Guide Vane Segment Support Ribs to Prevent Machining Cracks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Machining processes in guide vane segments for gas turbines can lead to undesirable cracking due to high compressive forces acting on the support section, which is typically thin and lacks sufficient force distribution.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating radially extending support section ribs connected to the support section, which are integrally formed and have a rib end face merging with the support section end face, to enhance force distribution and prevent cracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the support section is made thin in the radial direction, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is easier, but the support section becomes susceptible to cracking under high compressive forces during machining
Solution Approach 1:
The invention adds a radial dimension to the support section by incorporating support section ribs that extend in the radial direction. These ribs increase the moment of inertia and structural stiffness without significantly increasing the axial or circumferential dimensions, thereby enhancing crack resistance while maintaining manufacturing simplicity and compact design.
2Strength
If the support section area is increased to distribute forces better, then crack resistance improves, but the radial thickness increases leading to greater device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The support section is segmented into a base support section and additional radial ribs. This segmentation allows the force distribution area to be increased through the ribs without proportionally increasing the overall radial thickness, as the ribs are integrated into the existing structure rather than requiring uniform thickening throughout the entire support section.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the support section is stiffened to prevent cracking, then structural integrity improves, but the radial thickness must increase which complicates manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The support section ribs are integrally formed with the support section as a single piece, merging the stiffening elements directly into the existing structure. This eliminates the need for separate manufacturing steps to add reinforcement, maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving the desired structural integrity and crack resistance.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a guide vane segment (40) for a gas turbine (10), in particular an aircraft gas turbine, comprising: at least one guide vane (46); a radially inner cover strip (44); and a radially outer cover strip (42), the at least one guide vane (46) extending between the inner cover strip (44) and the outer cover strip (42), and the inner cover strip (44) and/or the outer cover strip (42) having a support portion (48) running in the circumferential direction (UR), each support portion having an axial end face (52). Each support portion (48) on the inner cover strip (44) and/or on the outer cover strip (42) has at least one support portion rib (62) running in the radial direction (RR), which support portion rib is connected to the support portion (48), in particular is formed integrally therewith, and has a rib end face (64), which transitions into the end face (52) of the support portion (48).