Segmented Variable Fan Outlet Guide Vane Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engine fan blades experience operability issues due to variations in intake airflow and pressure fluctuations within the inlet and bypass ducts.
Innovation Solution
A fan assembly with a fan duct and a fan comprising multiple fan blades, along with an outlet guide vane assembly. The outlet guide vane assembly includes a variable leading edge vane with a tip segment and a hub segment that can independently rotate to adjust the direction of incoming air and reduce incidence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed outlet guide vanes are used, then the structure is simple, but the fan experiences operability issues due to variations in intake airflow and pressure fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet guide vane is divided into multiple independent segments (first outlet guide vane segment, second outlet guide vane segment, etc.) that can be actuated independently of each other. Each segment can be rotated to different pitch angles to independently control airflow in different radial regions, allowing the system to adapt to varying airflow conditions and maintain fan operability while managing complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet guide vanes are transformed from a fixed structure to a dynamic, adjustable structure. Each vane segment is equipped with an actuation mechanism (such as a cam and cam rod assembly) that allows it to rotate about a pitch axis, enabling real-time adjustment of the vane pitch angle in response to changing airflow conditions, thereby improving fan operability across different operating regimes
2Adaptability or versatility
If uniform pitch angle is applied to all outlet guide vane segments, then the structure is simple, but it cannot match distorted airflows
Solution Approach 1:
Different outlet guide vane segments are assigned different pitch angles based on local airflow conditions and requirements. The first outlet guide vane segment may be set to a different pitch angle than the second segment, allowing each region to be optimized for its specific airflow characteristics. This local differentiation enables the system to match distorted airflows more effectively while the modular actuation system manages the complexity through standardized components
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet guide vane assembly is segmented into multiple independently controllable sections, each capable of being rotated to its optimal pitch angle. This segmentation allows the system to address non-uniform airflow distortion by applying different control strategies to different segments, improving adaptability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture
Data Source
AI summary
A fan assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a fan duct, a fan, and an outlet guide vane assembly located in the fan duct axially downstream of the fan. The outlet guide vane assembly includes a first variable leading edge outlet guide vane that extends radially relative to the central axis and includes a leading edge portion and a fixed aft portion, the leading edge portion including a tip segment configured to rotate about a leading edge pitch axis and a hub segment located radially inward of and separate from the tip segment, the hub segment configured to independently rotate about the leading edge pitch axis relative to the tip segment. The assembly further includes two unique actuation assemblies each including a cam rod and cams located thereon that are configured to rotate a respective tip or hub segment.


