Flexible Pylon Fairing Fixing for Fan Blade Impact Absorption
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Rigid fixings in turbine engine suspension pylons cause irreversible deformation and increased drag when fan blades break off, leading to scooping of the fairing anterior part and potential detachment of fan cowls.
Innovation Solution
A flexible front fixing and optionally a radially flexible rear partition are introduced to absorb the energy of fan blade impacts, using materials like spring links or plastically deformable sheet metal to maintain aerodynamic continuity with the turbine engine air intake.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid fixings are used to firmly hold the fairing anterior part on the engine, then the fairing is securely positioned, but fan blade impacts cause irreversible deformation and scoop formation that increases drag
Solution Approach 1:
The front fixing is changed from a rigid connection to a flexible connection that allows radial movement. This parameter change enables the fixing to absorb impact energy through elastic deformation, preventing the fairing from forming a scoop shape while maintaining stable positioning during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible front fixing acts as a pre-designed cushioning element that absorbs impact energy from fan blade strikes before the force can cause irreversible deformation to the fairing structure, thereby preventing scoop formation and the associated drag increase
2Ease of manufacture
If a loose rear fixing is used to absorb tolerances, then assembly flexibility is improved, but the fairing can rotate about the articulation during impact, causing deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The front fixing parameter is changed from rigid to flexible, creating a new degree of freedom that allows the fairing to move radially during impact. This absorbs the shock energy that would otherwise cause the fairing to rotate about the loose rear fixing articulation and deform
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible front fixing serves as an intermediary element between the fan blade impact and the fairing structure. It mediates the force transmission by deforming elastically, preventing the direct transfer of impact forces that would cause rotation and deformation at the rear fixing articulation
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
The flexible fixings absorb the energy of fan blade impacts, minimizing deformation and preventing scooping, thus reducing drag and maintaining fan cowls attachment.
Implementation Method 1
said front fixing is flexible in the at least approximately radial direction with respect to said fan casing
Implementation Method 2
a link made of an elastically or plastically deformable material
Implementation Method 3
said sheet has at least one bend between said fan casing and said fairing anterior part. Thus, when a fan blade or a piece of fan blade strikes the fan casing radially from the inside outward, said bend provides the front fixing with flexibility and absorbs the energy of this blow
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a pylon fairing for a turbine engine. The anterior portion of the pylon fair is attached to a turbine engine in a manner to absorb blows against the fan casing of the turbine engine in case of breakage of the fan blades of the turbine engine. The pylon fairing is configured with the turbine engine such that the anterior part of the pylon fairing is fastened to the engine's fan casing via a front fixing and a rear fixing. The rear fixing is affixed to the fan casing as relatively loose in order to absorb tolerances, and the front fixing is affixed to the fan casing and as flexible in at least approximately a radial direction with respect to the fan casing.