Gas Turbine Nose Cone Attachment Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complex geometry of the integral rear flange and spinner in gas turbine engine nose cones limits the materials that can be used, and exposed fasteners compromise the aerodynamic performance by disrupting the flow surface.
Innovation Solution
A nose cone configuration with a spinner mounted to a fan hub, featuring an annular cover and discrete bracket secured by transverse fastening elements, providing an aerodynamic exterior surface without exposed fasteners and allowing for composite material construction, along with access holes for tooling and deicing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If an integral rear flange and spinner configuration is used, then structural strength is improved, but material selection is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The nose cone is divided into separate components: a spinner body and a rear flange assembly. The rear flange is detached from the spinner body, allowing each component to be manufactured from different materials optimized for their specific functional requirements, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural strength and material selection flexibility.
2Strength
If multiple fasteners are used to secure the cover, then structural integrity is improved, but aerodynamic performance deteriorates due to exposed fasteners
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener heads are extracted or removed from the exterior surface. The cover is secured to the spinner using fasteners that are either recessed into the spinner body or completely hidden, eliminating the exposed fastener heads that disrupt aerodynamic flow while maintaining the structural integrity provided by multiple fastening points.
3Reliability
If a complex integral flange geometry is used, then attachment reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex flange geometry is separated into a distinct rear flange component that can be manufactured independently and then assembled to the spinner body. This segmentation allows the complex geometric features to be produced using specialized manufacturing processes for that specific component, while the main spinner body remains simpler to manufacture, thereby reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining attachment reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A gas turbine engine fan section includes a fan hub configured to rotate about an axis. A nose cone includes a spinner operatively mounted to the fan hub. The spinner supports a first fastening element and the nose cone includes an annular cover arranged over the fastening element. The spinner and annular cover provide an aerodynamic exterior surface of the nose cone without exposed fasteners. A second fastening element cooperates with the first fastening element to secure the spinner relative to the fan hub. The first and second fastening elements are oriented transversely to the axis.