the outer ring member 12. An energy-absorbing body 13 is filled between the inner ring member 11 and the outer ring member 12. The energy-absorbing body 13 includes at least one panel 131. Energy-absorbing units 132 are distributed along the length direction of the panel 131 between the outer ring member 12 and the panel 131, between two adjacent panels 131, and between the panel 131 and the inner ring member 11. The energy-absorbing units 132 in each layer are distributed in a ring. The energy absorption unit 132 includes a support plate 1321 with a weak portion 13211 and a connecting plate 1322 located on at least one side of the support plate 1321. The two ends of the support plate 1321 and the two ends of the connecting plate 1322 are respectively connected to the panel 131 and the adjacent panel 131 or inner ring member 11 or outer ring member 12. The weak portion 13211 is configured such that after the inner ring member 11 is impacted by the blade, the weak portion 13211 in the support plate 1321 can break or deform, so that the distance between the panel 131, the inner ring member 11 and the panel 131, and the outer ring member 12 and the panel 131 located on both sides of the support plate 1321 is reduced.

[0055] In other words, when the energy-absorbing body 13 includes a panel 131, an energy-absorbing unit 132 is distributed between the outer ring member 12 and the panel 131, and an energy-absorbing unit 132 is distributed between the inner ring member 11 and the panel 131; a support plate 1321 and a connecting plate 1322 distributed along the length direction of the panel 131 are connected between the outer ring member 12 and the panel 131, and a support plate 1321 and a connecting plate 1322 are connected between the inner ring member 11 and the panel 131, with the connecting plate 1322 located on at least one side of the support plate 1321; after the inner ring member 11 is impacted by a blade, the weak part 13211 in the support plate 1321 breaks or deforms.

[0056] When the energy-absorbing body 13 includes at least two panels 131, an energy-absorbing unit 132 is distributed between the outer ring member 12 and the panel 131, an energy-absorbing unit 132 is distributed between the inner ring member 11 and the panel 131, and an energy-absorbing unit 132 is distributed between adjacent panels 131; a support plate 1321 and a connecting plate 1322 distributed along the length direction of the panel 131 are connected between the outer ring member 12 and the panel 131, a support plate 1321 and a connecting plate 1322 are connected between the inner ring member 11 and the panel 131, a support plate 1321 and a connecting plate 1322 are connected between adjacent panels 131, and the connecting plate 1322 is located on at least one side of the support plate 1321; after the inner ring member 11 is impacted by a blade, the weak part 13211 in the support plate 1321 breaks or deforms.

[0057] In this design, when the fan blades are operating normally, the support plate 1321 enhances the structural rigidity of the fan casing and provides support between the panel 131 and adjacent panels 131 or inner ring members 11 or outer ring members 12. (See also...) Figure 3 The dashed line in the diagram represents a partial structural schematic of the fan casing's energy-absorbing layer before the inner ring component 11 is struck by the blade; after the fan blade breaks, the fragments extend outwards (along...). Figure 1 The arrow pointing downwards from the inner ring member 11 strikes the inner ring member 11 with a large impact force, i.e., as shown in the image below. Figure 1 The force F shown acts on the inner ring member 11, causing fracture or deformation at the weak point 13211 of the support plate 1321. This shortens the distance between the panels 131 on both sides of the support plate 1321, the inner ring member 11 and the panel 131, and the outer ring member 12 and the panel 131, ensuring that the connecting plate 1322 can deform, thus achieving a negative Poisson's ratio effect. After the force is transmitted to the outer ring member 12, the reaction force acts on the energy-absorbing body 13, i.e., as shown... Figure 3As shown, F0 acts on the energy-absorbing body 13. The area between the support plate 1321 and the connecting plate 1322 in the next layer of energy-absorbing unit 132 is recessed away from the fan casing. A tensile force is applied to the connecting plate 1322 located on the side of the support plate 1321 towards the force-bearing position. The connecting plate 1322 undergoes compression bending deformation and protrudes towards the support plate 1321. The connecting plate 1322 gathers towards the impact area (see [reference]). Figure 3 The solid line in the diagram represents a partial structural schematic of the fan casing energy-absorbing layer after the inner ring component 11 is struck by the blade. This generates a negative Poisson's ratio effect, absorbing part of the impact force of the fan blade, thereby reducing the impact force of the fan blade on the fan casing containment ring. The material concentration in the impact area can also better resist the penetration of the broken fan blade, absorb the impact energy of the broken fan blade, and enhance the containment capacity of the fan casing.

