Split-Line Stator Vane Assembly Stress Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing split-line stator vane assemblies in turbomachines experience high operational stresses, are difficult to assemble and disassemble, and have limited hardware life.
Innovation Solution
A split-line stator vane assembly design that includes a first split-line stator vane with a protrusion extending circumferentially beyond the split-line and a second split-line stator vane with a recess complementary to the protrusion, allowing for improved stress distribution and simplified assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If stator vanes are mounted near the split-line of the compressor casing, then the compressor section can be assembled in half-sections for easier manufacturing and maintenance, but the stator vanes experience higher operational stresses and are more difficult to assemble and disassemble
Solution Approach 1:
The stator vane is divided into two separate halves (first stator vane half and second stator vane half) that are mounted on opposite sides of the split-line. Each half is independently manufacturable and can be assembled with the corresponding casing half, reducing assembly complexity while distributing mechanical stresses across separate components rather than concentrating them in a single piece vane.
2Ease of operation
If stator vanes are mounted near the split-line, then the compressor casing can be accessed from both upper and lower portions for maintenance, but the stator vanes have limited hardware life due to high stresses
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the stator vane into two independent halves mounted on separate casing portions, each half experiences reduced mechanical stress compared to a single continuous vane spanning the split-line. This stress distribution extends the service life of each individual vane half while maintaining accessibility for maintenance operations on both upper and lower casing portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the structural parameter of the stator vane from a single-piece configuration to a multi-piece configuration with individual mounting interfaces. This parameter change allows for independent replacement and maintenance of each vane half, extending overall hardware life through modular replacement rather than requiring complete assembly disassembly.
3Device complexity
If traditional single-piece stator vanes are used, then the structure is simpler, but assembly and disassembly at the split-line is difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The stator vane is segmented into two halves that can be independently assembled with the upper and lower casing portions. This segmentation eliminates the need to disassemble the entire vane structure for maintenance, allowing each half to be independently accessed, removed, or replaced, significantly reducing assembly and disassembly time compared to traditional single-piece vanes.
Solution Approach 2:
The stator vane halves are pre-configured with mounting features that align with the split-line casing portions. This preliminary configuration allows for rapid assembly by simply joining the pre-prepared halves with their corresponding casing sections, eliminating complex field assembly operations and reducing overall assembly time.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A compressor section (14) includes a compressor casing (48) that has an upper casing portion (60) coupled to a lower casing portion (62) such that a split-line (64) is defined between the upper casing portion (60) and the lower casing portion (62). A split-line stator vane assembly (70) includes a first split-line stator vane (76) that has a first shank (75) with a first platform portion (84) and a first mounting portion (86) that extends radially outward of the first platform portion (84). A first airfoil (88) extends radially inward of the first platform portion (84). The first platform portion (84) includes a protrusion (80) that extends circumferentially beyond the split-line (64). A second split-line stator vane (78) has a second shank (79) with a second platform portion (94) and a second mounting portion (96) that extends radially outward of the second platform portion (94). A second airfoil (88) extends radially inward of the second platform portion (94). The second platform portion (94) includes a recess (82) that extends circumferentially away from the split-line (64).