Gas Turbine Stator Vane Support Using Elastomeric Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stator vanes in gas turbine engines face challenges in withstanding high pressures, temperatures, and vibrations, which can lead to displacement and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
The stator vane assembly incorporates an elastomeric material within pockets defined by brackets and vane supports, providing a robust connection that resists temperature and pressure loads, and prevents displacement of the elastomeric material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If stator vanes are supported directly by rigid vane supports, then structural strength is improved, but displacement and vibration transmission to the case increases
Solution Approach 1:
An elastomeric material is introduced as an intermediary between the stator vane and the rigid vane supports. This elastomeric material absorbs vibrations and prevents displacement while maintaining structural strength, resolving the contradiction between rigid support and displacement resistance.
2Reliability
If elastomeric material is used to prevent displacement, then vibration isolation is improved, but material integrity under high stress deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The solution uses a composite support structure combining rigid vane supports with elastomeric material. The rigid supports provide structural strength while the elastomeric material provides vibration isolation, creating a composite system that maintains both material integrity and vibration isolation under high stress conditions.
3Manufacturing precision
If rigid support structure is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptation to thermal and pressure loads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric material's physical parameters (such as durometer and composition) are selected and configured to provide both precision positioning and adaptability to thermal and pressure loads. The material can deform under load to accommodate dimensional changes in the stator vane due to thermal expansion, while maintaining manufacturing precision through controlled elasticity.
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 enhances the durability and performance of stator vanes by maintaining the elastomeric material's integrity under high stress conditions, ensuring effective support and reducing the risk of displacement.
Implementation Method 1
The stator vanes are subjected to high pressures, high temperatures, and vibrations that may be transmitted to the case
Implementation Method 2
an elastomeric material is disposed within the first pocket... providing a robust connection that resists temperature and pressure loads
Data Source
AI summary
A stator vane assembly for a gas turbine engine includes an inner vane support defining a first aperture, an outer vane support defining a second aperture, a stator having an inner end that extends through the first aperture and an outer end that extends through the second aperture, and a first bracket. The first bracket is operatively connected to the inner vane support and extends over the first aperture. The first bracket and the inner vane support defining a first pocket.