Turbomachine Fan Platform Stiffener Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In turbomachines with a low hub ratio, the integration of straight stiffeners onto curved platform walls is challenging due to fabrication constraints, leading to issues with curvature matching and increased production costs.
Innovation Solution
A turbomachine fan platform with a stiffener composed of at least two straight segments inclined relative to each other, allowing the stiffener to follow the curvature of the principal wall while maintaining each segment as straight, thereby simplifying integration and reducing fabrication complexities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a straight stiffener is used on a curved platform wall, then fabrication is simplified, but curvature matching and integration quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The stiffener is divided into multiple straight segments that are arranged to collectively follow the curvature of the platform wall. Each segment remains straight for easy fabrication, while the assembly of segments approximates the required curved shape, resolving the contradiction between fabrication simplicity and curvature matching precision.
2Length of moving object
If the platform width is reduced due to low hub ratio, then blade root proximity is improved, but platform structural integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The stiffener segments are inclined at angles that follow the curvature of the platform wall, creating a configuration that optimally resists bending moments and maintains structural integrity. The curved arrangement of segments provides better mechanical leverage and stiffness distribution compared to a straight stiffener, compensating for the reduced platform width.
3Manufacturing precision
If straight stiffener segments are inclined to follow curvature, then curvature matching is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stiffener is segmented into a limited number of straight sections that can be independently fabricated and then assembled. This segmentation allows each segment to be simple and easy to manufacture, while the overall configuration achieves the required curvature matching. The moderate number of segments balances complexity with performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A platform for a fan of a turbomachine that will be mounted on a hub of the fan between two adjacent blades, the platform comprising a principal wall with a longitudinal principal orientation, that has a curved shape along the longitudinal direction, and a stiffener that is mounted on a lower face of the principal wall, of which the section of the stiffener, in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is globally in the form of a U open towards the principal wall. The stiffener comprises at least two straight segments inclined relative to each other and inclined relative to the longitudinal principal direction.