Squeeze Film Damper Lubricant Recirculation During Supply Interruption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engines face vibration instability and potential damage due to lubricant loss or interruption in the squeeze film damper, leading to increased vibrations and rubbing, as existing systems lack a reliable mechanism to maintain continuous lubricant flow.
Innovation Solution
A lubricant retention and supply system with a valve assembly that switches from an open flow path for continuous lubricant supply to a closed recirculation path during lubricant interruption, utilizing a reservoir and heat sink to maintain lubricant within the squeeze film damper, preventing loss and ensuring damping effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a continuous flow of lubricant is provided to the squeeze film damper, then damping performance is maintained, but the system is vulnerable to lubricant loss or supply interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a recirculation system that maintains continuous lubricant flow through the squeeze film damper by recirculating lubricant from the outlet back to the inlet through a recirculation passage and valve assembly, ensuring uninterrupted damping action even during supply interruptions
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers lubricant that would otherwise be lost from the damper by capturing it at the outlet and redirecting it back to the inlet through the recirculation system, preventing lubricant loss and maintaining continuous operation
2Reliability
If a recirculation system is added to prevent lubricant loss, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The recirculation passage is integrated with the existing damper housing structure, merging the recirculation function into the existing components rather than adding completely separate systems, thereby reducing overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly is designed to automatically respond to lubricant supply conditions and control the recirculation flow without requiring external control systems, operators, or complex control logic, allowing the system to self-regulate based on operating conditions
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 system effectively prevents lubricant loss and maintains damping performance during interruptions, allowing for safe engine operation by ensuring continuous lubricant supply and temperature control within the squeeze film damper.
Implementation Method 1
heat sink to maintain lubricant within the squeeze film damper
Data Source
AI summary
A lubricant supply system for a squeeze film damper. The lubricant supply system includes a fluid passage configured to supply a lubricant to the squeeze film damper of a bearing assembly. The fluid passage includes a first flow path for lubricant into the lubricant supply system and into the squeeze film damper of the bearing assembly and a second flow path for lubricant into the squeeze film damper of the bearing assembly. The lubricant supply system includes a valve assembly configured to allow the fluid passage to move from the first flow path to the second flow path in response to an interruption of the first flow path.