Adjustable Bypass Conduit for Gas Turbine Manifold Dynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engine fluid manifold assemblies experience high amplitude dynamics such as pressure oscillations, vibrations, and harmonics due to fuel flow variations and engine operating conditions, leading to resonance issues that disrupt fuel flow, increase noise and vibration, and potentially cause structural damage.
Innovation Solution
A fluid manifold assembly with a second walled conduit that defines a fluid passage approximately 180 degrees out of phase with the first fluid passage, coupled with an actuator to adjust the length of the second conduit, creating destructive interference to mitigate these dynamics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fluid manifold assembly is used to deliver fuel to combustion nozzles, then fuel flow control is achieved, but high amplitude pressure oscillations and vibrations occur due to resonance conditions
Solution Approach 1:
A bypass conduit is introduced as an intermediary element between the fuel manifold and combustion nozzles. This bypass conduit acts as a mediator that provides an alternative fuel flow path, allowing the system to decouple the primary fuel delivery function from the harmful resonance conditions, thereby maintaining fuel flow control while reducing pressure oscillations and vibrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass conduit extracts or separates a portion of the fuel flow from the main manifold system. By taking out a controlled amount of fuel through the bypass, the system can reduce the overall fuel flow through the resonant manifold sections, thereby mitigating the harmful pressure oscillations and vibrations while preserving the essential fuel delivery function.
2Power
If fuel flow rate is increased to meet power demands, then engine power output is improved, but resonance conditions amplify vibrations and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass conduit is designed with adjustable characteristics, allowing dynamic modification of the fuel flow distribution ratio between the bypass and main manifold paths. This dynamic adjustability enables the system to adapt to varying power demands while maintaining optimal vibration and noise levels across different operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes parameter changes in the bypass conduit design, such as varying the bypass opening size or conduit geometry, to modify the fuel flow characteristics. By changing these parameters, the system can control the amount of fuel diverted through the bypass, thereby regulating the fuel flow through resonant sections and reducing vibrations and noise while meeting power output requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If operating conditions vary across different power ranges, then engine versatility is improved, but different resonance frequencies cause disruptions in fuel flow
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass conduit is designed to serve multiple functions across different operating conditions. It can operate effectively across a wide range of power levels and operating modes, providing consistent vibration and noise mitigation while maintaining fuel flow stability. This multi-functionality allows the system to handle various operating conditions without requiring condition-specific redesign.
4Device complexity
If no damping structure is added to the fluid manifold assembly, then device complexity is minimized, but structural damage may occur due to high amplitude dynamics
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass conduit serves as a structural intermediary that distributes mechanical loads and vibration energy throughout the fuel system. By providing an additional structural path, it reduces the concentration of stress in the primary manifold components, thereby enhancing overall structural integrity without requiring extensive damping materials or complex vibration isolation structures.
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 solution effectively attenuates vibrations, noise, and harmonics, improving the operability margin and reducing structural degradation of the fluid manifold and engine, thereby preventing engine failure and maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
A fluid manifold assembly with a second walled conduit that defines a fluid passage approximately 180 degrees out of phase with the first fluid passage, coupled with an actuator to adjust the length of the second conduit, creating destructive interference to mitigate these dynamics.
Data Source
AI summary
A structure for damping at a fluid manifold assembly for an engine is generally provided. The fluid manifold assembly includes a first walled conduit defining a first fluid passage therewithin. A flow of fluid defining a first frequency is permitted through the first fluid passage. A second walled conduit includes a pair of first portions each coupled to the first walled conduit. A second portion is coupled to the pair of first portions. A second fluid passage is defined through the first portion and the second portion in fluid communication with the first fluid passage. The flow of fluid is permitted through the second fluid passage at a second frequency approximately 180 degrees out of phase from the first frequency.