Cambered Ring Airfoil Fan Thrust and Drag Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fan systems for gas turbine engines face challenges in achieving high propulsive efficiency with minimal drag and weight, while also addressing issues like noise emission and blade containment.
Innovation Solution
The fan system incorporates a rotor with blades attached to a hub, featuring a cambered ring airfoil that forms an angle of attack, which generates thrust, and can be configured with contra-rotating rotors and variable-pitch blades to optimize performance across different operating conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional fan blade systems are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but propulsive efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the traditional blade structure with a ring airfoil component to create an integrated thrust generation system. The ring airfoil is positioned circumferentially around the rotor hub and works in conjunction with the blades to generate additional thrust, thereby improving propulsive efficiency without requiring a complete redesign of the fan system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a third dimension to thrust generation by adding the ring airfoil that operates in a circumferential direction around the hub, complementing the radial thrust from the blades. This dimensional addition allows the system to exploit airflow in multiple directions simultaneously, enhancing overall propulsive efficiency.
2Productivity
If fan systems with high thrust generation are designed, then propulsive efficiency improves, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thrust generation function is segmented between two independent components: the radial blades and the circumferential ring airfoil. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific thrust generation mechanism, enabling high overall thrust without requiring excessive mass in a single structure. The ring airfoil can be designed with minimal structural mass since it operates in a different plane and uses different airflow dynamics.
3Productivity
If conventional blade geometries are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but drag is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The ring airfoil employs curved, aerodynamically optimized cross-sections that follow the circumferential flow patterns. This curvature is essential for generating lift in the circumferential direction and reducing drag. The curved geometry of the ring airfoil allows it to efficiently convert rotational motion into thrust while minimizing resistance from the surrounding air.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If single-rotor configurations are used, then mechanical simplicity is maintained, but noise emission is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a single rotor hub with dual functional elements (blades and ring airfoil) to achieve noise reduction without requiring multiple separate rotor assemblies. The ring airfoil acts as a flow straightener and noise shield, reducing turbulent wake and acoustic emissions from the blade tips, thereby addressing noise concerns while maintaining mechanical simplicity.
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 configuration enhances propulsive efficiency, reduces weight and drag, and minimizes noise emission, while providing effective blade containment and adaptable performance for various mission profiles.
Implementation Method 1
A ring airfoil is attached to each of the plurality of blades, wherein the ring airfoil has a cambered cross section
Implementation Method 2
the ring airfoil forms an angle of attack relative to the axis
Data Source
AI summary
A fan system includes a rotor having plurality of blades and a ring airfoil, the plurality of blades being rotatably joined to a hub and the ring airfoil. The fan system may include a second contra-rotationally disposed rotor having a plurality of blades and a ring airfoil. The first and second ring airfoils having a cambered shape and an angle of attack between about −5 degrees and about 45 degrees, more preferably between about 5 degrees and about 30 degrees. Optionally, an outlet guide vane may be mounted rearward of the one or more rotors having a ring airfoil.