3D Woven Preform for Turbomachine Inter-Blade Platform
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Solution Overview
Problem
Turbomachine inter-blade platforms made of composite materials face mechanical strength issues under centrifugal forces and contribute to increased hub ratios, affecting turbomachine performance.
Innovation Solution
A preform with a fibrous reinforcement woven in a single piece using three-dimensional weaving, featuring an aerodynamic base and stiffening elements that extend from the base, with unbinding zones to form I or Y-shaped structures, reducing space occupation while ensuring mechanical strength and attachment to the rotor disk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional composite material platforms with mounting structures are used, then mechanical strength under centrifugal force is provided, but the hub ratio increases and turbomachine performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from traditional two-dimensional platform structures to a three-dimensional woven fibrous reinforcement structure. This 3D weaving creates stiffening elements that extend through the thickness of the platform, providing mechanical strength in multiple directions simultaneously without increasing the radial footprint, thus maintaining hub ratio while improving structural integrity under centrifugal forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite materials consisting of fibrous reinforcement (such as carbon fibers, glass fibers, or ceramic fibers) woven in a three-dimensional pattern and densified by a matrix material. This composite structure provides both the necessary mechanical strength to withstand centrifugal forces and the weight reduction needed to improve turbomachine performance, while the 3D weaving pattern creates inherent stiffening without additional radial space.
2Strength
If stiffening elements are added to the platform structure, then mechanical strength is improved, but the space occupation increases and hub ratio worsens
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding stiffening elements that extend radially outward (increasing volume and hub ratio), the invention incorporates stiffening capabilities in the third dimension (thickness direction) through 3D weaving. The fibrous reinforcement is woven to create vertical columns and interlaminar structures that provide stiffness without increasing the radial or axial footprint of the platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The 3D woven fibrous reinforcement serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the primary structural framework, creates stiffening elements, ensures load transfer between layers, and maintains the aerodynamic base geometry. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate stiffening components that would occupy additional space.
3Ease of manufacture
If gap fillers are used between aerodynamic base and stiffening elements, then manufacturing complexity increases, but with the one-piece woven structure, manufacturing is simplified
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the aerodynamic base and stiffening elements into a single integrated 3D woven fibrous reinforcement structure. The fibrous reinforcement is woven continuously to form both the base structure and the stiffening elements in one piece, eliminating the need for separate gap filler components and simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The 3D weaving process is performed in advance to create the complete integrated structure with predetermined bonding and unbonding zones. This preliminary formation of the one-piece structure allows for direct densification and molding without requiring subsequent assembly steps or gap filler insertion, thereby simplifying manufacturing.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a preform (30) with a fibrous reinforcement woven in one piece by three-dimensional weaving to create a fan inter-blade platform which comprises an aerodynamic base (2) and a fixing structure (4) comprising stiffening elements (11) which extend from the aerodynamic base, the preform comprising: - a first fibrous part (31) intended to form the aerodynamic base, - second fibrous part (32) intended to at least partially form the stiffening elements of the inter-blade platform, - a first connection zone (33) in which the first and second parts are woven together, and - a first disconnection zone (34) delimited by a first disconnection line (46) extending in a transverse direction and in which the first and second parts are separated from one another, the first disconnection zone being adjacent to the first connection zone in a longitudinal direction L.