Combustor Liner CMC Panel Support via Elastic Mediator
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to reliably support a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) material panel in a gas turbine combustor liner, as conventional fastening structures fail to account for thermal expansion differences between metal and CMC materials, and forming hooks on the inner side wall is difficult due to the nature of CMC materials.
Innovation Solution
A combustor liner design featuring a metal outer side wall with CMC panels that include a connection piece protruding from the panel body, connected to the outer side wall using an elastic member and a metal fixation member, which absorbs thermal expansion differences and allows for efficient cooling through air passages, while minimizing weight and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a conventional simple fastening structure is used to support the panel, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of panel support deteriorates due to thermal expansion differences between metal and CMC materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (connection piece with elastic member) between the CMC panel and the metal outer side wall. This intermediary structure absorbs the thermal expansion differences between the two materials, allowing reliable support without requiring complex fastening mechanisms. The elastic member specifically acts as a mediator that accommodates dimensional changes during thermal cycling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent explicitly addresses thermal expansion by designing the connection structure to accommodate dimensional changes. The elastic member in the connection piece is configured to absorb expansion and contraction forces that occur when the CMC panel and metal outer side wall experience different thermal expansion rates during combustor operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If hooks are formed on the inner side wall using conventional methods, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates because forming protrusions in CMC material is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the connection structure into separate components: the CMC panel body and the connection piece. The connection piece, which contains the protrusion for engagement with the outer side wall, is formed separately and then attached to the panel body. This segmentation allows the protrusion to be formed more easily in the connection piece while the panel body maintains its CMC material properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection piece serves as an intermediary element that bridges the CMC panel and the metal outer side wall. It provides a suitable structure for forming engagement protrusions without requiring complex processing of the CMC panel itself, thus improving ease of manufacture while maintaining connection precision.
3Temperature
If the panel is made of CMC material, then the heat resistance is improved and weight is reduced, but the thermal expansion difference with metal outer side wall increases making support difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material strategies by combining CMC panel with a metal outer side wall through a specially designed connection structure. The connection piece with elastic member acts as a transition zone that accommodates the different material properties, allowing the benefits of both CMC (heat resistance, weight reduction) and metal (structural support) to be realized simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection structure is specifically designed to handle thermal expansion differences. The elastic member in the connection piece absorbs dimensional changes that occur when the CMC panel and metal outer side wall experience different thermal expansion rates, maintaining reliable support despite the material mismatch.
4Device complexity
If hooks are merely engaged as in conventional design, then the device complexity is reduced, but the strength of connection deteriorates making reliable support difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic characteristics through the elastic member in the connection piece. This allows the connection structure to adapt to thermal and mechanical loads by deforming elastically, thereby maintaining connection strength without requiring an overly complex rigid structure. The dynamic response to loading conditions enhances connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection piece with elastic member serves as an intermediary that provides both mechanical strength and flexibility. It strengthens the connection between the CMC panel and metal outer side wall while maintaining reasonable device complexity through its integrated design.
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 design ensures reliable support of CMC panels to the outer side wall, enhances heat resistance, reduces weight, and facilitates efficient cooling, thereby stabilizing the combustor liner over time.
Implementation Method 1
the thermal expansion difference due to the difference in linear expansion coefficient between a metal material and the CMC material becomes remarkable
Implementation Method 2
an elastic member configured to bias at least one of the outer side wall and the connection piece
Data Source
AI summary
A combustor liner used for a gas turbine combustor and forming a combustion chamber includes: an outer side wall made of metal; a panel attached to an inner side of the outer side wall and made of a ceramic matrix composite material, the panel including a panel body facing the combustion chamber, and a connection piece rising from an exterior surface of the panel body at a side portion of the panel body and protruding in a lateral direction; and a connection unit configured to connect the panel to the outer side wall, the connection unit including an elastic member configured to bias at least one of the outer side wall and the connection piece, and a fixation member made of metal and configured to fix at least one of the connection piece and the elastic member to the outer side wall.