A precisely adjustable sand outlet device suitable for use in a vacuum environment

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of accurate adjustable sand discharging devices suitable for vacuum environment, belong to sand erosion test technical field, accurate adjustable sand discharging devices suitable for vacuum environment include cabin, the inside of cabin is provided with rotating arm and multiple sand distribution devices;Each sand distribution device includes a with fixed base, fixed base is fixedly connected with screw cylinder by flange, screw cylinder is horizontally arranged and its inside is provided with feed screw, the middle part of screw cylinder is connected with storage hopper by feed pipe, one end of screw cylinder is provided with driving source for driving feed screw rotation, driving source is connected from fixed base, the other end of screw cylinder is discharge port, and multiple layers of screen are provided below discharge port;In accurate adjustable sand discharging devices suitable for vacuum environment, sand distribution device combines screw drive mechanism and the structure of multiple layers of screen, and completes aero-engine blade sand erosion test in cooperation with rotating arm, provides an innovative aero-engine sand erosion test solution, and remarkable improvement is realized in accuracy, efficiency, reliability and environmental simulation authenticity etc.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of sand erosion testing, and in particular relates to a precise and adjustable sand discharge device suitable for a vacuum environment. Background Art

[0002] Aircraft engines are often exposed to harsh environmental conditions, particularly the high concentrations of sand and dust common in deserts and arid regions. Ingestion of solid sand can severely damage engine components, particularly turbine and compressor blades, leading to reduced engine performance, shortened service life, increased maintenance costs, and potentially even engine failure, threatening flight safety. Precisely controlling the speed and amount of sand delivered to simulate diverse environmental conditions and evaluate material performance is a key challenge in sand erosion experiments.

[0003] In the prior art, sand distribution devices typically place the sand required for the test directly into a storage funnel. An adjustable opening is provided at the bottom of the funnel, connected to an electric push rod that can be slightly moved up and down. The size of the opening is controlled by adjusting the push rod up and down, thereby achieving precise control of the amount of sand discharged. A sand guide tube and multiple layers of screens are also provided at the bottom of the funnel to disperse the sand and achieve the desired sand area layout for the experiment. This method has obvious shortcomings:

[0004] First, sand easily clogs the sand outlet driven by the electric push rod, affecting the continuity of the test and potentially causing large dispersion and poor regularity in the test results. Furthermore, there are no devices such as agitators or vibrators at the sand outlet to disperse the sand. Even if these devices were installed, it would be difficult to accurately control the repeatability of the sand output.

[0005] Second, this method struggles to achieve precise, multi-level control of dust concentration. According to the GJB150-12A standard, natural dust concentrations can be broadly categorized into three categories: 1. For equipment that may operate near helicopters flying over unpaved roads, the dust concentration is 2.2g / m³±0.5g / m³; 2. For equipment that will not be used or exposed near flying aircraft, but may operate or be stored unprotected near moving ground vehicles, the dust concentration is 1.1g / m³±0.3g / m³; 3. For equipment subject only to natural conditions, the dust concentration is 0.18g / m³. For the third, lower concentration scenario, controlling the free fall of sand particles solely by opening size is particularly difficult and can easily lead to significant dispersion issues.

[0006] Another existing technology involves using a screw thread to propel sand particles into a main channel, combined with an auxiliary airflow. Within the main channel, the sand particles are fully mixed with high-pressure gas at a relatively low airflow velocity. A specific pressurizing device is then used to accelerate the gas-solid two-phase flow, thereby achieving supersonic acceleration of the sand particles. For example, patent CN201710173864.7, a precision sand delivery device and method, has been released. The shortcomings of this device and method are:

[0007] First, this method cannot simulate the sand erosion process of engine blades under real conditions, that is, the blades are in high-speed rotation during the sand swallowing process, and this method only simulates the ultra-high speed when the sand particles collide with the blades, which makes it difficult to realize the real process of sand erosion of the engine blades.

[0008] Second, this method cannot effectively control the uniformity and dispersion of sand particles, making it difficult to simulate real-world dust environments, which range from low to high density. Because this method accelerates sand particles through high-pressure gas, the blasting area is relatively concentrated, and the uniformity of sand particles is difficult to control. This significantly differs from a real dust environment and makes it difficult to simulate certain extreme environments under specific geographical conditions, affecting the accuracy and reliability of the experimental results.

