Turbofan Stator Vane Liner Butt Joint Streamline Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing stator-vane structure in turbofan engines experiences pressure loss due to gaps or level differences between liners, which are formed to clamp stator vanes, leading to vortex formation and increased corrosion from hot gas exposure.
Innovation Solution
A stator-vane structure with liners that butt against each other to form a channel, where the leading-edge division line is aligned along the streamline direction, reducing pressure loss by minimizing the impact of gaps and level differences, and using composite materials for the stator vanes and liners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If liners are used to clamp stator vanes with separate materials, then weight saving and cost reduction are achieved, but gaps or level differences cause pressure loss
Solution Approach 1:
The stator vane assembly is segmented into multiple components: the stator vane itself and separate liners (fairings) that clamp it. This segmentation allows different materials to be used for each component, optimizing weight and cost while maintaining functionality. The liners are positioned at the leading edge and trailing edge of the stator vane to provide clamping while minimizing aerodynamic interference.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the stator vane assembly have different requirements for material properties. The stator vane requires high stiffness and strength for structural support and aerodynamic performance, while the liners can be made from lighter, less expensive materials since their primary function is clamping. This local differentiation of material quality optimizes the overall weight and cost while maintaining necessary performance.
2Strength
If liners clamp stator vanes to form air channel, then structural function is enhanced, but gaps or level differences cause vortex formation and pressure loss
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping structure is segmented into discrete liners positioned at specific locations (leading edge and trailing edge) rather than a continuous structure. This segmentation allows the liners to provide necessary clamping strength while minimizing the total surface area that could create gaps or level differences, thereby reducing vortex formation and pressure loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The liners act as intermediary elements between the stator vane and the surrounding air channel structure. They provide the necessary clamping force to secure the stator vane while being designed to minimize aerodynamic interference. The liners serve as a mediating structure that achieves structural reinforcement without significantly impacting airflow.
3Ease of manufacture
If unitary material is used for stator vane and shrouds, then manufacturing is simplified, but weight saving and cost reduction are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The stator vane assembly is divided into separate components (stator vane and liners) that can be manufactured independently using different materials and processes. This segmentation enables optimization of each component for its specific function while allowing for weight reduction and cost savings through selective material usage, despite increasing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different materials are used for different components of the stator vane assembly. The stator vane uses a material optimized for structural strength and aerodynamic performance, while the liners use lighter, less expensive materials suitable for clamping functions. This composite approach to materials allows weight saving and cost reduction while maintaining necessary structural integrity.
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 effectively suppresses pressure loss and reduces the risk of corrosion by ensuring airflow aligns with the vane chord line, enhancing the structural and aerodynamic performance of the stator vanes.
Implementation Method 1
the liners that are adjacent to each other are made to butt against each other so as to clamp therebetween the stator vane
Implementation Method 2
a division line that is formed between the liners on a leading-edge side of the stator vane is along a streamline direction
Implementation Method 3
a gap or a level difference on the leading-edge side of the stator vane will cause a vortex, which leads to a problem of causing pressure loss
Data Source
AI summary
A stator-vane structure that can suppress pressure loss caused by a gap or a level difference between liners, while forming an air channel with stator vanes made of a composite material and the liners in a turbofan engine, and the turbofan engine employing this stator-vane structure are provided. Inner liners are made to butt against each other so as to clamp therebetween a vane base section of a fan exit guide vane (stator vane) made of a composite material, outer liners are made to butt against each other so as to clamp therebetween a vane tip section of the fan exit guide vane, respectively, and division lines that are formed between these liners on a leading-edge side are made to be along a streamline direction.