Outer Air Seal Interface for Casing Treatment Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas turbine engines face challenges in maintaining effective sealing between the compressor and turbine components due to redesigns in casing treatments, necessitating corresponding changes to the stage 1 outer air seal (OAS) that impact manufacturability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A redesigned OAS with specific geometric configurations, including radially oriented surfaces and conformal shapes, is integrated with the compressor casing to enhance sealing and manufacturability, featuring a bleed air slot and conformal curvature to manage bleed air flow effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If casing treatment configuration is changed, then adaptability to new design requirements is improved, but manufacturing precision of the OAS deteriorates due to corresponding redesign needs
Solution Approach 1:
The OAS forward end is designed with a universal conformal geometry that can adapt to different casing treatment configurations. The radially oriented surfaces and transitional geometry create a multi-functional interface that maintains sealing effectiveness across various casing designs, eliminating the need for custom redesigns for each casing variation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by modifying the geometric parameters of the OAS forward end surfaces. The radially oriented first and second forward surfaces, along with the transitional surface between them, allow for parameter adjustments that maintain manufacturing precision while adapting to different casing configurations through controlled geometric variations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If OAS geometry is redesigned to match new casing treatments, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the geometric complexity only at the forward end of the OAS where it interfaces with the casing. The radially oriented surfaces and transitional geometry are localized to this specific region, while the rest of the OAS maintains a simpler structure. This localized approach improves adaptability without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
3Reliability
If sealing interface is modified, then sealing efficiency is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes curvature by implementing radially oriented surfaces that follow arc paths rather than straight lines. The first forward surface and second forward surface are curved to match the radial geometry of the casing, and the transitional surface between them uses smooth curvature transitions. This curved geometry improves sealing efficiency by conforming to the radial pressure distribution while remaining manufacturable through standard radial machining operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A compressor of a gas turbine engine is provided. The compressor includes a casing including an elongate body having an aft surface at an aft end thereof and an outer air seal (OAS) disposed aft of the casing. The OAS includes at a forward end thereof a first forward surface, a second forward surface inboard of and recessed aftward from the first forward surface and a transitional surface radially interposed between the first and second forward surfaces. The aft surface of the casing is axially interposed between the first and second forward surfaces of the OAS.