[0009] Therefore, a new technical solution is urgently needed to solve the above problems in order to improve the continuity, regularity and accuracy of the test and ensure the effectiveness and reliability of the sand and dust test. Summary of the Invention

[0010] In view of the deficiencies in the above-mentioned background technology, the present invention aims to provide a precise and adjustable sand discharging device suitable for a vacuum environment, which solves the problem of insufficient sand distribution accuracy in existing sand distribution devices.

[0011] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object of the invention, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0012] Provided is a precise and adjustable sand discharging device suitable for a vacuum environment, comprising a cabin, wherein a rotating arm and a plurality of sand distributing devices are provided inside the cabin; the plurality of sand distributing devices are arranged in a circular direction with the rotating axis of the rotating arm as the center;

[0013] Each sand-distributing device includes a fixed base, a screw barrel is fixedly connected to the fixed base through a flange, the screw barrel is horizontally arranged and a feeding screw is arranged inside it, the middle part of the screw barrel is connected to a storage funnel through a feed pipe, one end of the screw barrel is provided with a driving source for driving the feeding screw to rotate, and the driving source is connected to the fixed base, the other end of the screw barrel is a discharge port, and a multi-layer screen is provided below the discharge port, and the multi-layer screen is located at the top of the rotating arm.

[0014] The basic principle of the precise and adjustable sand-discharging device suitable for a vacuum environment in the present invention is as follows: a rotating arm simulates the real state of engine blades being impacted by sand particles during rotation; a plurality of sand-distributing devices are used to evenly distribute sand to simulate a real sand and dust environment, and the process is as follows: sand particles for sand erosion test are stored in a storage funnel, and the sand particles enter the screw barrel through a feed pipe and are located between the threads of the feeding screw, and a driving source drives the screw barrel feeding screw to rotate, and transports the sand particles between the threads to the discharge port. During the rotation of the screw, the sand particles flowing in from the feed port are stably delivered, and the sand particles fall freely to the multi-layer screen below the discharge port. The multi-layer screen disperses the sand particles to form a columnar sand falling area, simulating a real sand and dust environment, and solving the problem of insufficient sand distribution accuracy in existing sand-distributing devices.

[0015] Furthermore, the cabin is a sealed cabin, and the cabin is connected to an exhaust valve, which is used to communicate with a vacuum pumping device. The vacuum pumping device is started to extract the air in the cabin environment to simulate a vacuum environment, so that the sand erosion test can be completed in different environments.

[0016] Furthermore, the cabin is also provided with a plurality of lighting devices, which provide a stable light source for the environment inside the cabin, so as to observe the sand distribution condition of the sand distribution device and the sand erosion test results of the rotating arm during the sand erosion test.

[0017] Furthermore, as a specific configuration of the drive source, the drive source includes a stepper motor mounted on the fixed base. The stepper motor is arranged horizontally, and the output shaft of the stepper motor is connected to an input screw via a coupling. The free end of the input screw is fixedly connected to the end of the feed screw. The stepper motor is provided with a motor controller for electrical connection to a host computer, facilitating remote control of the stepper motor's speed, operating status, and forward and reverse rotation, thereby controlling the sand flow rate and distribution density. The coupling connects the stepper motor and the input screw, transmitting power while absorbing and adjusting axial deviations caused by assembly errors.

[0018] Furthermore, the multi-layer screen is fixedly connected to the end of the screw barrel through a connecting ear.

[0019] Furthermore, as a specific setting method for fixing the sand-distributing device in the cabin, a plurality of columns are fixedly provided inside the cabin, and a sand-distributing device is fixed on each of the columns; the fixed base in each sand-distributing device is provided with an installation square opening that cooperates with the column and is fixed, and an installation locking hole is provided on the side wall of the installation square opening.

[0020] Furthermore, the mesh number of the multi-layer sieve is 10 meshes, ensuring that the sand particles are evenly distributed in a columnar shape when passing through, thereby simulating a real sand and dust environment.

