Composite Turbine Rotor Lock Weight Reduction

The patent applies composite materials by replacing the traditional metal lock body with a composite structure consisting of a polymer matrix and embedded reinforcement elements (such as fiberglass or carbon fiber). This composite construction reduces the lock weight from 55g to approximately 20g per part while maintaining the mechanical strength required to withstand centrifugal forces and operational loads in the turbofan engine environment.

The patent employs preliminary action by pre-impregnating the fiber reinforcement with polymer resin to create pre-formed composite components before final assembly. The reinforcement elements are pre-coated with the polymer matrix in controlled conditions, allowing for easier handling and integration into the lock structure. This pre-preparation simplifies the overall manufacturing process despite the inherent complexity of working with composite materials.

The patent applies local quality by implementing three-dimensional weaving specifically in critical stress regions of the lock body where maximum mechanical strength is required, such as areas subjected to centrifugal forces and shock loads. The three-dimensional woven structure provides enhanced interlacing and load distribution in these high-stress zones, while other less critical areas may use simpler two-dimensional weaving or different reinforcement patterns, thus optimizing strength without uniformly increasing complexity throughout the entire component.