Movable Closure for Gas Turbine Fan Plenum Distortion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engines experience high pressure and swirl distortions, leading to engine stall and undesirable aeromechanical behavior, which complicates maintaining performance across various flight conditions and maneuvers.
Innovation Solution
A fan case assembly with an inlet distortion mitigation system, featuring a movable closure and control unit that adjusts fluid communication between the gas path and plenum to minimize negative effects of pressure and swirl distortions by translating axially between closed, open, and intermediate positions in response to preselected operating conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the fan operates under high pressure and swirl distortions, then the engine can maintain thrust across various flight conditions, but the pressure and swirl distortions cause engine stall and undesirable aeromechanical behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a movable closure that can dynamically adjust its position between closed and open states, allowing the system to adapt to varying operating conditions. This dynamic adjustment enables the engine to maintain optimal performance across different flight conditions while preventing stall by closing the closure when distortion is detected
Solution Approach 2:
The closure acts as an intermediary element between the gas path and the plenum chamber. By controlling the flow through this intermediate component, the system can mitigate the harmful effects of pressure and swirl distortions while maintaining beneficial flow conditions, thus improving stall margin without sacrificing adaptability
2Reliability
If a movable closure is added to control fluid communication, then stall margin is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that automatically detect pressure and swirl distortion conditions, and the control system autonomously actuates the movable closure based on detected conditions. This self-service capability reduces the need for complex manual control systems while maintaining improved stall margin through automated response to distortion conditions
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
Improves stall margin by equalizing air pressure and flow distribution, optimizing engine performance across different flight conditions and maneuvers while maintaining efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The movable closure may be configured to axially translate relative to the case and may move between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the movable closure may cover a plurality of inlet openings to block fluid communication between the gas path and the plenum. In the open position, a plurality of slots in the movable closure may be aligned with the plurality of inlet openings to allow fluid communication between the gas path and the plenum.
Data Source
AI summary
A fan case assembly adapted for use with a gas turbine engine includes a case at extends circumferentially at least partway about an axis of the gas turbine engine and a plurality of vanes. The case is formed to define a plenum that that extends circumferentially at least partway about the axis. The plurality of vanes are arranged in the plenum and spaced apart circumferentially about the axis to define a plurality of inlet openings in fluid communication with the plenum.