Ceramic Nozzle Guide Vane With Metallic Spine

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ceramic materials like silicon nitride, which offer a step improvement in temperature capability for nozzle guide vanes in gas turbine engines, are brittle and pose challenges in mounting due to high temperatures, especially for platforms subjected to similar conditions as the aerofoil.

Innovation Solution

A nozzle guide vane design featuring a load-bearing metallic spine member supporting a hollow ceramic vane member with ceramic aerofoil and platforms, allowing for separate sections and detachable mounting, minimizing stress and ensuring uniform temperature distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If ceramic materials are used for the vane, then temperature capability is improved, but brittleness increases making mounting difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature capabilityVSAvoidmounting difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The vane is divided into two distinct segments: a ceramic aerofoil portion for gas contact and a metallic spine member for structural support and mounting. This segmentation allows each material to perform its optimal function while avoiding the brittleness issue during installation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite structure combining ceramic and metallic materials. The ceramic portion provides high-temperature resistance where needed, while the metallic spine provides ductility and strength for mounting, creating a hybrid system that leverages the advantages of both materials

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Temperature

If ceramic materials are used for platforms, then temperature resistance is improved, but differential expansion problems occur with metal components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature resistanceVSAvoiddifferential expansion

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The platforms are made entirely of ceramic material matching the aerofoil portion, creating local uniformity in material properties. This ensures that all gas-contacting surfaces experience similar thermal expansion characteristics, eliminating differential expansion issues between ceramic aerofoil and metal platforms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If metal alloys are used, then ease of mounting is improved, but temperature capability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of mountingVSAvoidtemperature capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The metallic spine member acts as an intermediary between the ceramic aerofoil and the engine's fixed structure. It provides a ductile, easy-to-mount connection while supporting the temperature-resistant ceramic portion that directly contacts the hot gas

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS7934900B1Nozzle guide vane for a gas turbine engine

Publication Date: 2011.05.03 ROLLS ROYCE PLC

AI summary

A nozzle guide vane for a gas turbine engine comprises a hollow ceramic vane member which includes an aerofoil portion and ceramic platforms. The ceramic vane member is supported by engagement of its interior surface with external supporting surfaces on a metallic load-bearing spine adapted to be supported from fixed structure of the engine.