Gas Turbine Fan Platform Lug and Composite Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Turbofan engine fan platforms experience loading that reduces efficiency, necessitating a more robust platform section design.
Innovation Solution
A platform assembly for a gas turbine engine featuring a lug with a head, base, and leg, where the platform is molded around the head and extends between platform edges, with a cavity containing a fill, and made of a composite material differing from the metallic lug, to enhance structural integrity and reduce interlaminar effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional fan platform design is used, then the structure is simpler, but the platform experiences loading that reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is divided into multiple platform sections (first platform section, second platform section, etc.) that are coupled to the hub. Each section can be independently designed and optimized, allowing the structure to better distribute and manage operational loads while maintaining overall platform integrity and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform sections are constructed using composite materials, which provide enhanced structural properties including improved strength-to-weight ratio and reduced interlaminar effects. This allows the platform to better withstand operational loads while maintaining efficiency.
2Strength
If the platform is made more robust to handle loading, then structural integrity improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the platform into multiple sections with specific coupling mechanisms to the hub, the design distributes structural demands across multiple components. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while collectively providing the required overall strength and integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform sections and coupling structures are designed with local quality optimizations, where specific regions are reinforced or configured to handle particular loading conditions. This allows the structure to achieve high strength where needed without unnecessarily increasing complexity throughout the entire platform.
Data Source
AI summary
A platform assembly for a fan of a gas turbine engine includes a lug, and a platform. The lug has a head, a base, and a leg that extends between the head and the base. The platform is at least partially disposed about the head. The platform has an outer surface and an inner surface. The head is arranged to engage the inner surface.