Dual-Layer Containment Ring for Lightweight Fragment Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containment rings in gas turbine engines are heavy and do not effectively manage the containment of high-energy fragments while maintaining a reduced thickness.
Innovation Solution
A dual-layer containment ring design with a first layer made of a ductile material that absorbs kinetic energy through plastic deformation and a second layer that contains fragments, featuring a radial space allowing deformation of the first layer before contact, optimizing containment and reducing overall weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a single containment ring is used, then structural integrity is maintained, but weight is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The containment ring is divided into two separate rings: an inner containment ring and an outer containment ring. This segmentation allows each ring to be optimized for specific functions - the inner ring for energy absorption through deformation and the outer ring for fragment containment - thereby reducing overall weight while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner and outer containment rings are formed from different materials optimized for their respective functions. The inner ring uses a more ductile material capable of significant plastic deformation, while the outer ring uses a stronger material for fragment containment. This composite approach reduces weight by using materials only where their specific properties are needed.
2Reliability
If containment ring thickness is increased, then fragment containment capability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The containment function is segmented into two stages: the inner ring handles the first stage of energy absorption through controlled deformation, and the outer ring handles the second stage of fragment containment. This segmentation allows each ring to be thinner than a single thick ring would need to be, reducing overall weight while maintaining or improving containment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The design changes the thickness parameters of the two rings optimally - the inner ring has sufficient thickness for ductile deformation and energy absorption, while the outer ring has optimized thickness for fragment containment. This parameter optimization reduces total material usage and weight compared to a single uniformly thick containment ring.
3Adaptability or versatility
If radial space is added between rings, then deformation capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radial space between the inner and outer containment rings is pre-designed to accommodate the expected deformation of the inner ring during impact events. This preliminary provision of deformation space allows the inner ring to absorb kinetic energy through plastic deformation before contacting the outer ring, improving the system's adaptability to impact conditions without requiring complex active control mechanisms.
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 dual-layer design enhances containment efficiency by distributing impact load and reduces the overall weight of the containment assembly, while maintaining a reduced total thickness compared to a single-layer ring.
Implementation Method 1
the first containment ring is formed from a more ductile material than the second containment ring
Data Source
AI summary
A containment ring assembly for a turbine casing assembly, including: a first containment ring; a second containment ring, the first containment ring being radially inward from the second containment ring, wherein a radial space is located between the first containment ring and the second containment ring, the radial space allowing deformation of the first containment ring prior to the first containment ring contacting the second containment ring.