Segmented Turbine Sideplates Resolving Thermal Cracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sideplates in gas turbine engines, particularly in the turbine and compressor sections, face challenges due to high temperatures and pressures, leading to potential cracking and reduced endurance life, as they are typically made from single, integrated pieces that cannot effectively manage thermal loads.
Innovation Solution
A segmented sideplate design is introduced, comprising multiple plates with joint features that allow them to move relative to each other, preventing cracking by accommodating thermal expansion and maintaining a seal to direct airflow effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single integrated sideplate is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it is prone to cracking and has reduced endurance life under high temperatures and pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The sideplate is divided into multiple separate plates that can move relative to each other through joint features. This segmentation allows each plate to independently accommodate thermal expansion and stress, preventing cracking while maintaining structural integrity under high temperatures and pressures.
2Reliability
If a segmented sideplate design is used, then durability and resistance to thermal stress are improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The sideplate is divided into multiple separate plates that can move relative to each other through joint features. This segmentation allows each plate to independently accommodate thermal expansion and stress, preventing cracking while maintaining structural integrity under high temperatures and pressures.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint features between plates are designed to allow relative movement, transforming the static rigid structure into a dynamic system that can adapt to thermal expansion and stress conditions, thereby improving durability without excessive complexity.
3Reliability
If plates are allowed to move relative to each other, then thermal expansion is accommodated and cracking is prevented, but maintaining a seal to direct airflow becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The joint features between plates are designed to allow relative movement, transforming the static rigid structure into a dynamic system that can adapt to thermal expansion and stress conditions, thereby improving durability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint features incorporate flexible sealing elements that can deform and maintain the seal between plates even as they move relative to each other, ensuring airflow directionality is maintained while accommodating thermal expansion.
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 segmented sideplate design enhances the durability and longevity of gas turbine engine components by allowing plates to move and resist cracking under high temperatures and pressures, while maintaining airflow directionality and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A segmented sideplate is introduced, comprising multiple plates with joint features that allow them to move relative to each other, preventing cracking by accommodating thermal expansion
Data Source
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AI summary
A segmented sideplate for use in a gas turbine engine (20) is described. The segmented sideplate includes a first plate (100; 600) having a first circumferential edge (205) configured to interface with a complementary circumferential edge. The segmented sideplate also includes a second plate (102; 602) having a second circumferential edge (207) configured to interface with the first circumferential edge (205).