[0021] The present invention also provides a sand erosion test method of a precise and adjustable sand discharge device suitable for a vacuum environment, comprising:

[0022] Step 1: Install and fix multiple sand distribution devices in the cabin;

[0023] Step 2. Calibrate the sand output rate of the sand distribution device: prepare the required sand according to the specific test requirements, and the amount of sand should match the preset test time and sand distribution requirements; set a fixed speed for the driving source, and the driving source drives the feeding screw to rotate to transport sand. The sand output rate at this speed is calculated by timing and weighing. Change the driving source speed and repeat the above operation to obtain the sand output rate at several different speeds. Fit the relationship curve based on the sand output rate data at these specific speeds to obtain the calibration relationship between the sand output rate and the driving source speed;

[0024] Step 3: The vacuum equipment evacuates the cabin through the vacuum valve to simulate a vacuum environment;

[0025] Step 4: The driving source starts according to the set parameters and gradually accelerates to the preset speed, pushing the sand particles evenly to the discharge port. The sand particles enter the multi-layer screen through the discharge port, and the multi-layer screen further disperses the sand and dust to simulate a real sand and dust environment;

[0026] Step 5: Start the rotation of the rotating arm, which simulates the real state of the engine blades being impacted by sand particles during rotation. The sand distribution device and the rotating arm run for the preset sand erosion test time and then stop. Clean the sand distribution device and the rotating arm, record the parameters set during the test, the running time and the test results, and complete the sand erosion test.

[0027] The beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0028] 1. The present invention provides a precise and adjustable sand discharging device suitable for vacuum environments. The sand distributing device combines a screw drive mechanism with a multi-layer screen structure, and cooperates with a rotating arm to complete the sand erosion test of aircraft engine blades, providing an innovative solution for aircraft engine sand erosion testing, achieving significant improvements in accuracy, efficiency, reliability and environmental simulation authenticity.

[0029] 2. The core advantage of the screw drive mechanism of the present invention, which is a precise and adjustable sand discharge device suitable for a vacuum environment, lies in its precise and adjustable characteristics. Traditional sand erosion test equipment mostly relies on gravity or simple mechanical propulsion, and it is difficult to accurately control the conveying speed and quantity of sand particles, resulting in inconsistency and poor repeatability in the test results. The screw drive mechanism pushes the sand particles through precise spiral threads, which can achieve precise control of the conveying speed and amount of sand particles. The requirements of different test conditions can be met by simply adjusting the speed of the feeding screw. The feeding screw allows continuous adjustment, so that the sand conveying process can be adjusted in real time according to the test requirements to cope with various variables that may arise during the test process, thereby significantly improving the flexibility and applicability of the test and meeting the needs of complex or changing test environments.

[0030] 3. The present invention provides a precise and adjustable sand discharge device suitable for vacuum environments, enhancing test efficiency and continuity. In traditional sand erosion tests, sand blockage often leads to test interruptions, requiring manual cleaning or adjustments, impacting test continuity and overall efficiency. The screw drive mechanism of the present invention, with its unique structural design, effectively reduces the risk of sand blockage. The continuous rotation of the feed screw and the propulsion of the spiral thread ensure uniform sand delivery, preventing sand accumulation and blockage during transport. The use of a multi-layer screen further enhances test continuity. The layered distribution and microporous structure of the multi-layer screen effectively disperse sand, ensuring even sand drop and reducing local blockage caused by sand accumulation. Furthermore, the screen design facilitates cleaning and maintenance, extending the equipment's stable operation time and reducing maintenance downtime. Furthermore, the present invention improves test reliability and repeatability. Combined with a precise and adjustable rotating arm sand discharge device suitable for vacuum environments, the high-speed rotating metal arm accurately simulates the real-world conditions of engine blades being impacted by sand during rotation, further enhancing the credibility and comparability of test data.

[0031] 4. The present invention provides a precisely adjustable sand removal device suitable for vacuum environments, authentically simulating complex environmental conditions. Aircraft engines face complex and changing environments during actual operation, so it is crucial that test equipment can realistically simulate such conditions. This invention utilizes a precisely controllable screw drive and the dispersion capabilities of a multi-layer screen to simulate dust environments ranging from low to high densities. This device is suitable not only for conventional dust concentrations but also for extreme dust environments caused by climate change or specific geographical conditions, providing more comprehensive data support for engine design and testing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a precise and adjustable sand discharge device suitable for vacuum environments.

