Gas Turbine Stator Assembly Axial Insertion Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing stator segment design in gas turbine engines allows for potential axial movement of individual stator segments within the case under load, making it difficult to insert all segments axially during assembly due to interference from non-linear side edges, which complicates the assembly process and requires radial insertion of the last segment.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an anti-rotation stator segment coupled to a lug, neighbor stator segments with linear side edges, and middle stator segments with non-linear side edges that engage each other, allowing for axial insertion of all segments and preventing axial movement, while simplifying the machining process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If non-linear side edges are used for stator segment shrouds to prevent axial movement, then axial stability is improved, but assembly complexity increases and radial insertion is required
Solution Approach 1:
The stator assembly is segmented into multiple individual stator segments that can be assembled separately and then joined together. Each segment has its own shroud with side edges that engage with adjacent segments, allowing the complex stable structure to be built from simpler modular units that can be inserted axially one at a time
Solution Approach 2:
The side edges of the shrouds are designed with specific local geometries including linear portions and non-linear portions. The linear side edges facilitate axial insertion and engagement, while non-linear side edges provide axial stability through complementary engagement. Different portions of the same component have different geometric qualities to satisfy different functional requirements
2Stability of the object's composition
If non-linear side edges are used for stator segment shrouds to prevent axial movement, then axial stability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stator assembly is segmented into multiple individual stator segments that can be assembled separately and then joined together. Each segment has its own shroud with side edges that engage with adjacent segments, allowing the complex stable structure to be built from simpler modular units that can be inserted axially one at a time
Solution Approach 2:
The side edges of the shrouds are designed with specific local geometries including linear portions and non-linear portions. The linear side edges facilitate axial insertion and engagement, while non-linear side edges provide axial stability through complementary engagement. Different portions of the same component have different geometric qualities to satisfy different functional requirements
Data Source
AI summary
A stator assembly or a stator stage is disclosed. The stator assembly includes an endless case that is coupled to or includes at least one lug for engaging an anti-rotation stator segment. The anti-rotator segment includes one curved side edge and one straight or linear side edge. The case also accommodates a plurality of middle stator segments, each having curved side edges on both sides. Finally, a third type of stator segment is a “neighbor” stator segment with one curved side edge and one linear side edge that abuttingly engages the linear side edge of the anti-rotation stator segment. The straight or linear side edges of the anti-rotation stator segments and the neighbor stator segments enable an endless case to be loaded with stator segments from an axial direction. None of the stator segments need to be installed from a radial direction.