Composite Casing with Metal Flange for Axial Compressor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current composite annular casings for axial turbomachines face challenges in reducing production costs and mechanical stresses, often resulting in heavier structures due to the use of metallic elements and complex attachment mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an annular flange with an 'L' shaped profile, made of a different material than the composite annular wall, featuring radial and axial portions that distribute forces and reduce stress concentrations, along with a resin injection process for manufacturing, allowing for modular assembly and simplified repair.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal radial flanges are used to reinforce the composite annular wall, then mechanical strength is improved, but the overall weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using metal flanges only at specific locations where mechanical strength is needed (radial flanges for mounting support), while the majority of the annular wall remains as lightweight composite material. This localized reinforcement approach provides necessary strength without uniformly increasing the weight of the entire structure.
2Strength
If the flanges are strongly thickened to counter tearings, then mechanical resistance is improved, but the casing becomes heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the flange thickness parameter to achieve the minimum necessary value for mechanical resistance rather than uniformly thickening all flanges. The composite-to-metal interface and controlled thickness allow the structure to achieve adequate strength while minimizing weight penalty.
3Reliability
If multiple fixing means are used to attach blades to the casing, then reliability is improved, but stress concentrations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the blade attachment system into modular fixing means distributed around the annular wall. Each fixing point is designed to handle specific loads, and the modular approach allows for optimized stress distribution. The segmentation enables reliable attachment while managing stress concentrations through proper spacing and design of individual fixing points.
4Reliability
If complex attachment mechanisms are used for blade fixing, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the composite nature of the annular wall (composite material with metal flanges) to simplify the attachment mechanism. The composite structure provides inherent strength and flexibility that reduces the need for overly complex attachment hardware. The metal flanges serve as integrated mounting surfaces that combine structural support with attachment functionality, reducing overall system complexity.
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 solution reduces the cost and weight of the composite casing while enhancing mechanical strength by distributing forces and simplifying the manufacturing process, allowing for independent mass-strength optimization at different interfaces.
Implementation Method 1
The composite annular wall is made using a resin injection process by transfer into a mold in which a preform is enclosed
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an external annular housing (30) for a low-pressure axial turbomachine compressor. The housing (30) comprises an annular wall (32) made of an organic matrix composite material. The housing (30) includes an annular row of radially extending blades (26), the blades (26) having platforms (28) fixed to the annular wall (32). The housing (30) also includes a radial annular flange (36) having mounting means (48) adapted to allow the housing (30) to be mounted in the turbomachine. The annular flange (36) is attached to the annular wall (32) and defines an annular receiving area (43) for the blade platforms (28). The annular flange (36) is fixed to the annular wall by means of clamping means. The invention reduces the cost of manufacturing the casing and promotes force transmission between the annular flange and the blade platforms, which offers the advantage of reducing stresses in the annular wall.