[0033] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the sand distribution device.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a detailed diagram showing the coordination of the discharge port.

[0035] Figure 4 It is a side sectional view of the sand distribution device.

[0036] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the structure of the feeding screw.

[0037] Among them, 1. Storage funnel; 2. Feed pipe; 3. Screw barrel; 4. Discharge port; 5. Flange; 6. Input screw; 7. Stepper motor; 8. Fixed base; 9. Connecting ear piece; 10. Multi-layer screen; 11. Feed screw; 12. Coupling; 13. Cabin; 14. Rotating arm; 15. Sand spreading device; 16. Lighting device; 17. Exhaust valve; 18. Column. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The specific embodiments of the present invention are described below to facilitate understanding of the present invention by those skilled in the art. However, it should be clear that the present invention is not limited to the scope of the specific embodiments. For those skilled in the art, as long as various changes are within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined and determined by the appended claims, these changes are obvious, and all inventions and creations utilizing the concepts of the present invention are protected.

[0039] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, this solution provides a precise and adjustable sand-discharging device suitable for a vacuum environment, which includes a cabin 13, wherein a rotating arm 14 and a plurality of sand-distributing devices 15 are provided inside the cabin 13; the plurality of sand-distributing devices 15 are arranged in a ring with the rotation axis of the rotating arm 14 as the center.

[0040] Each sand distribution device 15 includes a fixed base 8, a screw barrel 3 is fixedly connected to the fixed base 8 via a flange 5, the screw barrel 3 is arranged horizontally and a feeding screw 11 is arranged inside it, the middle part of the screw barrel 3 is connected to a storage funnel 1 through a feeding pipe 2, one end of the screw barrel 3 is provided with a driving source for driving the feeding screw 11 to rotate, the driving source is connected to the fixed base 8, the other end of the screw barrel 3 is a discharge port 4, and a multi-layer screen 10 is arranged below the discharge port 4, and the multi-layer screen 10 is located at the top of the rotating arm 14. Specifically, as Figure 3 As shown, a multi-layer screen 10 is fixedly connected to the end of the screw barrel 3 via a connecting lug 9. The mesh size of the multi-layer screen 10 is 10 meshes, ensuring that the sand particles are evenly distributed in a columnar shape when passing through, thereby simulating a real sand and dust environment.

[0041] Preferably, a ceramic wear-resistant coating material is attached to the thread surface of the feeding screw 11 and the inner wall of the screw barrel 3 to further enhance the service life of the sand distribution device 15 .

[0042] As a specific setting method for fixing the sand-distributing device 15 in the cabin 13, a plurality of columns 18 are fixedly provided inside the cabin 13, and a sand-distributing device 15 is fixed on each of the columns 18; the fixed base 8 in each sand-distributing device 15 is provided with an installation square opening that cooperates with the column 18 and is fixed, and an installation locking hole is provided on the side wall of the installation square opening.

[0043] The basic principle of the precise and adjustable sand discharge device suitable for vacuum environment is: the rotating arm 14 simulates the real state of the engine blades being impacted by sand particles during rotation; multiple sand distribution devices 15 are used to evenly distribute sand to simulate a real sand and dust environment, and the process is: the storage funnel 1 stores sand particles for sand erosion test, and the sand particles enter the screw barrel 3 through the feed pipe 2 and are located between the threads of the feeding screw 11. The driving source drives the screw barrel 3 and the feeding screw 11 to rotate, and transports the sand particles between the threads to the discharge port 4. During the rotation of the screw, the sand particles flowing in from the feed port are stably delivered, and the sand particles fall freely to the multi-layer screen 10 below the discharge port 4. The multi-layer screen 10 disperses the sand particles to form a columnar sand falling area, simulating a real sand and dust environment, and solving the problem of insufficient sand distribution accuracy in the existing sand distribution device 15.

