Compressor shroud with controllable bypass component formed of thermally adaptive materials and a thermoelectric junction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft compressor components with memory shape alloys or multi-metallic parts face challenges in maintaining shape stability due to working fluid temperatures, leading to inefficiencies such as constant bypass opening, which results in losses.
Innovation Solution
A compressor case with a composition gradient defining different coefficients of thermal expansion, operationally coupled with a thermoelectric junction, is used to create a selectively closable bypass with minimal moving parts. The composition gradient is formed from dissimilar metals or plastic with fillers, and the thermoelectric junction is integrated around the outer boundary or within bead voids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If memory shape alloy or multi-metallic parts are used to form bypasses in compressor shrouds, then the bypasses can be selectively closable with minimal moving parts, but the shape stability is compromised due to working fluid temperatures controlling the alloy shape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing materials with different coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) that respond differently to temperature changes. The composition gradient structure transforms the uniform temperature field into a non-uniform stress distribution, enabling controlled deformation of the bypass ports without moving parts. This resolves the contradiction by changing the material parameter (CTE gradient) to achieve both selective closability and shape stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials with composition gradients, combining materials of dissimilar metals or plastic with fillers to create a structured gradient. This composite structure allows different regions to expand or contract at different rates when exposed to working fluid temperatures, enabling controlled bypass deformation while maintaining overall structural integrity and stability.
2Ease of operation
If bypasses are constantly kept in an opened state, then access is maintained, but energy losses occur due to uncontrolled flow
Solution Approach 1:
The composition gradient structure changes its physical parameters (shape, volume) in response to temperature variations from the working fluid. This enables the bypass to transition between open and closed states automatically, maintaining accessibility when needed while preventing energy losses during compression operations without requiring active control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass system utilizes the thermal energy from the working fluid itself to control its state. The composition gradient material self-actuates by expanding or contracting in response to the temperature field, eliminating the need for external actuators or control systems while achieving selective bypass closure to prevent energy losses.
3Adaptability or versatility
If composition gradient with different CTE values is used, then selective bypass closure is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses manufacturing complexity by providing specific guidance on creating composition gradients through combining dissimilar metals or using plastic with fillers. These approaches leverage established composite manufacturing techniques while achieving the desired CTE gradient for bypass control, making the manufacturing process more feasible despite the increased material complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The composition gradient creates local variations in material properties (CTE) within the compressor case structure. This local quality approach allows different regions to have tailored thermal expansion characteristics, enabling selective bypass closure while maintaining overall structural requirements. The gradient can be implemented through controlled material distribution during manufacturing.
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 solution allows for controlled deformation of the compressor case, enabling selective opening and closing of bypass ports without moving parts, thereby improving efficiency and reducing energy losses.
Implementation Method 1
a composition gradient defining a first coefficient of thermal expansion and a second coefficient of thermal expansion that differs from the first coefficient of thermal expansion
Implementation Method 2
a thermoelectric junction operationally coupled to the composition gradient
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A compressor case having a composition gradient defining a first coefficient of thermal expansion and a second coefficient of thermal expansion that differs from the first coefficient of thermal expansion; and a thermoelectric junction (150) operationally coupled to the composition gradient, wherein the composition gradient is formed of either of a plurality of dissimilar metals or of plastic with fillings or fibers.