Segmented Liner Overlap Holder for Thermal Expansion and Wear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing turbomachine exhaust gas diffusers with segmented liners experience cracking and wear due to uneven load distribution and thermal expansion, particularly at the joints held by simple tabs.
Innovation Solution
A stacked plate and fastener system, including a main plate, spacer, top plate, and fasteners, secures overlapping liner segments with a vertical plate and tab washers to distribute loads evenly and allow for thermal expansion, using bolts and nuts to hold the assembly together.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If simple tabs are used to hold overlapping liner segments together, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to cracking and wear from uneven load distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is divided into multiple functional segments: a clamp portion that grips the liner segments, a tab portion that attaches to the holder, and a reinforcement plate that distributes loads. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally, preventing the cracking and wear issues that plague simple tab designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement plate is pre-positioned between the liner segments and the clamp portion to distribute loads before the fastening action occurs. This preliminary load distribution prevents stress concentration that would lead to cracking in simple tab designs.
2Manufacturing precision
If simple tabs are used to hold overlapping liner segments, then the manufacturing precision requirements are reduced, but the strength deteriorates due to uneven load distribution and thermal expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement plate is installed beforehand to create a load-distributing foundation. This preliminary action ensures that when the clamp and tab are assembled, the loads are evenly distributed across the liner segments, preventing stress concentration and enhancing joint strength without requiring extreme manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement plate changes the mechanical parameters of the joint assembly by increasing the effective load-bearing area and modifying the stress distribution pattern. This allows the joint to withstand higher loads and thermal expansion forces without failing.
3Strength
If a complex holder structure with reinforcement plates is used, then the strength and durability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is divided into distinct functional segments (clamp portion, tab portion, reinforcement plate) that can be manufactured separately and assembled. This segmentation makes the complex structure manageable and allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity in manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement plate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it distributes loads, prevents cracking, accommodates thermal expansion, and provides a mounting surface for the clamp portion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
4Manufacturing precision
If rigid fastening is used to secure liner segments, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates due to inability to accommodate thermal expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement plate modifies the mechanical parameters of the joint by creating a more compliant load distribution system. This allows the joint to maintain precise alignment while accommodating thermal expansion movements, effectively decoupling manufacturing precision requirements from thermal adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint design transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic system that can adapt to thermal expansion. The reinforcement plate and clamp configuration allow for controlled movement and deformation, enabling the joint to maintain integrity while accommodating changes in dimensional parameters due to temperature variations.
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 system enhances the stiffness and durability of the segmented liner, reducing vibration and preventing rotation of fasteners, while accommodating thermal expansion through designed gaps and cutouts.
Implementation Method 1
stacked plates and fasteners form an overlap holder to bias overlapping liner segments together
Implementation Method 2
such simple tabs can experience cracking and wear because of uneven load distribution, partly due to thermal expansion of the components
Implementation Method 3
A vertical plate welded to the lower tongue extends through slots in the plates between the bolts, holding the plates together and providing additional stiffness
Data Source
AI summary
An overlap holder for a segmented liner of a turbomachine exhaust diffuser includes stacked plates and fasteners. A main plate includes a first face, an opposite second face, a first end, and an opposite second end. A spacer, which includes respective first and second faces, engages the first face of the main plate. A top plate includes a respective first face that engages the second face of the main plate and a respective second face opposite the first face of the top plate. A fastener is disposed at each of the first end and the second end of the main plate. Each fastener extends through holes in the spacer, the main plate, and the top plate to hold the spacer, the main plate, and the top plate in mutual engagement to secure a first segment of the segmented liner to an adjacent second segment of the segmented liner.