Gas Turbine Flow Path Member Cooling and Rubbing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas turbine engine flow path components face challenges in effective cooling, which affects their performance and efficiency in various applications.
Innovation Solution
A gas turbine engine flow path member with cooling openings and a laminated construction, featuring a sacrificial rubbing member and radial dam, is designed to efficiently deliver cooling fluid through apertures and cooling passages, enhancing temperature management and structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If cooling openings and cooling passages are added to the flow path member, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path member is divided into multiple functional zones with different cooling requirements. Cooling passages are segmented into different regions (e.g., leading edge cooling, trailing edge cooling, blade root cooling) with separate aperture arrangements for each zone, allowing targeted cooling where needed rather than uniform cooling throughout the entire component.
Solution Approach 2:
Different aperture configurations and cooling passage densities are applied to different locations on the flow path member based on local thermal requirements. High-heat-flux areas receive more intensive cooling through denser aperture arrangements, while lower-heat-flux areas have sparser cooling features, optimizing cooling effectiveness while reducing overall complexity.
2Reliability
If a sacrificial rubbing member is added to protect the flow path member, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A sacrificial rubbing member is attached to the flow path member at locations prone to contact or rubbing. This sacrificial component is designed to wear or deform preferentially, protecting the main flow path member from damage. The sacrificial member can be replaced when worn, extending the service life of the expensive flow path member while adding minimal permanent complexity to the system.
3Strength
If laminated construction is used to enhance structural integrity, then strength is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path member is constructed as a laminated assembly of multiple separate components (e.g., inner shell, outer shell, cooling passages, sacrificial members) rather than as a single monolithic piece. These segmented components can be manufactured independently using optimized processes for each part, then assembled together with standardized joining methods, reducing the overall manufacturing precision requirements compared to forming a single complex component.
Solution Approach 2:
Components are pre-assembled or pre-positioned during manufacturing with alignment features and locating structures built into the design. Cooling passages and apertures are pre-aligned between laminated layers, and sacrificial members are pre-positioned in their correct locations, ensuring proper structural integrity while simplifying the final assembly process and reducing precision requirements.
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 cools the flow path member, improving the gas turbine engine's performance and durability by managing temperatures and providing a sacrificial surface for contact, thus enhancing operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling fluid is delivered to a cooling passage of the flow path member... oriented to cool the inner wall that extends beyond the portion of the outer wall
Implementation Method 2
cooling fluid is delivered to a cooling passage of the flow path member... effectively cools the flow path member
Data Source
AI summary
A gas turbine engine flow path member is disclosed which includes an extending end portion capable of contacting a surface of the turbine engine. The flow path member includes openings to pass a cooling fluid to cool the extending end portion. The flow path member, furthermore, can be made using a variety of approaches. To set forth just two non-limiting examples, the flow path member can be cast and it can be a laminated construction.