Axial Compressor Stator Vane Platform Welding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing axial turbomachines face challenges in achieving a compact and lightweight design due to spatial and geometric constraints during welding, which result in increased size and weight, particularly in low-pressure compressors used in aircraft propulsion, where the lengthening of components affects the turbomachine's efficiency and energy requirements.
Innovation Solution
The axial turbomachine stator features an outer shroud with an annular row of openings and internal grooves for an abradable material, where the weld beads are positioned axially within the grooves, allowing the platforms to extend over the groove's bottom, thus shortening the axial length and facilitating welding without lengthening the compressor, enabling a more compact and efficient design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the platforms are lengthened to move the bent zone away from the blades, then the welding constraints are satisfied, but the compressor length and turbomachine weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention moves the weld bead from the radial dimension (where it would require long platforms) to the axial dimension by positioning it within the internal groove. This dimensional shift allows the weld to be placed closer to the blade body without compromising welding quality, thereby reducing platform length and compressor overall length.
Solution Approach 2:
The weld bead is nested within the internal groove of the outer shroud, utilizing the groove space to accommodate the weld. This nesting allows the weld to be positioned in a confined space without requiring additional axial or radial clearance, enabling shorter platforms while maintaining welding integrity.
2Manufacturing precision
If the platforms are lengthened to satisfy welding spatial constraints, then homogeneous welding is achieved, but the turbomachine size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The internal groove provides a localized region with optimized geometry for welding, concentrating the homogeneous welding conditions within this specific zone. The groove's constant thickness section ensures uniform material distribution at the weld location, achieving weld homogeneity without requiring extended platform lengths throughout the entire structure.
3Reliability
If the bent zone is moved away from the blades, then welding constraints are satisfied, but the compressor and turbomachine become less compact
Solution Approach 1:
The invention relocates the weld bead along the axial dimension by positioning it within the internal groove, rather than requiring extension along the radial dimension. This axial positioning allows the bent zone to remain close to the blade while still satisfying welding constraints, maintaining compact turbomachine volume.
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 reduces the turbomachine's size by saving millimeters per rectifier stage, improves aerodynamics by covering weld roughness with abradable material, and allows for more efficient flow management, resulting in a lighter and more robust turbomachine with enhanced efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an annular row of openings (28) and at least one internal annular groove (30) intended to receive an annular layer of abradable material (36)
Implementation Method 2
secured by one or more weld beads (40, 42) between the platforms (38) and the openings (28)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a rectifier (24) for an axial turbomachine compressor comprising an outer shell (28) with a row of openings and an internal annular groove for receiving an annular layer of abradable material (36) forming a band. The rectifier (24) also includes a row of stator blades (26) adjacent to the row of openings. The stator blades (26) include platforms (38) with surfaces complementary to the openings, said platforms (38) being housed within the openings so as to cover them. Weld beads secure the platforms (38) at their junctions with the openings. On one side of the row of stator blades (26), a portion of the weld beads is located axially at the height of the internal annular groove. The invention also relates to methods for manufacturing the rectifier (24).