Softwall Containment Anti-Ballistic Wrap Hoop Tension

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing softwall containment systems for bladed rotatable machines, such as turbofans, face issues with undesirable radial and axial deflection of anti-ballistic materials during blade separation events, leading to ineffective energy absorption and potential structural damage.

Innovation Solution

The proposed softwall containment system incorporates an anti-ballistic material wrap with axial extensions or 'hoop portions' that induce hoop tension, distributing radial forces and reducing deflection by resisting radially outward movement, while allowing for minimal deflection to absorb kinetic energy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If anti-ballistic material is disposed about the softwall to prevent blade piercing, then protection capability is improved, but radial and axial deflection increases causing ineffective energy absorption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection capabilityVSAvoiddeflection

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The anti-ballistic material wrap is extended in the axial dimension beyond the softwall boundaries, creating axial extensions that provide anchoring. This dimensional extension transforms the wrap from a simple circumferential barrier into a three-dimensional structure that resists both radial penetration and axial/radial deflection through geometric configuration rather than material property changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The axial extensions of the anti-ballistic material wrap are pre-positioned to engage with the softwall structure before impact occurs. This preliminary configuration ensures that when blade separation happens, the wrap is already in place to distribute forces and prevent the softwall from deflecting radially outward or axially inward, rather than relying on reactive measures after deflection begins.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If anti-ballistic material geometry is configured for maximum protection, then protection capability is improved, but structural deflection increases reducing energy absorption effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection capabilityVSAvoidenergy absorption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The anti-ballistic material wrap is segmented into distinct functional zones: a circumferential portion that provides primary blade penetration protection, and axial extensions that anchor to the softwall structure. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally—the circumferential portion stops blades while the axial portions prevent deflection—thereby improving overall energy absorption efficiency without compromising protection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the anti-ballistic material wrap have different geometric configurations optimized for their specific functions. The circumferential portion is configured for maximum blade penetration resistance, while the axial extensions are configured for optimal anchoring and deflection resistance. This local quality differentiation ensures that no single geometric compromise is needed, allowing each region to excel at its designated task.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

This design effectively reduces radial deflection and axial shortening of the containment system, enhancing energy absorption and maintaining structural integrity during blade separation events, thereby improving the overall safety and efficiency of the containment system.

Implementation Method 1

configured to absorb at least some of the kinetic energy of the separated blade

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectKinetic energy absorption: Deformation

Implementation Method 2

induce hoop tension, distributing radial forces and reducing deflection by resisting radially outward movement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHoop tension: Tension

Data Source

PatentUS11215069B2Softwall containment systems

Publication Date: 2022.01.04 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO

AI summary

A softwall containment system for a machine includes an inner wall circumscribing a bladed rotatable member of the machine and extending from a forward end to an aft end. The softwall containment system also includes an outer wall circumscribing the inner wall and extending from a forward end to an aft end. The outer wall is spaced radially outwardly from the inner wall. The outer wall extends axially between a first joint coupling the forward end of the inner wall to the forward end of the outer wall and a second joint coupling the aft end of the inner wall to the aft end of the outer wall. The softwall containment system also includes an anti-ballistic material wrap covering the outer wall, the anti-ballistic material wrap including at least one of a first extension extending forward of the first joint and a second extension extending aft of the second joint.