Gas Turbine Fan Containment Device with Standoff Rings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing containment systems for gas turbine engine rotating components, such as blades, are inadequate in preventing detachment and minimizing resulting damage during operation.

Innovation Solution

A containment mechanism comprising a casing with standoff rings and a containment ring, positioned around the rotational path of blades, which uses an interference fit and differential temperature treatment to securely retain detached blades, thereby preventing further damage to the engine and surrounding structures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing containment systems are used, then blade containment is attempted, but the containment reliability is insufficient and damage cannot be effectively prevented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblade containment reliabilityVSAvoidengine damage from detached blades

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The containment system incorporates a deformable containment structure with energy-absorbing elements positioned ahead of potential blade impact zones. These elements are designed to deform and absorb impact energy before detached blades can cause extensive damage to critical engine components, effectively cushioning the blow in advance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The containment system utilizes materials and structural designs that change physical parameters under impact conditions. The containment structure includes elements that undergo controlled deformation, changing from rigid to more compliant states during impact to absorb energy while maintaining containment effectiveness across different operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a secure containment mechanism is implemented, then blade retention is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblade retention securityVSAvoidcontainment system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The containment system is divided into multiple functional segments including a containment structure with specific structural features, energy-absorbing elements, and attachment mechanisms. Each segment performs a distinct function, allowing the system to achieve high retention security through modular, manageable components rather than a single complex structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The containment structure incorporates flexible or deformable elements that can dynamically respond to blade impact forces. These flexible components provide secure retention through their ability to adapt and conform during normal operation while maintaining containment integrity during abnormal events, reducing the need for overly rigid and complex structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

Effectively contains detached blades, reducing the risk of damage to the gas turbine engine and associated systems by providing a secure and durable retention mechanism through the use of an interference fit and thermal expansion properties.

Implementation Method 1

differential temperature treatment to securely retain detached blades

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentUS9062565B2Gas turbine engine containment device

Publication Date: 2015.06.23 ROLLS ROYCE CORP

AI summary

A fan containment system for a gas turbine engine, and a method of making the same, is disclosed that in one embodiment includes casing that surrounds at least a portion of a plurality of fan blades. In one form, a pair of standoff rings is formed in an outer surface of the casing that are spaced apart from one another a predetermined distance running circumferentially about the inner nacelle ring. A containment ring is positioned around a radially outer surface of the standoff rings to form an interference fit between the two.