[0058] like Figure 4 As shown, the fan casing energy-absorbing layer 1 is suitable for a hard-walled enclosure casing, and the fan casing energy-absorbing layer 1 is filled between the first enclosure ring 2 and the first abrasive coating 3. Figure 5 As shown, the fan casing energy-absorbing layer 1 is suitable for a soft-walled enclosure casing. The fan casing energy-absorbing layer 1 is filled between the second enclosure ring 4 and the second abrasive coating 5. A Kevlar winding layer 6 is wound around the outer wall of the second enclosure ring 4.

[0059] The connecting plate 1322 is an arc-shaped plate, and the middle part of the connecting plate 1322 protrudes towards the support plate 1321. After the inner ring member 11 is impacted by the blade, the arc-shaped connecting plate 1322 can guide the deformation direction, and the compression deformation effect of the connecting plate 1322 towards the support plate 1321 is better.

[0060] The support plate 1321 has connecting plates 1322 on both sides. After the fan blades break, the broken pieces are arranged as follows: Figure 1 The force F shown acts on the inner ring component 11, causing fracture or deformation at the weak point 13211 in the support plate 1321. After the force is transmitted to the outer ring component 12, the reaction force acts on the energy-absorbing body 13, i.e. Figure 3 The force F0 shown acts on the energy-absorbing body 13, applying a tensile force to the connecting plates 1322 located on both sides of the support plate 1321 towards the force-bearing position. The connecting plates 1322 on both sides undergo compression and bending deformation, and protrude towards the support plate 1321. The connecting plates 1322 located on both sides of the support plate 1321 converge towards the impact area, that is, the connecting plates 1322 along... Figure 1 The arrows on the left and right sides converge towards the center, further enhancing the fan housing's containment capacity.

[0061] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, panel 131 has a recess 1311. The two ends of the recess 1311 are connected to the support plate 1321 and the connecting plate 1322 in the next energy-absorbing unit 132, respectively. The connection point between the recess 1311 and the connecting plate 1322 of the previous energy-absorbing unit 132 protrudes away from the fan casing. After the inner ring member 11 is impacted by the blade, the recess 1311 can guide the deformation direction. The increased curvature of the recess 1311 further applies tensile force to the connecting plate 1322 on the side, resulting in better deformation of the connecting plate 1322.

[0062] The connecting plate 1322 and the support plate 1321 are spaced apart. By adopting the aforementioned structure, the space of the cavity 1323 formed by the support plate 1321, the connecting plate 1322, the panel 131, the adjacent panel 131, or the outer ring member 12 or the inner ring member 11 is increased. When the connecting plate 1322 deforms, there is a larger space for the connecting plate 1322 to deform, thereby obtaining a stronger deformation energy absorption capacity.

[0063] like Figure 1 As shown, the support plate 1321 is arranged along the radial direction of the fan casing.

[0064] In other embodiments, the support plate 1321 extends at an angle, and the angle of the support plate 1321 is consistent with the rotation direction of the blade.

[0065] A groove is formed on the support plate 1321 to create a weak part 13211. In other words, the thickness of the weak part 13211 region in the support plate 1321 is thinner than other regions, which facilitates processing. Preferably, grooves are formed on both sides of the support plate 1321 to create the weak part 13211.

[0066] In other embodiments, holes are made in the support plate 1321 to form weak portions 13211 for easy processing.

[0067] The energy-absorbing body 13 includes energy-absorbing units 132 of at least two sizes, and cavities 1323 enclosed by the support plate 1321, connecting plate 1322, panel 131, adjacent panels 131, outer ring member 12, or inner ring member 11. The cavity 1323 is larger closer to the inner wall. In other words, the cavity 1323 is formed by the support plate 1321, connecting plate 1322, panel 131, and adjacent panels 131, or by the support plate 1321, connecting plate 1322, panel 131, and outer ring member 12, or by the support plate 1321, connecting plate 1322, panel 131, and inner ring member 11. The small energy-absorbing unit 132 in the cavity 1323 is close to the inner ring member 11, and the large energy-absorbing unit 132 in the cavity 1323 is close to the outer ring member 12. The small-scale energy-absorbing unit 132 close to the inner ring member 11 can provide sufficient stiffness, and the large-scale energy-absorbing unit 132 close to the outer ring member 12 can have sufficient deformation energy absorption capacity, and has a high hollowness and lightweight structure.

