Fan Blade Camber Position for Compression Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fan blade designs with low hub ratios face mechanical and aerodynamic challenges due to limited curvature and manufacturing issues with 3D-woven composite technology, which restricts the deflection of fluid and compression efficiency in turbine engines.
Innovation Solution
A fan blade geometry featuring a vane with a maximum camber position along the chord extending from 50% to 70% of the relative chord length, facilitating increased curvature and connection of the straight woven root, made from woven composite materials, allowing for enhanced mechanical strength and aerodynamic performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the hub ratio is reduced to increase dilution ratio, then the compression efficiency improves, but the mechanical strength and aerodynamic performance deteriorate due to low tangential speed and limited curvature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the maximum camber at a specific location (50-70% of relative chord length from leading edge) rather than distributing it uniformly. This localized concentration of curvature at the rear portion of the aerofoil creates high tangential speed and work capability exactly where needed in the low hub ratio region, while the straight root portion maintains structural strength for composite manufacturing.
2Loss of energy
If the hub ratio is reduced to increase dilution ratio, then the compression efficiency improves, but the aerodynamic performance deteriorates due to limited curvature capability
Solution Approach 1:
The invention concentrates the curvature requirement locally at the rear portion of the vane (50-70% chord length position) rather than requiring complex curvature throughout the entire blade. This allows the root portion to remain straight and manufacturable with conventional 3D-woven composite technology, while still achieving the necessary aerodynamic curvature where it provides maximum benefit for fluid deflection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent strategically introduces curvature (camber) at a specific location along the aerofoil chord rather than using uniform curvature. The maximum camber positioned at 50-70% of the relative chord length creates the necessary fluid deflection capability for improved compression efficiency, while the overall blade geometry remains compatible with composite manufacturing constraints.
3Productivity
If maximum camber is positioned at the rear portion of the aerofoil, then the fluid deflection efficiency improves, but the connection complexity with straight woven root increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by localizing the camber to a specific region (50-70% of chord length from leading edge) rather than requiring curvature throughout the entire vane. This creates a clear separation between the curved aerodynamic portion and the straight root portion, simplifying the transition zone and making the connection between vane and root more manageable for composite 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 geometry enhances the curvature of the aerofoil, improving the compression ratio and mechanical strength of the fan blades, enabling efficient fluid deflection and reducing production complexities while maintaining the structural integrity of the blades.
Implementation Method 1
the work of the fan is accomplished by the deflection of the fluid
Implementation Method 2
Make use of the tangential speed of the blade
Data Source
AI summary
A blade including at least one web and a vane having a leading edge and a trailing edge, wherein, for at least one aerofoil of the vane in the vicinity of the web, a maximum sweep angle associated with a position along a chord of the aerofoil extending from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the vane corresponding to a relative chord length of at least 50%.