Separable Turbine Disk Platforms for CMC Blade Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing turbine disk assemblies with ceramic matrix composite (CMC) blades face challenges in attachment due to material dissimilarity and lack of integral flow path platforms, leading to complicated assembly and reduced effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A turbine disk assembly design featuring a disk with coupling portions and an attachment member that includes a platform and engagement portions, allowing for secure coupling of CMC blades without fixed fasteners, using friction or press fits, and forming a separable platform to direct airflow and reduce stress concentrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If CMC blades are used without integral flow path platforms, then weight is reduced and material performance is improved, but assembly complexity increases and attachment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The platform and blade are merged into a single integral CMC structure, eliminating the need for separate platform components and their associated attachment hardware. This reduces assembly complexity while maintaining the weight benefits of CMC materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The integral CMC platform serves multiple functions: it provides flow path guidance, structural support, and attachment functionality all in one component. This multi-functionality reduces the number of parts and simplifies assembly procedures.
2Ease of operation
If separate non-integral platforms are added to CMC blades, then flow path guidance is improved, but assembly complexity increases and attachment effectiveness is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path platform is merged with the blade structure to form an integral CMC component. This ensures proper flow path guidance while eliminating the complexity of attaching separate platform components.
3Strength
If traditional attachment methods are used for CMC blades, then attachment strength may be sufficient, but material dissimilarity causes attachment difficulties and potential failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The blade and platform are constructed from the same CMC material as an integral structure, eliminating material dissimilarity at the attachment interface. This homogeneity removes potential failure points associated with joining dissimilar materials.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging the blade and platform into a single integral CMC structure, the attachment interface between dissimilar materials is eliminated entirely, improving reliability by removing the weak link.
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 solution enhances the attachment of CMC blades to the disk, improves airflow management, and reduces material usage and weight, leading to improved turbine performance and reduced centrifugal loading, while accommodating thermal expansion and stress variations.
Implementation Method 1
using friction or press fits
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An apparatus includes a disk, an attachment member, and a blade. The disk has an outer surface including a coupling portion. The attachment member has a coupling portion and defines at least a portion of an opening. The coupling portion of the first attachment member is configured to be coupled to the coupling portion of the disk. A portion of the blade is configured to be disposed within the opening when the coupling portion of the attachment member is coupled to the coupling portion of the disk.