Aerodynamic Sync-Ring for Gas Turbine Blocker Door Airflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blocker door assemblies in gas turbine engines face inefficiencies in airflow control, leading to significant air flow resistance and axial pressure loads, which affect engine performance and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An aerodynamically shaped sync-ring with a convex outer and inner arcuate sides is positioned downstream of the blocker doors, minimizing airflow resistance and axial pressure loads, and is integrated with a cooling system featuring heat exchangers and stanchions to control airflow and facilitate efficient cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional blocker door assemblies are used to control airflow, then airflow control function is provided, but significant airflow resistance and axial pressure loads occur
Solution Approach 1:
The sync-ring incorporates a convex outer arcuate side and a concave inner arcuate side, creating curved aerodynamic surfaces that guide airflow smoothly around the blocker doors. This curvature eliminates sharp edges and corners that cause flow separation and turbulence, thereby reducing airflow resistance and pressure losses while maintaining effective airflow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the sync-ring to optimize airflow characteristics. By specific dimensioning of the arcuate sides and strategic positioning downstream of the blocker doors, the design transforms the airflow pattern from turbulent to laminar, significantly reducing pressure losses and axial pressure loads on the blocker doors.
2Strength
If traditional sync-ring designs are used, then structural support is provided, but heavy weight and high cost result
Solution Approach 1:
The sync-ring is designed as a thin-walled structural component with optimized cross-sectional geometry. The convex outer and concave inner arcuate sides create a structurally efficient shape that provides necessary strength and rigidity while minimizing material usage, resulting in reduced weight and manufacturing cost.
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 reduces airflow pressure losses by several orders of magnitude, enhances engine performance, and allows for the design of lighter, less expensive sync-ring components, while optimizing airflow control and cooling efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the aerodynamically shaped sync-ring with a convex outer and inner arcuate sides is positioned downstream of the blocker doors, minimizing airflow resistance and axial pressure loads
Implementation Method 2
the assembly includes a plurality of stanchions in the first duct, wherein each stanchion of the plurality of stanchions extends axially between and is engaged to a respective one of the plurality of blocker doors and the leading edge
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A blocker door assembly (69) which may be for a cooling system (58) that may be applied to a gas turbine engine includes a plurality of blocker doors (70) circumferentially spaced about an engine axis (A). Each blocker door (70) is constructed and arranged to move in a circumferential direction to, at least in-part, control air flow through a passage in an adjacent fixture. A sync-ring (74) is concentrically located about the engine axis (A), disposed in an annular first duct in direct communication with each passage, and engaged to each one of the plurality of blocker doors (70) for simultaneous operation. The sync-ring (74) is aero-dynamically shaped to reduce surrounding airflow resistance.