K-Shaped CMC Turbine Ring Sectors With Rigid Gaskets
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of metal turbine ring assemblies in gas turbine engines requires significant cooling, limits temperature increase, and faces challenges in holding ceramic matrix composite (CMC) ring sectors in position and sealing between adjacent sectors due to stress and movement issues.
Innovation Solution
A turbine ring assembly with K-shaped CMC ring sectors and rigid gaskets held by resilient devices, which reduce stress and improve positioning, using a metal ring support structure with upstream and downstream flanges and spring elements to maintain sealing and shape coherence, even under thermal expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If metal turbine ring assemblies are used, then structural strength is ensured, but cooling requirements increase significantly and temperature increases are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The turbine ring is divided into multiple separate ring sectors made of CMC material, which are then assembled together using rigid gaskets and resilient holder devices. This segmentation allows the use of high-temperature resistant CMC material while maintaining structural integrity through the modular assembly approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses ceramic matrix composite (CMC) material for the ring sectors, which combines the high-temperature resistance of ceramics with the toughness and damage tolerance of composite structures. This allows operation at higher temperatures without the cooling requirements needed for traditional metal assemblies.
2Use of energy by moving object
If CMC ring sectors are used, then cooling requirements are reduced, but positioning accuracy and shape control become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
Rigid gaskets are introduced as intermediary elements between adjacent CMC ring sectors. These gaskets provide precise positioning surfaces and maintain consistent spacing, ensuring accurate assembly and shape control of the turbine ring while allowing the CMC sectors to maintain their high-temperature performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient holder devices use spring elements to apply controlled forces that compensate for thermal expansion and positioning variations. By adjusting the mechanical parameters of the holder devices, precise positioning is achieved while accommodating thermal effects.
3Use of energy by moving object
If CMC ring sectors are used, then cooling requirements are reduced, but sealing between adjacent sectors becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Rigid gaskets serve as intermediary sealing elements positioned between adjacent CMC ring sectors. These gaskets create reliable seals at the interfaces between sectors, preventing gas leakage while allowing the CMC material to maintain its high-temperature resistance without excessive cooling.
4Ease of manufacture
If ring sectors are held individually to the support structure, then assembly flexibility is improved, but stress from imposed movements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The turbine ring is segmented into multiple CMC sectors that are individually mounted to the support structure. This segmentation provides assembly flexibility while the rigid gaskets connecting adjacent sectors distribute and reduce the stress from thermal expansion and imposed movements.
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 reduces cooling needs, enhances shape control and sealing, and allows for the use of ordinary materials for resilient components, improving engine efficiency and reducing emissions by minimizing ventilation and stress on the ring sectors.
Implementation Method 1
resilient holder devices with spring elements exerting a force holding the gaskets in contact
Implementation Method 2
resilient holder devices with spring elements exerting a force holding the gaskets in contact
Implementation Method 3
rigid gaskets extending axially between two adjacent ring sectors... sealing the passage between the inside face of the ring sectors and the outside
Data Source
AI summary
A turbine ring assembly includes a ring support structure and a plurality of CMC ring sectors forming a turbine ring. Each ring sector is K-shaped in radial section, with tabs extending from the outside face of the annular base over end portions of the annular base, the tabs and the end portions of each ring sector being held respectively facing tabs and end portions of ring sectors that are adjacent in the ring. The turbine ring assembly has a plurality of rigid gaskets, each extending axially between adjacent ring sectors, and resilient holder devices exerting a force suitable for holding the gaskets in contact with the end portions or the tabs of two adjacent ring sectors.