[0044] The sand distribution device 15 uses a screw drive mechanism to convey sand particles. The core advantage of the screw drive mechanism lies in its precise and adjustable characteristics. Traditional sand erosion test equipment mostly relies on gravity or simple mechanical propulsion, which makes it difficult to accurately control the conveying speed and amount of sand particles, resulting in inconsistency and poor repeatability in the test results. The screw drive mechanism pushes the sand particles through precise spiral threads, which can achieve precise control of the conveying speed and amount of sand particles. The requirements of different test conditions can be met by simply adjusting the speed of the feeding screw 11. The feeding screw 11 allows for continuous adjustment, so that the sand conveying process can be adjusted in real time according to the test requirements to cope with various variables that may arise during the test process, thereby significantly improving the flexibility and applicability of the test and meeting the needs of complex or changing test environments.

[0045] In traditional sand erosion tests, sand blockage often leads to test interruptions, requiring manual cleaning or adjustment, which affects the continuity and overall efficiency of the test. The screw transmission mechanism of the present invention effectively reduces the risk of sand blockage due to its unique structural design. The continuous rotation of the feeding screw 11 and the driving action of the spiral thread ensure that the sand is evenly transported, avoiding sand aggregation and blockage during the transmission process. The application of the multi-layer screen 10 further improves the continuity of the test. The layered distribution and microporous structure of the multi-layer screen 10 effectively disperse the sand, ensuring that the sand falls evenly and reducing local blockages caused by sand accumulation. At the same time, the screen design is easy to clean and maintain, which extends the stable operation time of the equipment and reduces downtime caused by maintenance. In addition, the present invention improves the reliability and repeatability of the test. Combined with the rotating arm 14-type precise and adjustable sand discharge device suitable for vacuum environments, the high-speed rotating metal arm accurately simulates the real state of the engine blades being hit by sand particles during rotation, further enhancing the credibility and comparability of the test data.

[0046] Preferably, but not limited to, the cabin 13 is a sealed cabin and is connected to an air extraction valve 17. The air extraction valve 17 is used to communicate with a vacuum pump. Activating the vacuum pump extracts air from the cabin 13 to simulate a vacuum environment, allowing sand erosion tests to be performed in various environments. The cabin 13 is also equipped with multiple lighting devices 16, which provide a stable light source for the environment within the cabin 13, thereby facilitating observation of the sand distribution of the sand distribution device 15 and the sand erosion test results of the rotating arm 14 during the sand erosion test.

[0047] In this embodiment, as a specific configuration of the drive source, the drive source includes a stepper motor 7 mounted on the fixed base 8. The stepper motor 7 is arranged horizontally, and the output shaft of the stepper motor 7 is connected to the input screw 6 via a coupling 12. The free end of the input screw 6 is fixedly connected to the end of the feed screw 11. The stepper motor 7 is provided with a motor controller for electrical connection to the host computer, which facilitates remote control of the stepper motor 7's speed, operating status, and forward and reverse rotation, thereby controlling the sand flow rate and distribution density. The coupling 12 connects the stepper motor 7 and the input screw 6, transmitting power while absorbing and adjusting axial deviations caused by assembly errors.

[0048] The present invention also provides a sand erosion test method of a precise and adjustable sand discharge device suitable for a vacuum environment, comprising:

[0049] Step 1. Install and fix multiple sand-distributing devices 15 in the cabin 13; specifically, clean the contact surface between the fixed base 8 and the column 18 to ensure that there are no foreign objects to prevent tilting or loosening caused by impurities during the fixing process. Accurately align the installation square of the fixed base 8 with the specified position of the column 18 to ensure that the fixed base 8 is accurately positioned, and then align the installation locking hole with the pre-set hole. Insert the top screw and tighten it through the preset thread rotation, gradually tightening it until the fixed base 8 is stable. At this time, it should be confirmed that there is no gap between the fixed base 8 and the column 18, and check by touch to ensure that there is no sign of shaking. The purpose of this step is to provide a stable support structure for subsequent test operations to ensure stability and accuracy during work.

