Integrated 3D Woven Composite Outlet Guide Vane Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current designs of outlet guide vanes in turbofan jet engines are complex and inefficient, with separate struts and vanes that increase structural complexity and weight, limiting aerodynamic performance and noise reduction.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional orthogonal woven composite outlet guide vane is manufactured using a method that sets specific weaving parameters and bifurcation structures, allowing for integrated force bearing and noise reduction, reducing structural complexity and length, and improving mechanical performance through resin transfer molding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If separate struts and outlet guide vanes are arranged side by side, then aerodynamic performance and noise reduction are improved, but structural complexity and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the strut and outlet guide vane into a single integrated component called the 'integrated outlet guide vane with platform'. The platform area serves as the support structure (replacing the separate strut) while the vane profile area performs the airflow rectification function. This integration eliminates the need for separate struts and reduces structural complexity while maintaining aerodynamic performance and noise reduction capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated outlet guide vane with platform performs multiple functions simultaneously: the platform area provides structural support and load-bearing capacity (replacing the strut function), while the vane profile area rectifies airflow and reduces noise. This multi-functional design allows a single component to replace what was previously requiring multiple separate parts.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If separate struts and outlet guide vanes are arranged side by side, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the strut and vane into a single integrated component, the total weight of the assembly is reduced compared to having separate parts. The integration eliminates redundant materials and connection structures, achieving weight reduction while maintaining both aerodynamic performance and structural support functions.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If separate struts and outlet guide vanes are arranged side by side, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but the length of the aeroengine increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the strut and vane into a single component with unified load transmission path shortens the overall length required in the aeroengine. The platform area directly connects to the vane profile area, creating a more compact structure that reduces the axial length occupation compared to separate arranged components.
4Strength
If three-dimensional orthogonal woven composite structure is used, then mechanical strength and production efficiency are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different weaving parameters to different areas of the integrated outlet guide vane: the vane profile area uses specific warp and weft layer configurations for aerodynamic performance, while the platform area uses adjusted parameters for structural support. This localized parameter optimization achieves high mechanical strength without requiring uniformly complex manufacturing throughout the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated outlet guide vane is divided into distinct functional areas (platform area and vane profile area) with different weaving parameters. This segmentation allows each area to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining manufacturability, as each region can be independently parameterized and manufactured.
Data Source
AI summary
A three-dimensional orthogonal woven composite outlet guide vane and a manufacturing method are provided. Near-net-shaped manufacturing of the outlet guide vane is realized, and a vane profile-platform junction of the outlet guide vane is reinforced by designing a bifurcation of the preform. A basic structure of a three-dimensional orthogonal woven composite and a bifurcation of the vane profile-platform junction are used, so that the ultimate strength under tension, compression and bending of the outlet guide vane structure are significantly improved, and the weight of the outlet guide vane is reduced. Structural load bearing and force transmission functions of a strut are provided by the outlet guide vane while the functions of vane rectification, noise reduction and others are ensured. As a result, the weight and dimensions of an aeroengine, as well as structural complexity, are reduced by removing struts.