Segmented Seal Structure for High-Temperature Engine Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seals used in gas turbine engines, such as metal w-seals and non-metallic rope seals, fail prematurely due to significant relative deflections and elevated temperatures, leading to inefficiencies in engine performance and component life, with limited flexibility and wear resistance.
Innovation Solution
A multi-piece seal design comprising first, second, and third seal sections with convolutions and compliant seals, formed from high-temperature materials like metal alloys, ceramics, or ceramic composites, which are flexible and resilient, allowing for improved contact and sealing even under thermal and mechanical displacements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a metal w-seal is used to seal the gas path, then wear resistance is improved, but flexibility deteriorates causing the seal to deform under significant deflections
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is divided into multiple segments or sections that can independently deflect and conform to component movements. Each segment contains convolutions that provide flexibility while the overall structure maintains sealing capability under thermal and mechanical deflections
Solution Approach 2:
The seal structure incorporates convolutions and flexible geometries that change their physical parameters (shape, volume) in response to thermal expansion and mechanical deflection, allowing the seal to adapt to component movements while maintaining contact and sealing effectiveness
2Temperature
If a rope seal is used to achieve high temperature capability, then thermal tolerance is improved, but flexibility deteriorates resulting in even less flexibility than metal seals
Solution Approach 1:
The rope seal is segmented into multiple sections with convolutions between them, allowing each segment to flex independently while maintaining the high-temperature capabilities of the rope seal material
Solution Approach 2:
The seal design adds convolutions and multi-sectional geometry to the traditional rope seal, transforming it from a simple linear structure to a multi-dimensional flexible structure that can accommodate thermal and mechanical deflections while maintaining temperature resistance
3Strength
If higher strength material is used to improve deflection capability, then deflection resistance is improved, but temperature capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The seal employs composite construction combining different materials with complementary properties - high-strength materials for deflection resistance and high-temperature materials for thermal capability, allowing the seal to simultaneously achieve both deflection capability and temperature resistance
4Device complexity
If a single-piece seal design is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to premature failure under thermal and mechanical stress
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is designed as multiple sections or pieces that can independently respond to thermal and mechanical stress, preventing stress concentration and premature failure while maintaining relatively simple overall structure and installation
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
The multi-piece seal design enhances sealing efficiency and durability by maintaining contact with components during relative movements, improving wear resistance and thermal tolerance, while allowing for flexibility and resilience, thus reducing fuel burn and extending component life.
Implementation Method 1
at least one compliant seal is disposed between the second seal section and the first and third seal sections
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates generally to a seal between two components. The seal includes a plurality of seal sections including convolutions therein that are inter-engaged with one another to form flexible and resilient seals.