Organic Matrix Composite Turbine Inlet Guide Vane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing turbine engine inlet guide vanes are oversized due to structural requirements, which restricts airflow into the engine.
Innovation Solution
The use of a structural vane body made from an organic matrix composite with a substantially solid core, incorporating a heater and insulator, and mounted with metal components, allowing for efficient load transfer and airflow guidance between inner and outer platforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional metal guide vane fairings are used with struts, then structural strength is maintained, but the guide vane size increases reducing airflow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by replacing traditional metal guide vane fairings with fairings made from fiber-reinforced plastic or other composite materials. This allows the fairings to maintain sufficient structural strength while being made lighter and potentially more aerodynamic, thus improving airflow into the engine without increasing overall size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters from metal to composite materials, which fundamentally alters the density, strength-to-weight ratio, and other physical properties. This parameter change enables the guide vane fairings to achieve the same structural function with optimized dimensions that improve airflow characteristics.
2Strength
If guide vane fairings are made larger to accommodate struts, then structural integrity is maintained, but engine efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials for the guide vane fairings which provide high strength-to-weight ratio. This maintains structural integrity while reducing the overall size and mass of the fairings, thereby minimizing interference with airflow and improving engine efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by using composite materials specifically for the guide vane fairings where weight reduction and airflow optimization are most beneficial, while potentially retaining metal construction for components requiring high strength such as the struts and mounting structures. This localized application optimizes the balance between structural integrity and energy efficiency.
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 configuration enhances airflow by reducing vane size while maintaining structural integrity, allowing for improved engine efficiency and thrust generation.
Implementation Method 1
The structural vane body may include a heater located at the leading edge. The heater may include a heating element that is at least partially embedded within an insulator.
Data Source
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AI summary
An assembly for a turbine engine includes an inner platform, and outer platform and a plurality of structural inlet guide vanes. The outer platform circumscribes the inner platform. The structural inlet guide vanes are arranged around an axis, and extend radially between and are connected to the inner platform and the outer platform. A first of the structural inlet guide vanes includes a structural vane body that is configured from or otherwise includes an organic matrix composite.