Composite Duct Support Ring for Gas Turbine Engine Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Composite ducts for gas turbine engines require an effective interface arrangement to support engine system components, as conventional metallic ducts' internal features are not directly applicable, posing a challenge in maintaining structural integrity and preventing ply delamination.
Innovation Solution
A support ring with an inner surface replicating conventional engine system component features and an outer flat surface for load transfer is used, interfacing with the composite duct structure through fasteners to ensure a structurally sound attachment of engine system components, minimizing the risk of ply delamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional metallic duct interface features (grooves) are used in composite ducts, then engine system components can be supported, but ply delamination occurs and structural integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
A support ring is introduced as an intermediary component between the composite duct and engine system components. The support ring has an outer surface that interfaces with the composite duct structure and an inner surface that replicates conventional metallic duct features. This intermediary prevents direct attachment of components to the composite duct, eliminating the harmful effect of ply delamination while maintaining structural integrity and component support functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The support ring's inner surface is designed to replicate the support features of conventional metallic ducts, creating a copy of the traditional interface geometry. This allows engine system components to be attached using familiar interface features while the actual attachment occurs on the support ring rather than directly on the composite duct structure, thus preventing ply delamination
2Ease of operation
If direct attachment of engine system components to composite ducts is attempted, then component support is achieved, but structural soundness is compromised due to attachment interface weaknesses
Solution Approach 1:
The support ring serves as a mediator that provides a suitable attachment surface for engine system components. The outer surface of the support ring presents a flat mating surface that interfaces with the composite duct through fasteners, while the inner surface provides conventional interface features for component attachment. This intermediary structure ensures both ease of component attachment and structural soundness by distributing loads appropriately
Solution Approach 2:
The support ring is constructed from materials that can effectively transfer loads between the composite duct and engine system components. The use of composite materials in the support ring allows for optimized load distribution and interface strength, ensuring that attachment forces are properly managed without compromising the composite duct structure
Data Source
AI summary
A composite gas turbine engine duct receives a support ring that operates as an interface arrangement for attachment of engine system components. The support ring interfaces with the composite duct through a fastener shear load arrangement to provide a structurally sound interface which minimizes the risk of ply delamination.