Acoustic Panel Securement for Turbine Engine Noise Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing acoustic panels in turbomachines face challenges in securement to the fan casing, particularly in metallic and composite engines, requiring improved securement mechanisms for noise reduction while simplifying installation and repair processes.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a securement mechanism comprising a plurality of acoustic panel members with forward and aft rails, secured by releasable fastening assemblies and threaded fasteners, allowing for circumferential and axial fixation relative to the fan casing, with optional securement rings for composite casings, facilitating easy removal and replacement of panel members.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If acoustic panels are secured to the fan casing using traditional fastening methods, then noise mitigation is achieved, but installation and repair complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise mitigationVSAvoidinstallation and repair complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The acoustic panel is divided into multiple modular segments that can be independently installed and removed. Each segment contains acoustic material between forward and aft rails, allowing partial replacement without removing the entire panel assembly, thus simplifying maintenance while maintaining noise mitigation effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A securement ring is introduced as an intermediary component between the acoustic panel and the fan casing. The securement ring simplifies the fastening process by providing a standardized interface with multiple apertures for fasteners, reducing installation complexity while ensuring reliable noise mitigation through stable panel positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If acoustic panels are firmly secured to prevent movement, then noise mitigation effectiveness is maintained, but fretting damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise mitigation effectivenessVSAvoidfretting damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Padding elements are positioned between the acoustic panel and the securement ring to prevent direct metal-to-metal contact. This cushioning layer absorbs vibrations and prevents fretting damage while maintaining the panel's fixed position for effective noise mitigation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The securement ring acts as an intermediary that distributes fastening forces across multiple attachment points, reducing stress concentration and preventing direct contact between the acoustic panel and the fan casing, thereby minimizing fretting damage while maintaining noise control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If multiple fasteners are used to secure acoustic panel members, then circumferential and axial stability is achieved, but manufacturing and maintenance complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecircumferential and axial stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing and maintenance complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The securement ring serves multiple functions: it provides circumferential support, axial positioning, and standardized fastening interfaces. By consolidating these functions into a single component with multiple apertures, the design achieves stability while reducing the number of separate fastening operations required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The acoustic panel is segmented into modular members that can be independently secured using standardized fasteners through the securement ring. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of individual components and easier maintenance through selective replacement, reducing overall complexity despite using multiple fasteners.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

This solution enhances securement, reduces manufacturing and maintenance complexities, and maintains effective noise mitigation by ensuring radial, circumferential, and axial stability of the acoustic panels, thereby reducing fretting damage and simplifying the installation and repair processes.

Implementation Method 1

acoustic material disposed therebetween

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Data Source

PatentEP3372805B1Acoustic panel of turbine engine

Publication Date: 2020.06.17 ROLLS ROYCE CORP

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AI summary

An aircraft engine includes a rotating structure (28) and a casing (52a) circumferentially surrounding the rotating structure (28). The aircraft engine further includes an acoustic panel (56a) for noise reduction circumferentially surrounding the rotating structure (28). The acoustic panel (56a) is disposed proximal the casing (52a). Furthermore, the acoustic panel (56a) includes a plurality of acoustic panel members (60a). In addition, the acoustic panel (56a) is secured to the casing (52a) by at least one securement mechanism (128) such that the acoustic panel (56a) is substantially circumferentially fixed relative to the casing (52a).