Hybrid Spinner Support Ring Material Split
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gas turbine engine support structures, particularly in the fan section, are heavy and expensive due to their titanium composition, necessitating a lighter and less costly material without compromising load-carrying capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid spinner support ring is designed using a combination of two distinct materials for different portions, where the suspender is formed of aluminum and the belt is made of a different material, such as stainless steel or composite, to reduce weight and cost while maintaining strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If titanium material is used for the support ring, then the load-carrying capability is maintained, but the weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support ring is divided into two distinct portions: a first portion made of titanium material to maintain load-carrying capability in high-stress areas, and a second portion made of aluminum material to reduce weight in lower-stress areas. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between strength and weight by applying the appropriate material only where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The support ring employs a composite structure combining two different materials (titanium and aluminum) in a single component. This composite approach allows the structure to achieve both the strength requirements of titanium and the weight benefits of aluminum, directly resolving the technical contradiction between maintaining load-carrying capability and reducing weight.
2Strength
If titanium material is used for the support ring, then the load-carrying capability is maintained, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support ring is divided into two distinct portions: a first portion made of titanium material to maintain load-carrying capability in high-stress areas, and a second portion made of aluminum material to reduce weight in lower-stress areas. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between strength and weight by applying the appropriate material only where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The support ring employs a composite structure combining two different materials (titanium and aluminum) in a single component. This composite approach allows the structure to achieve both the strength requirements of titanium and the weight benefits of aluminum, directly resolving the technical contradiction between maintaining load-carrying capability and reducing weight.
3Weight of moving object
If aluminum material is used for the support ring, then the weight is reduced, but the load-carrying capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The support ring is divided into two distinct portions: a first portion made of titanium material to maintain load-carrying capability in high-stress areas, and a second portion made of aluminum material to reduce weight in lower-stress areas. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between strength and weight by applying the appropriate material only where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The support ring employs a composite structure combining two different materials (titanium and aluminum) in a single component. This composite approach allows the structure to achieve both the strength requirements of titanium and the weight benefits of aluminum, directly resolving the technical contradiction between maintaining load-carrying capability and reducing weight.
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid support ring comprises a suspender and a belt, the suspender defined by a flange and a leg rearwardly extending having a lug, the suspender also extending circumferentially, the suspender formed of a first material, the belt extending circumferentially and disposed in the lug, the belt being formed of a second material.