Composite Fan Containment Case for Cut and Fire Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas turbine engine containment cases are heavy, prone to failure during fan blade-off events, and lack adequate cut and fire resistance, posing a risk to structural integrity and safety.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight containment case structure incorporating carbon fiber bands embedded in a fire-resistant resin, with a nanocrystalline metal coating, and cut-resistant polymer bands to enhance mechanical strength, impact resistance, and environmental protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional hardwall containment case is used, then structural integrity is maintained, but weight increases and cut resistance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The containment case uses a composite structure combining carbon fiber bands embedded in fire-resistant resin with cut-resistant polymer bands. This composite design provides high strength-to-weight ratio while delivering both structural integrity and cut resistance, resolving the contradiction between maintaining strength and reducing weight.
2Strength
If traditional hardwall containment case is used, then structural integrity is maintained, but fire resistance is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies using fire-resistant resin as the matrix material for embedding carbon fiber bands, fundamentally changing the material parameter to provide fire resistance. This allows the containment case to maintain structural integrity while resisting fire, addressing the contradiction between strength and fire resistance.
3Strength
If traditional hardwall containment case is used, then impact resistance is provided, but cut resistance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The containment case incorporates both carbon fiber bands for impact resistance and cut-resistant polymer bands for cut protection. This multi-material composite approach allows simultaneous achievement of impact resistance and cut resistance, resolving the contradiction between these two protective capabilities.
4Strength
If thicker containment case is used, then mechanical strength is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs optimized composite construction with carbon fiber bands at critical locations (innermost and outermost positions) providing high strength with minimal material usage. This strategic composite placement achieves sufficient mechanical strength without requiring excessive thickness, thereby reducing weight.
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
The solution provides a slim, lightweight containment case that maintains structural integrity, resists cutting and fire, and reduces weight while meeting safety and regulatory requirements.
Implementation Method 1
coated with a nanocrystalline metal coating that provides environmental resistance for the containment case's cut resistant fibers
Implementation Method 2
embedded in a fire resistant resin
Data Source
AI summary
A fan containment case includes a barrel that includes a case structure and a nanocrystalline metal coating overlying the case structure. The case structure includes a plurality of carbon fiber bands, in which at least an outermost carbon fiber band and an innermost carbon fiber band include a fire resistant polymer matrix. The case structure also includes at least one cut resistant polymer band between the outermost and the innermost carbon fiber bands.