Composite Fan Inter-Blade Platform for Centrifugal Load Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fan inter-blade platforms in gas turbine engines face challenges in balancing weight and structural integrity under centrifugal loads, particularly in regions where outward bowing occurs due to circumferential loading.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a lightweight core, such as a honeycomb or foam, into the outer diameter wall of the inter-blade platform to enhance structural integrity while maintaining or reducing weight, combined with a fiber composite structure and resin transfer molding for manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a solid monolithic structure is used for the inter-blade platform, then structural integrity is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inter-blade platform uses a composite structure combining fiber composite material (carbon fiber) with a lightweight core material (honeycomb or foam). This composite construction provides high strength-to-weight ratio, achieving both structural integrity and weight reduction compared to a solid monolithic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform incorporates a honeycomb or foam core within the outer diameter wall. These porous materials provide structural support while significantly reducing weight compared to solid materials, maintaining structural integrity under centrifugal loads while minimizing mass.
2Strength
If the outer diameter wall thickness is increased to resist centrifugal loads, then structural integrity is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing wall thickness with a single material, the patent uses a composite structure with fiber composite outer layers and lightweight core material. This provides the necessary strength to resist centrifugal loads while keeping the overall weight low.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform has different wall thicknesses in different regions - the outer diameter wall has a core for structural support, while the pressure side and suction side walls have no core to reduce weight. This localized differentiation provides strength where needed while minimizing weight elsewhere.
Data Source
AI summary
An inter-blade platform for a gas turbine engine fan has a body section including a fiber composite having: a forward end and an aft end; an outer diameter wall; a suction side wall; and a pressure side wall. The body section further comprises a core within the outer diameter wall.