Ceramic Gas Turbine Vane Ring Support Using Spring Clamping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ceramic gas turbine vane rings face challenges due to their low coefficients of thermal expansion and brittleness, requiring a mechanical support system that can accommodate thermal expansion cycles without damaging the ceramic components.

Innovation Solution

A turbine vane ring assembly featuring a ceramic vane ring supported by two metal clamping rings with spring members and tab members, where insulation is used to distribute contact pressure and accommodate thermal expansion differences between ceramic and metal materials, ensuring even load distribution and minimizing stress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If metal components are used to support ceramic vane rings, then mechanical strength and support capability are improved, but thermal expansion mismatch and contact stress damage occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical support capabilityVSAvoidcontact stress damage

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state and mechanical properties of the support structure by introducing spring members that provide compliant support. The spring members deform elastically under load, changing from a rigid support system to a flexible one that adapts to thermal expansion differences between metal and ceramic materials, thereby reducing contact stress on the brittle ceramic vane rings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs spring members as flexible elements within the metal support structure. These springs act as flexible components that can deform to accommodate differential thermal expansion between the metal clamping rings and ceramic vane rings, preventing rigid constraint and localized contact stress that would damage the ceramic material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Ease of manufacture

If rigid metal support structures are used, then manufacturing and assembly are simplified, but thermal expansion cycles cause damage to ceramic components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidceramic component durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static rigid metal support structure into a dynamic system incorporating spring members that can deform and adapt during thermal cycles. The springs provide a degree of freedom that allows the support structure to move and adjust as ceramic and metal components expand and contract at different rates, maintaining reliable support without causing thermal stress damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The spring members serve as pre-configured cushioning elements that anticipate and absorb the thermal expansion mismatches between metal and ceramic materials. By incorporating these compliant elements beforehand in the design, the system prevents damage during thermal cycling without requiring complex active control or adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Force

If uniform clamping force is applied to ceramic vane rings, then mounting security is improved, but localized contact stress increases due to ceramic brittleness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamping forceVSAvoidlocalized contact stress

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using spring members at discrete contact points around the ceramic vane ring rather than continuous rigid clamping. Each spring member independently provides clamping force at its location, allowing local adaptation to variations in ceramic ring geometry and thermal expansion, thereby distributing contact stress more evenly rather than concentrating it at rigid contact points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 assembly effectively supports ceramic vane rings through axial and tangential forces, reducing the risk of fracture during thermal cycles while maintaining concentric alignment and minimizing thermal stresses.

Implementation Method 1

Each spring member is configured to supply a pre-load axial force on the tab members

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

insulation is used to distribute contact pressure and accommodate thermal expansion differences between ceramic and metal materials

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal Insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP1921277B1Mechanical support of a ceramic gas turbine vane ring

Publication Date: 2017.05.17 UNITED TECH CORP

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AI summary

An assembly for mounting a ceramic turbine vane ring (12)onto a turbine support casing (4) comprises a first metal clamping ring (14) and a second metal clamping ring (16). The first metal clamping ring (14) is configured to engage with a first side of a tab member (22) of the ceramic turbine vane ring (12). The second metal clamping ring (16) is configured to engage with a second side of the tab member (22) such that the tab member (22) is disposed between the first and second metal clamping rings (14,16).