Segmented Heat Shield Blocks Fairing Radiation to Casing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In gas turbine engines, the fairing exposed to high-temperature gas flow heats the frame undesirably, leading to inefficient use of materials and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A segmented heat shield with a cylindrically shaped first portion and a radially extending second portion is mounted between the casing and fairing, blocking radiation heat and allowing the use of less expensive materials like steel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the fairing is directly exposed to high-temperature gas flow, then the fairing can be heated to high temperatures during operation, but the frame is heated in an undesirable manner
Solution Approach 1:
A heat shield is introduced as an intermediary component positioned between the fairing and the frame. The heat shield includes a first portion that blocks line-of-sight radiation from the fairing to the frame, and a second portion that extends along the seal support to block radiation to this critical component. This mediator absorbs or reflects thermal radiation, preventing it from heating the frame and seal support undesirably.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat shield extends in multiple spatial dimensions: axially between the fairing and frame, and radially along the seal support. This multi-dimensional configuration ensures comprehensive blocking of radiation paths that would otherwise directly heat the frame and seal support structures.
2Reliability
If expensive heat-resistant materials are used for the frame, then the frame can withstand high temperatures, but the cost of the engine increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat shield serves as a protective intermediary that absorbs the thermal burden, allowing the frame to be constructed from less expensive materials that would otherwise be unsuitable for direct exposure to high-temperature radiation. The heat shield effectively decouples the thermal environment from the frame material selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat shield is positioned to absorb the thermal damage that would otherwise affect the frame. By sacrificing the heat shield (which can be replaced), the more expensive and critical frame structure is protected from thermal degradation, allowing use of cost-effective frame materials.
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 heat shield effectively protects the inner case and seal support from radiation heating, enabling the use of less expensive materials while maintaining engine performance.
Implementation Method 1
The heat shield is disposed between the fairing and the casing to protect the casing from radiation heating
Data Source
AI summary
A gas turbine engine includes a casing, a fairing, and a heat shield. The fairing is annularly shaped and disposed adjacent the casing. The heat shield is connected to the casing and includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is generally cylindrically shaped and extends between the fairing and the casing and the second portion extends generally radially away from the casing and the first portion toward the fairing.