Turbomachine Fan Module Design for Weight and Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current jet engine designs face inefficiencies due to excessive fan blades, which increase cost and weight without significant benefits, and reducing blade count compromises aeromechanical stability and propulsion efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Optimizing fan module design by increasing average fan chord width and reducing blade count, utilizing relationships between fan diameter, pressure ratio, and corrected fan tip Mach number to enhance aerodynamic and fuel efficiency, and incorporating a non-metallic leading edge protective wrap for erosion and foreign object protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fan blade count is increased, then aeromechanical stability and propulsion efficiency are improved, but weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the fan blade, specifically increasing the average fan chord width and optimizing the blade count to a lower number. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction by achieving adequate aeromechanical stability with fewer, wider blades rather than more, narrower blades, thereby reducing fan weight while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials for the fan blade construction, particularly using non-metallic leading edge protective wraps combined with the blade structure. This allows for weight reduction while maintaining or improving aeromechanical stability and resistance to erosion and foreign object damage, addressing the contradiction between stability and weight
2Reliability
If fan blade count is increased, then aeromechanical stability and propulsion efficiency are improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes manufacturing cost by reducing the number of fan blades and increasing the average chord width. This parameter change reduces the total amount of material required, simplifies the manufacturing process, and lowers assembly complexity while maintaining aeromechanical stability, thereby resolving the contradiction between stability and manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 2:
The use of composite materials, particularly non-metallic protective wraps applied to the leading edges, provides cost-effective protection against erosion and foreign object damage. This approach is more economical than using entirely metallic constructions or complex protective systems, addressing the contradiction between stability and manufacturing cost
3Object-affected harmful factors
If non-metallic leading edge protective wrap is used, then erosion and foreign object protection is improved, but structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials consisting of a non-metallic protective wrap layered over the fan blade leading edge. This composite structure provides superior erosion and foreign object damage protection compared to traditional metallic leading edges, while the composite nature maintains sufficient structural strength through the combination of protective and structural material layers
Solution Approach 2:
The protective wrap is applied locally to the leading edge region where erosion and foreign object damage occur most severely. This localized protection maintains the overall structural integrity of the fan blade while providing enhanced protection at the critical leading edge, resolving the contradiction between protection and strength
Data Source
AI summary
A turbomachine includes an annular casing, a fan disposed inside the annular casing and mounted for rotation about an axial centerline, and an airfoil. The fan includes fan blades that extend radially outwardly toward the annular casing. The airfoil includes a composite core having a pressure sidewall and a suction sidewall extending between a core leading edge and a core trailing edge and a leading edge protective wrap. 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.