Composite Fan Blade Fibrous Texture for Centrifugal Force Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aeronautical turbomachine fan blades made of composite material face challenges in achieving light and robust designs with improved aerodynamic efficiency, as existing solutions either increase mass or compromise on mechanical strength due to centrifugal force concentration at the leading edge.
Innovation Solution
A fibrous texture with a three-dimensional weaving pattern is used for the blade reinforcement, featuring warp and weft yarns of different fibers, where second fibers with higher elongation at break are strategically placed to distribute forces without significantly increasing mass, allowing for a gradual stiffness variation along the blade.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the leading edge of the blade is inclined toward the upstream to improve aerodynamic efficiency, then propulsion efficiency is improved, but centrifugal forces concentrate on the leading edge side at the support, compromising mechanical strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using two different types of fibers with distinct properties in different regions of the blade. The first fibers (high strength, low elongation) are used in the root and airfoil portions where structural integrity is critical, while the second fibers (lower strength, high elongation) are specifically placed in the support portion to absorb centrifugal forces and prevent concentration at the leading edge, thus maintaining mechanical strength while preserving aerodynamic efficiency.
2Strength
If the root of the blade is extended toward the upstream to distribute centrifugal forces, then mechanical strength is improved, but the fan disk must be lengthened, increasing its mass
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by introducing a second type of fiber with different mechanical properties (lower strength, higher elongation) specifically in the support portion. This allows the blade to distribute and absorb centrifugal forces through fiber elongation rather than extending the physical root structure, thereby maintaining mechanical strength without increasing fan disk mass or length.
3Strength
If mass is added to the downstream of the airfoil to re-concentrate the center of gravity, then mechanical strength is improved, but the mass of the assembly increases, reducing aerodynamic efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by combining two different fiber types within a single blade structure. The first fibers (high strength) provide structural integrity in critical areas, while the second fibers (high elongation) in the support portion absorb centrifugal forces through deformation. This composite approach allows the blade to maintain mechanical strength and balance centrifugal forces without adding mass, preserving aerodynamic efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A fibrous texture to form the fibrous reinforcement of a turbomachine blade made of composite material, the texture being made in one piece and having a three-dimensional weaving, and includes blade root, blade airfoil and blade support portions. The blade support portion includes a first area extending transversely from a first edge of the texture to form a leading edge and a second area extending transversely from the first area up to a second edge of the texture to form a trailing edge, the first area including warp yarns or strands made of second fibers different from the first fibers, the second fibers having an elongation at break greater than that of the first fibers, the first area having a first volume ratio in yarns or strands made of second fibers strictly greater than a second volume ratio in yarns or strands made of second fibers in the second area.