Radial Loading Element for Turbine Vane Thermal Growth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Turbine vane assemblies in gas turbine engines experience undesirable movement due to thermal growth differentials, leading to engine vibration, as existing tolerances for thermal expansion allow excessive radial movement.
Innovation Solution
A vane assembly with radial loading elements, such as leaf-type springs, is used to generate a constant radial load force that biases the vane ring relative to the vane support, limiting radial movement and reducing vibration by maintaining the vane ring's position concentric to the engine axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If tolerances are provided to allow for thermal growth, then thermal expansion is accommodated, but undesirable vane movement occurs leading to engine vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces radial loading elements that apply a controlled radial force to the vane ring, changing the mechanical parameter of radial constraint. This allows the system to maintain thermal growth accommodation while preventing excessive radial movement that causes vibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The radial loading elements act as intermediary components between the vane ring and the support structure. These elements mediate the interaction by providing a controlled radial load that limits relative radial movement while still allowing for thermal expansion.
2Adaptability or versatility
If radial looseness is provided between vane and support, then thermal growth is permitted, but friction and wear increase during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The radial loading elements change the radial force parameter, applying a controlled load that reduces the looseness between the vane ring and support. This minimizes friction and wear while still allowing for thermal growth through the elastic deformation of the loading elements themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The radial loading elements are pre-installed to provide a cushioning effect that absorbs the thermal growth stresses. This beforehand cushioning prevents direct contact and friction between the vane ring and support structure during thermal expansion cycles.
3Reliability
If radial loading elements are introduced to limit radial movement, then vibration is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radial loading elements are designed as thin, flexible components that can be easily integrated into the existing vane assembly. These thin-film-like elements provide the necessary radial constraint without adding significant structural complexity or bulk to the design.
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
This solution significantly reduces engine vibration, minimizes wear and fretting, improves sealing efficiency, and extends the lifespan of engine components by maintaining vane ring position and allowing for thermal growth, with measured reductions in vibration ranging from 30% to 50% in tests.
Implementation Method 1
a radial loading element disposed between a remote end of each of the lug members and the vane support, the radial loading elements generating a radial load force against the vane ring
Data Source
AI summary
A vane assembly for a gas turbine engine comprising a number of radial loading elements disposed between lugs of the vane ring and the vane support, such as to generate a radial load force against the vane ring. The radial load force prevents unwanted relative movement between the vane ring and the vane support during operation of the gas turbine engine.