Rotatable Vane Segments for Gas Turbine Duct Blocker Thermal Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermal deflection and hysteresis in the annular plate of traditional duct blockers in gas turbine engines reduce the precision control of cooling air flow, affecting engine stability and performance.
Innovation Solution
A rotational duct blocker system with radially extending vane segments and axially extending flow apertures between a rotor and a stator, allowing circumferential movement to regulate fluid flow, and incorporating roller element assemblies and tracks to manage thermal expansion and wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an annular plate is used to regulate cooling air flow, then the duct blocker can control fluid flow between vane segments, but thermal deflection and hysteresis reduce precision control and engine stability
Solution Approach 1:
The annular plate is segmented into multiple independently movable vane segments (first and second vane segments) that can be positioned relative to each other. This segmentation allows precise control of fluid flow paths while reducing thermal deflection effects, as each segment can be independently controlled and compensated for thermal expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The vane segments are designed to be movable relative to each other, allowing dynamic adjustment of the duct blocker configuration. This dynamic capability enables precise control of cooling air flow regulation while accommodating thermal expansion and reducing hysteresis effects through active positioning adjustments.
2Device complexity
If traditional duct blocker design is used, then结构简单 (structure is simple), but thermal deflection reduces control precision and engine performance
Solution Approach 1:
The duct blocker is divided into multiple vane segments that can be independently positioned and controlled. This segmentation improves reliability by allowing each segment to be optimized for thermal performance while maintaining overall structural simplicity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates parameters such as radial extension of vane segments, axial positioning of platforms, and circumferential spacing to control fluid flow characteristics. These parameter changes enable precise control while maintaining structural simplicity and improving engine stability.
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
Enhances precision control of cooling air flow, improves engine stability and performance by reducing thermal deflection effects and wear, while maintaining efficient fluid regulation.
Implementation Method 1
Thermal deflection of and hysteresis in the annular plate
Implementation Method 2
incorporating roller element assemblies and tracks to manage thermal expansion and wear
Implementation Method 3
The first vane segments move circumferentially relative to the second vane segments to regulate fluid flowing between the first flow apertures and the second flow apertures
Implementation Method 4
incorporating roller element assemblies and tracks to manage thermal expansion and wear
Data Source
AI summary
A rotational duct blocker for a gas turbine engine includes a duct blocker rotor and a duct blocker stator. The duct blocker rotor includes a plurality of first vane segments that extend radially between an inner rotor platform and an outer rotor platform, and a plurality of first flow apertures that extend axially through the duct blocker rotor. Each first flow aperture also extends circumferentially between respective adjacent first vane segments. The duct blocker stator includes a plurality of second vane segments that extend radially between an inner stator platform and an outer stator platform, and a plurality of second flow apertures that extend axially through the duct blocker stator. Each second flow aperture also extends circumferentially between respective adjacent second vane segments. The first vane segments move circumferentially relative to the second vane segments to regulate fluid flowing between the first flow apertures and the second flow apertures.