BOAS Cooling Passages Upstream Downstream Outlet Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engines face challenges in effectively cooling the blade outer air seal (BOAS) due to limitations in the arrangement and directionality of cooling passages, which can lead to reduced structural rigidity and inefficient heat management.
Innovation Solution
The BOAS incorporates alternating patterns of first and second plurality of outlets positioned in a circumferential direction, with the first plurality located upstream and the second downstream, providing increased spacing between outlets and enhancing structural rigidity through radial and circumferential passage arrangements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If cooling passages are arranged in a conventional pattern, then cooling coverage is provided, but structural rigidity is reduced due to concentrated material removal
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling outlets are segmented into two distinct pluralities: a first plurality positioned upstream and a second plurality positioned downstream. This segmentation allows the cooling function to be distributed across different locations, reducing the concentration of material removal at any single point and thereby preserving structural rigidity while maintaining cooling coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-plane outlet arrangement to a two-dimensional distribution pattern by positioning outlets both upstream and downstream of the inlet. This dimensional expansion in the axial direction allows cooling passages to be spaced more effectively, reducing material concentration issues while maintaining comprehensive cooling coverage.
2Reliability
If cooling outlets are positioned close together, then cooling coverage is improved, but structural rigidity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the cooling outlets into two separate groups (first plurality upstream, second plurality downstream), the design avoids clustering all outlets in one location. This segmentation enables adequate spacing between outlets while still achieving comprehensive cooling coverage through the distributed arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet arrangement extends into the axial dimension by positioning outlets both upstream and downstream of the inlet, creating a two-dimensional distribution pattern. This approach increases the effective spacing between outlets in three-dimensional space while maintaining comprehensive cooling coverage through strategic positioning.
3Reliability
If cooling passages are directed in a single direction, then manufacturing is simplified, but cooling effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into two functional groups: passages directing cooling fluid upstream and passages directing cooling fluid downstream. This segmentation allows each group to be optimized for its specific directional function while maintaining relatively simple individual passage geometries, balancing manufacturing feasibility with enhanced cooling effectiveness.
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 configuration improves the structural rigidity of the BOAS and enhances cooling efficiency by optimizing the flow of cooling fluid, effectively managing heat and reducing material concentration.
Implementation Method 1
a first plurality of passages each including an inlet on the radially outer side and an outlet on the radially inner side, and a second plurality of passages each including an inlet on the radially outer side and an outlet on the radially inner side
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A gas turbine engine component includes a wall portion that includes a first side (76) and a second opposite side (78). A plurality of passages (82) extends between the first side (76) of the wall portion and the second side (78) of the wall portion and includes a plurality of inlets (86) located on the first side (76) of the wall portion. A plurality of outlets (88) are located on a second side (78) of the wall portion. The plurality of outlets (88) include a first plurality of outlets (88) located on a first side of the plurality of inlets (86) and a second plurality of outlets (88) located on a second side of the plurality of inlets (86).