Lightweight Fan Casing Lattice for Energy Absorption
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Turbofan engines face challenges in balancing structural strength and weight reduction for effective energy absorption during fan blade out events, as existing containment casings either lack strength or increase fuel burn due to added weight for impact absorption.
Innovation Solution
The use of lightweight fan casing configurations featuring metal bands forming a truss or ribbed structure, combined with a structural lattice and alternating layers of solid metal and lattice or fluid, provides enhanced energy absorption while maintaining structural integrity and reducing weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional solid metal containment casings are used, then structural strength is improved, but weight increases leading to higher fuel consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs lattice structures with controlled porosity to create containment casings that maintain structural strength while significantly reducing weight. The porous lattice design allows energy absorption through deformation mechanisms while using less material than solid metal constructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines different materials including metal alloys, composite materials, and lattice structures to create a hybrid containment casing system. This composite approach optimizes the strength-to-weight ratio by using materials with superior specific strength properties.
2Reliability
If heavier containment casings are used for energy absorption, then protection capability is improved, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies key parameters including lattice geometry, material composition, and structural configuration to optimize energy absorption efficiency. By changing these parameters, the casing achieves superior protection capability at reduced weight, directly lowering fuel consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The containment casing is divided into segmented lattice structures and modular components that can be optimized independently. This segmentation allows for targeted energy absorption zones while minimizing overall material usage and weight.
3Weight of moving object
If lightweight structures are used, then weight is reduced, but structural strength and energy absorption capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates curved and optimized lattice geometries that enhance structural efficiency. The curved designs distribute stress more effectively throughout the structure, maintaining energy absorption capability while using less material than traditional straight-line constructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional sheet structures to three-dimensional lattice configurations. This dimensional change creates superior structural efficiency and energy absorption volume-to-weight ratio, achieving lightweight design without sacrificing strength.
Data Source
AI summary
Light weight fan casing configurations for energy absorption are disclosed herein. A casing apparatus for an aircraft engine includes a containment casing including a ridge on an exterior surface of the containment casing, and a deflector plate including a first end and a second end, the first end coupled to the ridge, the second end uncoupled to the containment casing.