Gas Turbine Interference Fit with High Friction Oxide Coating
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing interference fits in gas turbine engines, particularly between rotors and spacers, experience significant wear and stress due to inadequate material properties, leading to inefficiencies and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
The application of high friction oxides such as chromium oxide, aluminum oxide, manganese oxide, iron oxide, nickel oxide, and titanium oxide as friction enhancing materials on snap surfaces, with a thickness less than or equal to 2 micrometers, formed through heat treatment processes, to increase the static friction coefficient and improve the interference fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional materials are used for interference fit surfaces, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the friction coefficient is insufficient leading to increased wear and stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the surface properties through heat treatment to form oxide layers with specific friction characteristics. The heat treatment parameters (temperature, time, atmosphere) are controlled to produce oxide layers with enhanced static friction coefficients, directly addressing the insufficient friction problem while using conventional manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite surface structure by forming oxide layers (such as chromium oxide, aluminum oxide) on the metal substrate. This composite material approach combines the mechanical strength of the base metal with the high friction properties of the oxide layer, improving interference fit performance without requiring entirely new materials.
2Reliability
If the friction enhancing material layer is made thicker, then the static friction coefficient increases, but the material usage and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the oxide layer thickness parameter to achieve the desired friction enhancement with minimal material. By controlling heat treatment parameters, the process produces oxide layers in the optimal thickness range that provides sufficient friction improvement without excessive material consumption or manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by forming oxide layers only on the specific interference fit surfaces where friction enhancement is needed, rather than treating entire components. This selective application minimizes material usage while achieving the friction improvement goal at critical locations.
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 use of high friction oxides significantly enhances the static friction coefficient at elevated temperatures, reducing wear and stress on rotor components and improving the efficiency of the interference fit, thereby enhancing the performance and longevity of gas turbine engine components.
Implementation Method 1
the friction enhancing material is formed by exposure to a temperature greater than or equal to 1000°F (538°C) for 1 to 24 hours
Implementation Method 2
the friction enhancing material is formed by exposure to a temperature greater than or equal to 1000°F (538°C) for 1 to 24 hours
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Disclosed is a rotating component for a turbine engine (20) including a first rotating component having a first snap surface (78) and a second rotating component having a second snap surface (80) wherein the first snap surface (78) is configured to interlock with the second snap surface (80), and further wherein at least one of the first snap surface and the second snap surface have a friction enhancing material. A corresponding method of making a rotating component for a gas turbine is also provided.