[0068] For example, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the energy-absorbing body 13 includes two sizes of energy-absorbing units 132, which are defined as large-scale energy-absorbing units 132 and small-scale energy-absorbing units 132, respectively. The cavity 1323 in the large-scale energy-absorbing unit 132 is larger than the cavity 1323 in the small-scale energy-absorbing unit 132. The large-scale energy-absorbing unit 132 near the outer ring member 12 is provided with two layers, and the small-scale energy-absorbing unit 132 near the inner ring member 11 is provided with four layers.

[0069] In each layer of energy-absorbing body 13, multiple energy-absorbing units 132 are evenly distributed along the circumferential direction of the fan casing.

[0070] The fan casing energy-absorbing layer 1 is formed using additive manufacturing. This process ensures manufacturing feasibility by using metal powder (e.g., aluminum alloy) as raw material and depositing it layer by layer through laser melting / rapid solidification. The fan casing energy-absorbing layer 1 is integrally formed, guaranteeing structural reliability. Furthermore, the energy-absorbing layer 1 can conform to the shape of the fan casing; additionally, the operator can process different thicknesses in different areas of the energy-absorbing layer 1 according to actual needs.

[0071] The fan casing energy-absorbing layer 1 is made of aluminum alloy, which makes the structure of the fan casing energy-absorbing layer 1 lightweight.

[0072] This invention also provides an aero-engine, which includes the fan casing energy-absorbing layer 1 described in any of the above embodiments.

[0073] This invention also provides an aircraft, which includes an aircraft engine.

[0074] While specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, those skilled in the art should understand that these are merely illustrative examples, and the scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications to these embodiments without departing from the principles and essence of the present invention, but all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A fan casing energy-absorbing layer, installed on the inner wall of the fan casing, characterized in that, The fan casing energy-absorbing layer includes an inner ring component and an outer ring component. The inner ring component is disposed away from the inner wall relative to the outer ring component, and an energy-absorbing body is filled between the inner ring component and the outer ring component. The energy-absorbing body includes at least one panel. Energy-absorbing units are distributed along the length of the panel between the outer ring member and the panel, between two adjacent panels, and between the panel and the inner ring member. Each energy-absorbing unit includes a support plate with a weak point and a connecting plate located on at least one side of the support plate. The two ends of the support plate and the two ends of the connecting plate are respectively connected to the panel and the adjacent panel or the inner ring member or the outer ring member. The weak point is configured such that after the inner ring member is impacted by a blade, the weak point in the support plate can break or deform, thereby reducing the distance between the panels located on both sides of the support plate, the inner ring member and the panel, and the outer ring member and the panel.

2. The fan casing energy-absorbing layer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting plate is an arc-shaped plate, and the middle part of the connecting plate protrudes towards the support plate.

3. The fan casing energy-absorbing layer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting plates are provided on both sides of the support plate.

4. The fan casing energy-absorbing layer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The panel has a recessed portion, and the two ends of the recessed portion are respectively connected to the support plate and the connecting plate in the next layer of the energy absorption unit. The connection point of the recessed portion with the connecting plate of the previous layer of the energy absorption unit protrudes in a direction away from the fan casing.

5. The fan casing energy-absorbing layer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting plate and the supporting plate are spaced apart.

6. The fan casing energy-absorbing layer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The support plate has a groove to form the weak part; Alternatively, holes may be made in the support plate to form the weak point.

7. The fan casing energy-absorbing layer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The energy-absorbing body includes energy-absorbing units of at least two sizes. The cavity formed by the support plate, the connecting plate, the panel, the adjacent panel or the outer ring member or the inner ring member is larger the closer to the inner wall.

8. The fan casing energy-absorbing layer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, In each layer of the energy-absorbing body, multiple energy-absorbing units are evenly distributed along the circumferential direction of the fan casing.

9. The fan casing energy-absorbing layer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The fan casing energy-absorbing layer is formed using an additive manufacturing process.

10. The fan casing energy-absorbing layer as described in any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The energy-absorbing layer of the fan casing is made of aluminum alloy.

11. An aircraft engine, characterized in that, The aero-engine includes the fan casing energy-absorbing layer as described in any one of claims 1-10.

12. An aircraft, characterized in that, The aircraft includes the aircraft engine as described in claim 11.

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