Thermal Barrier Washer Assembly for Fan Case Heat Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In gas turbine engines, the direct mounting of hot components to the fan case leads to heat transfer issues due to temperature restrictions, necessitating a reduction in heat transfer at attachment points.
Innovation Solution
A thermal isolation barrier surrounded by split lock washers and fasteners is used to attach components to the fan case boss, preventing direct contact between hot components and the fan case, thereby minimizing heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If hot components are directly mounted to the fan case, then the attachment structure is simple, but heat transfer from hot components to the fan case increases
Solution Approach 1:
A thermal barrier washer is introduced as an intermediary component between the hot component bracket and the fan case boss. This washer acts as a heat barrier that blocks thermal conduction path while maintaining the mechanical attachment function, thus resolving the contradiction between simple structure and heat transfer control.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal barrier washer is made from composite or specialized materials that combine thermal insulation properties with mechanical strength requirements. This allows the component to simultaneously provide thermal isolation and structural support without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
2Temperature
If a thermal barrier is added to the attachment mechanism, then heat transfer is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal barrier washer is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides thermal isolation, distributes mechanical loads, prevents galvanic corrosion, and maintains assembly alignment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal barrier function is merged with the existing washer component in the attachment mechanism rather than being implemented as a separate additional part. This integration approach incorporates thermal protection into the existing structural element, reducing overall complexity compared to adding a completely separate thermal barrier system.
3Temperature
If thermal isolation barrier is used, then temperature restrictions are met, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal barrier washer is designed as a relatively simple, inexpensive component that can be easily manufactured and replaced if necessary. By using a dedicated thermal barrier washer rather than attempting to integrate thermal protection into more critical or expensive components, the manufacturing complexity and cost are minimized while still achieving the required thermal isolation.
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 heat transfer from hot components to the fan case, ensuring components meet temperature restrictions and maintaining torque consistency over time.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal isolation barrier surrounds the elongated body and the first and second washers such that the bracket directly contacts the thermal isolation barrier on one side of the attachment mechanism and the fan case boss directly contacts the thermal isolation barrier on an opposite side of the attachment mechanism
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
A fan section for a gas turbine engine comprises a fan case 112, a mount interface 114 and a component 110 configured to be attached to the mount interface 114. An attachment mechanism 60 includes an elongated body having at least first and second ends. A first attachment feature is formed at the first end and a second attachment feature is formed at the second end. The first and second attachment features define attachment points configured to attach for example a hot duct 110 to a fan case boss 114 via a bracket 118. The attachment mechanism therefore includes a thermal isolation barrier that surrounds the elongated body.