Ceramic Matrix Composite Blade Track Mounting System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coupling ceramic matrix composite materials with traditional fasteners in gas turbine engines poses challenges due to thermal expansion and material properties, leading to issues with the shroud components under high-temperature conditions.
Innovation Solution
A turbine shroud segment design featuring a metallic carrier segment with reinforcement flanges and a mounting system that includes a brace with a bracket and threaded shaft to securely couple the ceramic matrix composite blade track segment, limiting bending and maintaining radial position through engagement with reinforcement flanges, and utilizing load-reaction pads to manage deformation and pressure loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional fasteners such as rivets or bolts are used to couple ceramic matrix composite components, then the components can be securely attached, but thermal expansion and material property differences cause problems under high-temperature conditions
Solution Approach 1:
A metallic carrier segment is introduced as an intermediary component between the ceramic matrix composite blade track segment and the engine structure. The carrier segment absorbs thermal expansion differences and stress concentrations, preventing direct transmission of thermal stresses to the ceramic material while maintaining secure attachment through the mounting system with braces and fasteners.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system utilizes a hybrid construction combining metallic materials (carrier segment, braces) with ceramic matrix composite materials (blade track segment). This composite approach allows each material to be used in its optimal environment - metal for structural support and thermal management, ceramic for high-temperature blade track functionality - while the interface design accommodates their different thermal and mechanical properties.
2Temperature
If ceramic matrix composite materials are used for blade track segments to withstand high temperatures, then temperature resistance is improved, but coupling with traditional fasteners becomes problematic due to thermal expansion and material properties
Solution Approach 1:
The blade track assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the ceramic matrix composite blade track segment for high-temperature exposure, and the metallic carrier segment for structural support and mounting. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and optimized independently, with the carrier segment providing standardized mounting interfaces that simplify assembly while the ceramic segment is tailored for thermal performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The metallic carrier segment serves as a mediator that simplifies the coupling process. Instead of directly fastening to the ceramic material, the mounting system attaches to the metallic carrier which in turn supports the ceramic blade track segment. This intermediary approach enables the use of conventional fastening methods on the metallic component while protecting the ceramic component from manufacturing and assembly complexities.
3Reliability
If the mounting system is designed to securely attach blade track segments, then attachment reliability is improved, but the system becomes more complex with additional components such as braces and reinforcement flanges
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple structural functions are merged into the carrier segment design. The carrier segment integrates the mounting interface, structural support, and reinforcement features into a single integrated component rather than using separate elements. The braces serve dual purposes as both structural support elements and mounting attachment points, reducing the total number of discrete components while maintaining attachment reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system components are designed with multi-functionality. The braces provide both structural support and attachment functions, the carrier segment serves as both a mounting platform and structural element, and the reinforcement flanges provide both strengthening and attachment surface functions. This multi-functionality reduces the number of dedicated components needed while ensuring reliable attachment.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly adapted for use in a gas turbine engine has a carrier component and a supported component. The assembly includes a mounting system for coupling the supported component to the carrier component. In an illustrative embodiment, the assembly is a turbine shroud segment for blocking gases from passing over turbine blades included in the gas turbine engine.