Stator Vane Joint Positioning to Reduce Gas Flow Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engines face challenges in reducing gas flow separation at the joints of stator vane segments, which affects aerodynamic performance due to surface discontinuities and physical discontinuities influencing gas flow.
Innovation Solution
The stator vane assembly is designed with distinct vane segments featuring first and second platforms connected by joints that form an annular structure, with strategically located joints situated between neighboring vane airfoils to minimize flow separation by being closer to the pressure side than the suction side and positioned within a linear band that does not breach the critical boundary between flow fields.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stator vane segments are joined to form an annular structure, then the structural integrity and aerodynamic performance are improved, but surface discontinuities at the joints cause gas flow separation
Solution Approach 1:
The stator vane assembly is divided into multiple distinct vane segments that are joined to form an annular structure. This segmentation allows for modular construction while maintaining overall structural integrity and aerodynamic performance through proper joint design and positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The joints are strategically positioned in specific locations between neighboring vane airfoils where they are closer to the pressure side than the suction side. This local positioning minimizes the impact on gas flow patterns and reduces flow separation at the joint regions while maintaining structural connectivity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If joints are positioned between neighboring vane airfoils, then gas flow separation is reduced, but the structural connectivity and load transfer may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The joints are positioned in specific locations between neighboring vane airfoils where they are closer to the pressure side than the suction side. This local positioning minimizes the impact on gas flow patterns and reduces flow separation at the joint regions while maintaining structural connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The joints extend in a direction that is not purely radial but are oriented to run parallel to a line tangent to the leading edge fillet and trailing edge fillet on the pressure side. This dimensional repositioning allows the joints to avoid breaching the critical flow field boundary while maintaining structural load transfer pathways.
3Productivity
If joints are located within a linear band between neighboring airfoils, then aerodynamic performance is enhanced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The joint positions are predetermined and designed to be located within a linear band between neighboring airfoils, closer to the pressure side. This preliminary design of the joint location allows for optimized aerodynamic performance while establishing clear manufacturing guidelines for achieving the required positioning accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A stator vane assembly includes a plurality of distinct vane segments that each respectively include a first platform, a second platform and at least one vane airfoil connected at opposed ends thereof to the first platform and the second platform. The first platforms meet at distinct first joints with each other, and the second platforms meet at distinct second joints with each other such that the plurality of vane segments forms an annular structure.