[0050] Step 2: Calibrate the sand output rate of the sand distribution device 15: Prepare the required sand according to the specific test requirements. The amount of sand should match the preset test time and sand distribution requirements to ensure a continuous and stable supply of sand during the test. To prevent the sand from accumulating and clogging the feed pipe 2, the operator should be careful to pour it out and keep the sand in the funnel in a natural and flat state. Set the stepper motor 7 to a fixed speed. The stepper motor 7 drives the feeding screw 11 to rotate to transport sand. The sand output rate at this speed is calculated by timing and weighing. Change the speed of the stepper motor 7 and repeat the above operation to obtain the sand output rate at several different speeds. Fit the relationship curve based on the sand output rate data at these specific speeds to obtain the calibration relationship between the sand output rate and the speed of the stepper motor 7. The purpose of this step is to ensure that the experimenter can set the corresponding motor speed according to the sand output rate required by the test.

[0051] Step 3: The vacuum equipment evacuates the cabin 13 through the air extraction valve 17 to simulate a vacuum environment;

[0052] Step 4, start sand spreading: the stepper motor 7 is started according to the set parameters, gradually accelerated to the preset speed, and the sand particles are evenly pushed to the discharge port 4. The sand particles enter the multi-layer screen 10 through the discharge port 4. The multi-layer screen 10 further disperses the sand particles to form a columnar sand falling area to simulate a real sand and dust environment; during the sand spreading process, by adjusting the speed of the stepper motor 7, the sand conveying process can be adjusted in real time according to the test requirements to cope with various variables that may occur during the test process, thereby significantly improving the flexibility and applicability of the test and meeting the needs of complex or changeable test environments.

[0053] Step 5: Start the rotation of the rotating arm 14, which simulates the real state of the engine blades being impacted by sand particles during rotation. The sand distribution device 15 and the rotating arm 14 stop after running for the preset sand erosion test time, clean the sand distribution device 15 and the rotating arm 14, record the parameters set during the test, the running time and the test results, and complete the sand erosion test.

[0054] In the above-mentioned sand erosion test method, the precise and controllable screw drive and the dispersion function of the multi-layer screen 10 can be used to simulate sand and dust environments ranging from low density to high density. It is not only suitable for conventional sand and dust concentrations, but also can simulate extreme sand and dust environments caused by climate change or specific geographical conditions, providing more comprehensive data support for engine design and testing.

[0055] In summary, the present invention provides a precise and adjustable sand discharging device suitable for a vacuum environment. The sand distributing device 15 combines the structure of a screw drive mechanism and a multi-layer screen 10, and cooperates with the rotating arm 14 to complete the sand erosion test of aircraft engine blades, providing an innovative aircraft engine sand erosion test solution, which achieves significant improvements in accuracy, efficiency, reliability and environmental simulation authenticity.

Claims

1. A precise and adjustable sand discharge device suitable for vacuum environment, characterized in that: The invention comprises a cabin, wherein a rotating arm and a plurality of sand-spreading devices are provided inside the cabin; the plurality of sand-spreading devices are arranged in a circular direction with the rotating axis of the rotating arm as the center; Each sand-distributing device includes a fixed base, a screw barrel is fixedly connected to the fixed base through a flange, the screw barrel is horizontally arranged and a feeding screw is arranged inside it, the middle part of the screw barrel is connected to a storage funnel through a feed pipe, one end of the screw barrel is provided with a driving source for driving the feeding screw to rotate, the driving source is connected to the fixed base, the other end of the screw barrel is a discharge port, a multi-layer screen is provided below the discharge port, and the multi-layer screen is located at the top of the rotating arm; the cabin is a sealed cabin, the cabin is connected to an exhaust valve, and the exhaust valve is used to communicate with a vacuum device; The driving source includes a stepper motor arranged on the fixed base, the stepper motor is arranged horizontally, the output shaft of the stepper motor is connected to the input screw through a coupling, and the free end of the input screw is fixedly connected to the end of the feeding screw; the multi-layer screen is fixedly connected to the end of the screw barrel through a connecting ear; a plurality of columns are fixedly arranged inside the cabin, and each of the columns is fixed with a sand-distributing device; the fixed base in each sand-distributing device is provided with an installation square opening that cooperates with the column and is fixed, and the side wall of the installation square opening is provided with an installation locking hole.

2. The precise and adjustable sand removal device suitable for vacuum environment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cabin is also provided with a plurality of lighting devices.

3. The precise and adjustable sand removal device suitable for vacuum environment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mesh number of the multi-layer screen is 10 meshes.

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