Asymmetric Load Compensation for Gas Turbine Variable Area Nozzles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engines, particularly in military applications, face challenges in maintaining precise control of the translatable synchronization ring and variable area nozzle due to asymmetric loads and friction, leading to unwanted tilting and movement during tactical maneuvers.
Innovation Solution
A control unit is configured to provide instructions to a plurality of fluidly coupled actuators, including an adjustable flow regulator, to compensate for asymmetric loads and adjust the position of the translatable structure, ensuring precise movement and minimizing friction-induced tilting by regulating fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a common fluid source provides fluid to multiple actuators in parallel, then the system structure is simplified and ease of operation is improved, but asymmetric loads cause unwanted tilting and positional inaccuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fluid control system by providing individual fluid sources for each actuator instead of using a common fluid source. This allows independent control of each actuator, enabling precise compensation for asymmetric loads and friction forces while maintaining the simplified parallel architecture benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit monitors the position of the translatable structure and provides feedback signals to individually control each actuator. This feedback mechanism enables real-time compensation for asymmetric loads and friction, ensuring accurate positioning while maintaining ease of operation through automated control
2Manufacturing precision
If actuators are individually controlled to compensate for asymmetric loads, then positional accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs multiple functions: it monitors position, calculates asymmetric loads, determines friction forces, and controls all actuators. This multi-functionality consolidates complexity into a single control unit rather than requiring separate control systems for each actuator
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own sensor data and control capabilities to automatically compensate for asymmetric loads and friction. The control unit self-regulates actuator operation based on real-time position feedback, eliminating the need for external manual adjustment mechanisms
3Device complexity
If friction forces are not compensated, then device complexity remains low, but stability deteriorates during tactical maneuvers
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors the position of the translatable structure and uses this feedback to detect friction-induced position changes. By comparing actual position with commanded position, the system identifies friction forces and compensates by adjusting actuator output, maintaining stability during tactical maneuvers
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 enables precise control of the translatable structure, reducing asymmetric movement and maintaining desired positional accuracy even under g-forces and friction, thereby enhancing the operational stability and efficiency of the gas turbine engine.
Implementation Method 1
A control unit is configured to provide instructions to a plurality of fluidly coupled actuators, including an adjustable flow regulator, to compensate for asymmetric loads and adjust the position of the translatable structure
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to a variable area nozzle of a gas turbine engine. The variable area nozzle includes, among other things, a control unit, a translatable structure, and a plurality of actuators configured to adjust the position of the translatable structure. The plurality of actuators are fluidly coupled to a common fluid source. The control unit is configured to provide instructions to at least one of the actuators to compensate for an asymmetric load from the translatable structure.