3D Lattice Weave Damping for High-Temperature Turbines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current damping materials, especially polymeric ones, are not effective at high temperatures and lack engineered designs for optimal damping properties, leading to inefficiencies in reducing vibrations in high-speed rotary devices like turbines, which can result in premature failure due to excessive wear and fatigue.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional lattice weave made from metallic or ceramic wires, optimized through topology optimization and mechanical design, utilizing internal material damping, frictional energy dissipation, and inertial damping mechanisms to enhance damping properties, with the ability to operate effectively at high temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If polymeric damping materials are used, then damping properties are improved, but high temperature performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from polymeric to metallic lattice structure, enabling damping functionality to operate at high temperatures while maintaining energy dissipation capabilities through controlled pore architecture rather than polymer viscoelasticity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite metallic lattice structure with controlled porosity that combines the damping benefits of porous materials with the high temperature resistance of metals, achieving both energy dissipation and thermal stability
2Ease of manufacture
If random pore structure metallic foams are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but damping efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the random pore structure into a controlled lattice architecture with defined unit cells and repeating patterns, enabling systematic optimization of damping pathways while maintaining manufacturability through standardized structural modules
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements local quality variations within the lattice structure, creating regions with different pore densities and wire configurations to optimize energy dissipation in specific areas while maintaining overall structural integrity and manufacturability
3Loss of energy
If mesh density is increased to improve damping, then damping properties are improved, but mechanical stiffness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional mesh structures to three-dimensional lattice architectures, adding a vertical dimension that provides additional load-bearing pathways and structural support, thereby maintaining stiffness while enabling higher damping through enhanced energy dissipation volume
Solution Approach 2:
The invention incorporates curved wire configurations and rounded lattice cell geometries that provide structural efficiency and load distribution, maintaining mechanical stiffness while creating optimal pathways for vibrational energy dissipation through smooth transitions and reduced stress concentrations
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The 3D woven lattice materials demonstrate significantly higher damping coefficients compared to solid materials, maintaining performance at elevated temperatures, and offer tunable properties for improved mechanical stiffness and strength, making them suitable for high-temperature applications.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing internal material damping, frictional energy dissipation, and inertial damping mechanisms to enhance damping properties
Implementation Method 2
utilizing internal material damping, frictional energy dissipation, and inertial damping mechanisms to enhance damping properties
Implementation Method 3
utilizing internal material damping, frictional energy dissipation, and inertial damping mechanisms to enhance damping properties
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to three dimensional weaves composed of wires or yarns that offer the potential for damping not achievable with solid materials, including high temperature damping. Three damping mechanisms have been identified: (1) Internal material damping, (2) Frictional energy dissipation (Coulomb damping), and (3) inertial damping (tuned mass damping). These three damping mechanisms can be optimized by modifying the wire material chemistries (metals, ceramics, polymers, etc.), wire sizes, wire shapes, wire coatings, wire bonding, and wire architecture (by removing certain wires). These have the effect of modifying the lattice and wire stiffnesses, masses, coefficients of friction, and internal material damping. Different materials can be used at different locations in the woven lattice. These design variables can also be modified to tailor mechanical stiffness and strength of the lattice, in addition to damping.