Monobloc Intermediate Casing With Structural Arm to Cut Turbomachine Length
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing turbomachines, particularly those for aircraft, are elongated along the longitudinal axis due to structural casings carrying structural arms and low-pressure compressors, which increase their mass and negatively impact performance.
Innovation Solution
An annular intermediate housing with integrated aerodynamic components and stator blades, manufactured as a single unit with the ferrules, reduces the turbomachine's length and mass by incorporating a straightening assembly between aerodynamic elements, allowing for a significant axial reduction and simplified assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If structural casings carrying structural arms and low-pressure compressors are used, then the turbomachine can transmit forces and maintain structural integrity, but the turbomachine length and mass increase along the longitudinal axis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the structural arm and aerodynamic component into a single integrated component made from one piece. This merging eliminates the need for separate structural casings carrying structural arms, thereby reducing turbomachine length while maintaining the required structural strength and force transmission capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated component serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for force transmission, guides aerodynamic flow, and positions the low-pressure compressor. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated structural casings, reducing overall length while maintaining structural integrity.
2Strength
If structural casings carrying structural arms and low-pressure compressors are used, then the turbomachine can transmit forces, but the mass of the turbomachine increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the structural arm and aerodynamic component into a single integrated part, the patent eliminates redundant materials and simplifies the structure. This reduction in material usage decreases turbomachine mass while the integrated design maintains the necessary force transmission capabilities through the structural arm portion.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components are used for aerodynamic elements and ferrules, then manufacturing and assembly are more complex, but disassembly and maintenance become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the aerodynamic component from the intermediate casing housing, allowing the aerodynamic component to be manufactured as a separate piece that is then integrated. This segmentation enables specialized manufacturing processes for each component while maintaining the ability to disassemble and maintain individual parts independently.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an annular intermediate casing (22) for a turbomachine through which an aerodynamic airstream circulates, comprising: - a radially internal shroud (31), - a radially external shroud (32), - at least one stator blade (34) comprising a vane with a leading edge, and - at least one aerodynamic member (33) which is formed of a structural arm (35) extending radially at least in part between the radially internal shroud and the radially external shroud. According to the invention, the aerodynamic member (33) comprises a leading edge which is aligned with the leading edge of the stator blade in one plane and which is borne by a profiled portion (36) positioned upstream of the structural arm in the direction of circulation of the aerodynamic airstream, the profiled portion, the structural arm, the radially internal shroud and the radially external shroud being monobloc.