Stator Vane Platform Plug for Core Aperture Recirculation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stator vanes in rotary machines, particularly in gas turbine engines, suffer from inefficiencies due to fluid recirculation within the core aperture, leading to reduced cooling efficiency and potential structural integrity issues.
Innovation Solution
A platform for a stator vane with a plug that occupies at least 50% of the core aperture by volume, sealed to the platform body, to prevent fluid recirculation and enhance cooling efficiency by directing fluid flow through the internal passageway.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the core aperture is left open for fluid passage, then fluid flow is maintained, but fluid recirculation occurs reducing cooling efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The plug is inserted into the core aperture to extract or remove the harmful recirculation flow path. By occupying at least 50% of the core aperture volume, the plug eliminates the recirculation zone while maintaining the necessary fluid passage function through the internal fluid passageway.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug acts as an intermediary element within the core aperture. It mediates between the need for fluid passage and the need to prevent recirculation, directing fluid flow through the internal passageway while blocking the recirculation path.
2Reliability
If the plug occupies more of the core aperture, then recirculation is better eliminated, but structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the plug volume parameter, specifying that it should occupy at least 50% but no more than 75% of the core aperture. This parameter change balances the conflicting requirements: sufficient plug volume to eliminate recirculation while maintaining enough open space to preserve structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug is positioned strategically within the core aperture, with its lower portion extending into the internal fluid passageway. This local positioning ensures that the plug effectively blocks recirculation paths while maintaining structural strength in critical areas.
3Temperature
If the platform body is designed with internal fluid passageway, then cooling is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The internal fluid passageway is nested within the platform body structure, with the plug inserted into the core aperture that itself contains the fluid passageway. This nested arrangement integrates the cooling function into the existing structural design, minimizing additional manufacturing complexity.
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
The solution effectively reduces fluid recirculation, improves cooling efficiency, and enhances the structural integrity of the stator vane, leading to improved performance and efficiency of the rotary machine.
Implementation Method 1
the plug is configured to occupy no less than 50% of the core aperture by volume whilst secured to the platform body to at least partially eliminate recirculation of a fluid conveyed by the internal fluid passageway within the core aperture
Implementation Method 2
The internal fluid passageway is configured to convey air received from a compressor stage of the gas turbine engine
Data Source
AI summary
A platform for a stator vane includes a platform body and a plug. The platform body defines: an inner surface, an outer surface offset from the inner surface, an internal fluid passageway disposed between the outer surface and the inner surface, and a core aperture extending from the outer surface to the internal fluid passageway. The plug is configured to be secured to the platform body. The plug is configured to occupy no less than 50% of the core aperture by volume whilst secured to the platform body to at least partially eliminate recirculation of a fluid conveyed by the internal fluid passageway within the core aperture.