Spiral-Coiled Composite Liners for Turbomachinery Ballistic Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for constructing gas turbine engine cases and liners are inadequate in terms of efficiency and effectiveness, particularly in providing adequate ballistic protection and weight reduction while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A composite liner with a spiral-coiled shape, comprising multiple reinforcing layers and a release layer, is installed within the engine case, providing radial tension and thickness that exceeds the case diameter, allowing for reduced weight and enhanced ballistic protection by selectively distributing the liner's thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional composite liners are constructed by laying up and fixing arcuate segments on the case interior, then the liner provides aerodynamic protection, but the manufacturing process is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the liner from discrete arcuate segments to a continuous spiral-coiled structure. This transformation allows the liner to be manufactured as a single integrated component rather than requiring assembly of multiple segments, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing complexity while maintaining aerodynamic protection functions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple discrete arcuate segments into a single continuous spiral-coiled liner structure. By combining what were previously separate components into one integrated element, the manufacturing process is simplified and assembly operations are eliminated, directly addressing the complexity issue while preserving the protective function
2Reliability
If the liner thickness is increased to provide ballistic protection, then protection capability is improved, but the weight of the case increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the liner thickness according to the specific ballistic protection requirements at different locations on the case. Rather than uniformly increasing thickness everywhere, the spiral-coiled structure allows for localized thickening in areas requiring enhanced protection while maintaining thinner sections where protection requirements are lower, thus providing adequate ballistic protection without excessive weight increase
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes composite material structures in the spiral-coiled liner design, which provide high strength-to-weight ratio. The composite construction allows the liner to achieve improved ballistic protection capability through optimized material composition and structural configuration rather than simply increasing overall thickness, thereby limiting weight increase
3Reliability
If the liner is constructed with multiple thick reinforcing layers, then ballistic protection is enhanced, but the manufacturing complexity and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the structural parameters by transitioning from multiple discrete thick layers to a continuous spiral-coiled configuration. This parameter change allows the liner to achieve enhanced ballistic protection through the continuous overlapping spiral structure, which distributes stress more effectively, while avoiding the complexity of assembling and bonding multiple separate thick layers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs curvature in the form of a spiral-coiled structure that wraps around the case interior. This curved, continuous configuration provides enhanced ballistic protection by distributing impact forces along the spiral path, while the single-continuous-piece construction simplifies manufacturing compared to assembling multiple flat or curved segments
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 ballistic protection of gas turbine engine cases, reduces weight by using lighter materials in non-critical areas, and simplifies the manufacturing process through spiral coiling and vacuum bagging techniques, resulting in a more efficient and durable engine case design.
Implementation Method 1
The liner includes residual tension that exerts a force oriented radially outwards with respect to an axis of the case body
Implementation Method 2
a composite liner with a spiral-coiled shape, comprising multiple reinforcing layers and a release layer
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A method of making a liner (100; 200) for a turbomachinery case (26) includes overlaying a reinforcing layer (102; 202, 204) and a release layer (104; 206). The method also includes spiral coiling the reinforcing layer and the release layer about an axis (A) of the liner such that a radially inner surface (112) of the release layer radially overlays a radially outer surface (108) of the reinforcing layer.