Abradable Ring Mounting for Honeycomb-Safe Groove Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual deformation of abradable elements in turbomachines often results in a deteriorated alveolar structure due to low resistance in the tangential direction, leading to non-conformance with required specifications.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a device that constrains and deforms the abradable element in a plane perpendicular to its axis, using a device with pressing members and connecting rods to achieve a bean-like shape, allowing controlled insertion into an annular groove without damaging the honeycomb structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual deformation is used to insert the abradable element into the annular groove, then the element can be installed, but the alveolar structure deteriorates due to low resistance in the tangential direction
Solution Approach 1:
The abradable element is pre-deformed into a C-shaped configuration before insertion. This preliminary deformation reduces the element's cross-sectional dimensions, enabling it to be inserted into the annular groove without forcing. After insertion, the element springs back to its original circular shape, ensuring proper structural integrity and sealing contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformation process is segmented into distinct phases: initial C-shape formation for insertion, followed by spring-back to circular shape after insertion. This segmentation allows the element to adapt to the groove geometry without subjecting the alveolar structure to excessive tangential stresses that would cause deterioration.
2Volume of moving object
If the abradable element is deformed to fit into the groove, then insertion is enabled, but bending zones with excessively small radii of curvature damage the honeycomb structure
Solution Approach 1:
The element is pre-deformed into a C-shape with controlled radii of curvature that are large enough to avoid crushing the alveoli. This preliminary action ensures that the deformation geometry protects the honeycomb structure while still enabling insertion into the groove.
3Ease of manufacture
If random manual deformation is applied, then the element can be inserted, but the deformation is non-reproducible and does not conform to specifications
Solution Approach 1:
The abradable element possesses elastic memory, allowing it to automatically spring back to its original circular shape after insertion. This self-service mechanism ensures reproducible deformation and recovery, eliminating the need for precise manual control during the deformation process while maintaining specification compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The element's physical state is changed from a rigid circular shape to a flexible C-shape during insertion, then back to circular after insertion. This parameter change in shape, enabled by elastic deformation, allows easy insertion while ensuring consistent, reproducible results that meet design specifications.
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 method ensures easy, quick, and reproducible installation of the abradable element, preventing cell crushing and maintaining structural integrity, while conforming to the groove's specifications.
Implementation Method 1
The abradable element (16) is constrained so as to deform it in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the undeformed annular abradable element
Data Source
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AI summary
Method (100) for mounting an annular abradable element (16) in an annular groove of a member (21) of a turbomachine (1), the annular abradable element (16) extending along an axis (A3) and comprising a cellular structure, the groove opening out at the radially inner periphery of said member (21), the method (100) comprising the steps of stressing the abradable element (16) in such a way as to deform it in a plane perpendicular to the axis (A3) of the non-deformed annular abradable element (16), with the aid of a device (20); positioning the deformed abradable element (16) axially opposite the annular groove, inside the member (21); freeing the abradable element (16) in such a way that it inserts itself into the groove and recovers its annular shape there.