Turbomachine Stator Element Inter-Platform Seal Fin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dual-flow turbomachines face challenges in reducing secondary stream corner and passage vortices, which lead to aerodynamic losses and separation, despite existing solutions like fins between blades not fully addressing manufacturing and installation constraints.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a fin within the inter-platform seal between stator vanes, forming a single part that enhances mechanical strength and guides the flow, preventing streamline ascent on the upper surface of the vanes, with a flat support and elongated fin design that matches the curvature of the stator vanes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If fins are placed between stator blades to reduce vortices, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but manufacturing and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fin is integrated directly into the inter-platform joint structure, merging two previously separate components (fin and joint) into a single monolithic element. This eliminates the need for separate manufacturing and assembly steps while maintaining the vortex-reducing function of the fin.
Solution Approach 2:
The inter-platform joint is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the stator blades, seals the platform interface, and incorporates the fin to control secondary flow and reduce vortices. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If fins are added between blades to control flow, then flow guidance is improved, but mechanical strength and assembly reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the fin into the inter-platform joint as a single monolithic structure, the patent eliminates potential failure points at fin-to-blade interfaces. The merged structure ensures reliable mechanical strength while maintaining effective flow guidance through the fin geometry.
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 configuration reduces vortices and improves aerodynamic performance by minimizing pressure losses and static pressure distortion, while ensuring mechanical strength and ease of assembly.
Implementation Method 1
The fin guides the flow and prevents streamlines from rising up the stator blades' upper surface
Implementation Method 2
secondary flows (corner vortex, passage vortex) are reduced
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
Turbomachine stator element (50), extending around a longitudinal axis, the element comprising at least one first stator vane (1) and at least one second stator vane (1') circumferentially adjacent to the first stator vane (1), each first and second stator vane (1, 1') comprising a platform and a blade extending radially from the platform, the stator element also comprising at least one inter-platform seal (12), arranged between the platform of the first stator vane (1) and the platform of the second stator vane (1'), characterized in that the inter-platform seal (12) comprises a flat support (14) provided with an upper surface on which there extends a fin (15).