Segmented Ceramic Shroud with Clamped Retention for Gas Leakage

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Gas turbine engines face performance losses due to gas leakage through static shrouds, which are not effectively blocked by existing designs, leading to reduced efficiency in energy extraction from combustion exhaust.

Innovation Solution

A segmented turbine shroud with a carrier segment and blade track segment made of ceramic-containing materials, featuring a dovetail slot and retention assembly that includes retainer blocks and pins to securely attach the blade track segment, preventing radial movement and enhancing gas flow over the blades.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If existing shroud designs are used, then the structure is simple, but gas leakage through the shroud occurs leading to reduced efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas leakageVSAvoidshroud structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shroud is divided into multiple segments arranged circumferentially, with each segment containing blade tracks made of ceramic-containing materials. This segmentation allows for better gas blocking performance while maintaining structural manageability through modular construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Ceramic-containing materials are used in the blade tracks to provide superior resistance to gas leakage compared to traditional materials. The ceramic composite properties enable the shroud to effectively block hot gases while withstanding the harsh thermal and mechanical environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Loss of energy

If blade track segments are used to block gas leakage, then gas blocking improves, but the complexity of attaching and retaining the segments increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas leakage blockingVSAvoidattachment structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retainer blocks are positioned within recesses of the carrier segment, creating a nested arrangement where the retention assembly fits inside the carrier structure. This nested design provides secure attachment while minimizing overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

Retainer blocks serve as intermediary components between the blade track segments and the carrier segment. These retainer blocks facilitate the connection by providing a standardized interface that simplifies the attachment process and ensures reliable gas blocking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of energy

If ceramic-containing materials are used in blade tracks, then gas blocking effectiveness improves, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas leakageVSAvoidblade track segment fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The blade tracks are manufactured as separate segments containing ceramic materials, which can be produced using specialized ceramic processing techniques. This segmentation allows the ceramic components to be manufactured independently and then assembled into the complete shroud structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The blade track segments with ceramic materials are combined with metal carrier segments and retention assemblies to create a hybrid structure. This merging allows each component to be optimized for its specific manufacturing process while achieving the overall gas blocking function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10605121B2Mounted ceramic matrix composite component with clamped flange attachment

Publication Date: 2020.03.31 ROLLS ROYCE HIGH TEMPERATURE COMPOSITES INC

AI summary

An assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a carrier and a supported component comprising ceramic matrix composite materials. The assembly also includes a retention assembly for coupling the supported component to the carrier.