Stator Shroud Mechanical Retention for Gas Turbine Vane Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stator vanes in gas turbine engines often deviate from optimal aerodynamic shapes due to rigid fixation, leading to aeromechanical tuning issues that affect their performance.
Innovation Solution
The use of an arcuate shroud with a shroud pocket and a strap to retain stator vanes, along with potting material, such as rubber, to allow for aerodynamic optimization and secondary retention by straps, enabling the use of different materials for vanes and shrouds for weight reduction and improved damping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If stator vanes are rigidly fixed to the shroud, then structural stability is improved, but aerodynamic performance deteriorates due to deviation from optimal aerodynamic shape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from rigid fixation to a dynamic retention system using flexible straps and potting material that allow the stator vane to maintain its aerodynamic shape while providing sufficient retention. The flexible strap and compliant potting material enable the vane to assume its optimal aerodynamic configuration without rigid constraints.
2Strength
If metal materials are used for both vanes and shrouds, then strength is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material selection where stator vanes can be made from lighter materials (such as composites or different alloys) while the metal shroud provides the necessary structural strength. The flexible strap and potting material system enables this material differentiation by providing retention without requiring both components to be made from high-strength metal.
3Ease of manufacture
If rigid fixation is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but vibrational damping deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the retention system by introducing flexible straps and compliant potting material instead of rigid fixation. This parameter change enables adequate vibrational damping while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized flexible retention components.
4Stability of the object's composition
If aeromechanical tuning is applied to rigidly fixed vanes, then structural integrity is improved, but aerodynamic efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by implementing a dynamic retention system that allows the stator vane to achieve and maintain its optimal aerodynamic shape without rigid constraints. The flexible strap and potting material provide sufficient retention while permitting the vane to operate at its aerodynamic optimum, eliminating the need for compromising aeromechanical tuning.
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 allows for the formation of stator vanes in an aerodynamically optimized shape, providing necessary vibrational damping and reducing weight by enabling the use of composite materials for vanes while maintaining structural integrity with metal shrouds, enhancing overall engine performance.
Implementation Method 1
enabling the use of different materials for vanes and shrouds for weight reduction and improved damping
Data Source
AI summary
A stator assembly for a gas turbine engine includes an arcuate shroud including a shroud pocket, the shroud pocket having a shroud slot extending therethrough. A stator vane is insertable into the shroud pocket and includes a vane slot extending therethrough. A strap extends through the shroud slot and the vane slot to retain the vane to the shroud. A gas turbine engine includes a combustor and a stator and case assembly in in fluid communication with the combustor. The stator and case assembly includes a case defining a working fluid flowpath for the gas turbine engine and a stator assembly secured at the case.