Turbomachine Fan Blade Chord and Count Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current jet engine fan designs face challenges in achieving optimal efficiency and reducing fuel consumption, with excessive fan blades increasing costs and weight without significant benefits, and reducing blade count compromising aeromechanical stability and propulsion efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a reduced fan blade count and increased average fan chord width, optimized through specific relationships between fan diameter, pressure ratio, and corrected fan tip Mach number, to enhance aerodynamic efficiency and fuel efficiency, while using polymer matrix composite materials with metal leading edges for durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If fan blade count is reduced, then weight and cost are decreased, but aeromechanical stability and propulsion efficiency are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the fan blades, specifically increasing the average fan chord width while reducing the blade count. This parameter change allows the fan to maintain aeromechanical stability with fewer blades by optimizing the chord width to compensate for the reduced number of blades, thereby reducing weight while preserving stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs polymer matrix composite materials with metal leading edges for the fan blades. This composite construction provides durability and structural integrity, allowing the use of fewer blades while maintaining the necessary aeromechanical stability and reliability under operational conditions.
2Ease of manufacture
If fan blade count is reduced, then cost is decreased, but propulsion efficiency is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the average fan chord width parameter to compensate for the reduced blade count. By increasing the chord width, the fan maintains its aerodynamic performance and propulsion efficiency with fewer blades, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while preserving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of polymer matrix composite materials with metal leading edges provides a durable and efficient blade construction that maintains propulsion efficiency with reduced blade count, balancing manufacturing cost reduction with performance requirements.
3Productivity
If average fan chord width is increased, then aerodynamic efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent focuses on changing the average fan chord width parameter while keeping the overall blade count and basic blade geometry relatively simple. This selective parameter change achieves improved aerodynamic efficiency without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity, as the chord width adjustment can be accommodated within standard manufacturing tolerances and processes.
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 approach results in improved engine efficiency, reduced weight, and increased aerodynamic stability, leading to better fuel consumption and durability, with a narrowed selection of fan chord and blade count configurations that balance engine performance and mission requirements.
Implementation Method 1
using polymer matrix composite materials with metal leading edges for durability
Data Source
AI summary
A turbomachine includes an annular casing and a fan disposed inside the annular casing and mounted for rotation about an axial centerline. The fan includes fan blades that extend radially outwardly toward the annular casing. The fan has an average chord fan width according to a first performance factor. The fan has a quantity of fan blades according to a second performance factor.