Turbomachine Stator Stage Structural Vane Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional turbomachine rectifier stages face challenges in achieving sufficient stiffness without introducing aerodynamic disturbances, and they are often heavy and costly due to the use of metallic materials, limiting their mechanical strength, cost-effectiveness, and repairability.
Innovation Solution
A rectifier architecture that combines structural and non-structural vanes, where structural vanes are rigidly attached to inner shroud supports to increase rigidity, using composite materials for the shroud supports and metallic or composite vanes, allowing for a modular design optimizing mechanical strength, stiffness, cost, and repairability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If stiffeners are added to the rectifier stage to increase stiffness, then the structural rigidity is improved, but aerodynamic disturbances are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating between structural vanes (with platforms for rigid attachment) and aerodynamic vanes (without platforms). This allows the structural vanes to provide stiffness while the aerodynamic vanes maintain smooth airflow, resolving the contradiction between structural rigidity and aerodynamic performance
Solution Approach 2:
The rectifier stage is segmented into multiple functional zones: structural vanes with platforms for rigid attachment to shrouds, and aerodynamic vanes without platforms. This segmentation allows each zone to optimize its specific function without compromising the other
2Strength
If metallic materials are used for the rectifier to ensure mechanical strength, then the structural strength is improved, but the mass and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials strategy by combining metallic structural vanes (for strength and rigidity) with aerodynamic vanes that can be made from lighter materials. The hybrid construction achieves required mechanical strength while reducing overall mass compared to 100% metallic configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The structural function is extracted from all vanes and concentrated specifically in the structural vanes with platforms. This allows aerodynamic vanes to be optimized for weight reduction without compromising overall structural integrity
3Strength
If structural vanes with platforms are rigidly attached to shrouds to increase stiffness, then the rigidity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The platforms on structural vanes serve multiple functions: they provide rigid attachment points to both inner and outer shrouds, maintain precise positioning, and ensure proper spacing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby managing complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a turbomachine rectifier stage comprising a plurality of fixed blades connecting an inner shell support to an outer shell support, said inner shell support and said outer shell support delimiting an aerodynamic duct, the plurality of fixed blades consisting of so-called structural blades framing so-called non-structural or aero blades so as to form boxes, said structural blades being rigidly attached to the inner shell support by means of fastening elements in order to confer increased rigidity to the boxes.