Segmented Stator Assembly Using Potting for Vane Vibration Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stator vanes in gas turbine engines are rigidly fixed to shrouds, leading to deviations from optimal aerodynamic shapes due to vibratory modes, which affects performance.
Innovation Solution
A stator assembly design featuring composite stator vanes retained by potting material and metal shrouds, with secondary retention straps, allowing for aerodynamic optimization and reduced weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If stator vanes are rigidly fixed to shrouds, then structural strength is improved, but aerodynamic shape optimization deteriorates due to vibratory modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces potting material as an intermediary substance between the stator vanes and shrouds. This potting material provides mechanical bonding and structural strength while allowing the stator vanes to maintain their optimal aerodynamic shape without being constrained by rigid fixation. The potting material absorbs vibratory stresses, preventing the shape distortion that would occur with rigid mechanical fastening.
2Reliability
If stator vanes are rigidly fixed to shrouds, then reliability is improved, but aerodynamic performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The potting material serves as a mediator that maintains reliable structural attachment while preserving aerodynamic performance. It provides consistent mechanical bonding and vibration damping, ensuring reliability, while allowing the stator vanes to maintain their precision aerodynamic contours for optimal gas flow guidance and engine performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the bonding interface from rigid mechanical fastening to a compliant potting material with specific viscoelastic properties. This parameter change in the bonding mechanism allows the stator vanes to maintain their aerodynamic shape while still achieving reliable attachment, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and aerodynamic performance.
3Weight of moving object
If composite material is used for stator vanes, then weight is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes composite materials for stator vanes to achieve weight reduction. The composite construction allows for optimized strength-to-weight ratio while maintaining the aerodynamic shape. The potting material provides a simplified manufacturing approach by eliminating the need for complex mechanical fastening systems, thus offsetting the increased complexity of composite material fabrication.
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
Enables stator vanes to maintain an optimal aerodynamic shape while reducing weight, enhancing performance and damping vibrations.
Implementation Method 1
A volume of potting is disposed at the inner shroud and at the outer shroud to retain the plurality of stator vanes thereat
Implementation Method 2
enabling the stator vanes to be formed to an aerodynamically optimized shape and/or enabling the stator vanes to be formed from a composite material that is lighter in weight than a metal material would be while still providing the necessary vibrational damping properties
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
A stator assembly for a gas turbine engine (10) includes an arcuate outer shroud (44), an arcuate inner shroud (48) radially spaced from the outer shroud and a plurality of stator vanes (52) extending from the outer shroud to the inner shroud. A volume of potting (68) is located at the inner shroud and at the outer shroud to retain the plurality of stator vanes thereat. A stator and case assembly includes a case (30) defining a working fluid flowpath and a stator assembly positioned at the case. The stator assembly includes a plurality of stator segments arranged circumferentially about an engine axis (28), each stator segment including an arcuate outer shroud secured to the case, an arcuate inner shroud, and a plurality of stator vanes extending from the outer to inner shroud. A volume of potting is located at the inner shroud and at the outer shroud to retain the plurality of stator vanes thereat.