Turbine Ring Assembly with Resilient Holder Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Turbine ring assemblies in gas turbine engines face challenges with differential expansion and stress due to the use of metal support structures and ceramic matrix composite (CMC) ring sectors, requiring cooling and limiting temperature increases, while also experiencing leakage issues.
Innovation Solution
A turbine ring assembly with resilient holder devices and gaskets made of CMC, where each resilient holder device includes a spring element positioned beside the outside face of the ring support structure, holding the ring sectors in place and reducing stress, and gaskets are used to seal the gas stream passage, eliminating the need for cooling the springs and allowing the use of ordinary materials like metals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If metal support structures and CMC ring sectors are used together, then the turbine can operate at higher temperatures, but differential expansion and stress occur between the dissimilar materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and mechanical properties of the support structure by introducing a resilient element that can dynamically adjust its stiffness and damping characteristics. The resilient support structure transforms from a rigid metal component to a compliant system that can accommodate thermal expansion differences through elastic deformation, thereby reducing stress concentrations at the CMC-metal interface while maintaining structural integrity at high temperatures.
2Strength
If metal ring support structures are used, then structural strength is provided, but cooling is required to withstand the hot streams
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite support structure that combines metal components with resilient elements (such as elastic materials or viscoelastic polymers). This composite construction allows the metal portions to provide high-temperature structural strength while the resilient portions act as thermal barriers and stress absorbers, reducing the need for extensive cooling systems and thereby decreasing cooling stream consumption.
3Reliability
If resilient holder devices with spring elements are used, then ring sectors are held in position during differential expansion, but the spring elements are exposed to high temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces thermal barrier coatings or insulating material layers as intermediary components between the spring elements and the hot turbine environment. These intermediary layers allow the spring elements to perform their position-holding function while protecting them from direct thermal exposure, enabling the use of ordinary materials that cannot withstand extreme temperatures.
4Use of energy by moving object
If CMC ring sectors are used, then cooling needs are reduced, but holding the sectors in position remains problematic due to differential expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static rigid fastening systems to dynamic resilient holding mechanisms. The resilient support structures and holder devices can dynamically adapt to thermal expansion and contraction cycles, maintaining continuous contact and position control of CMC ring sectors without requiring complex cooling systems. This dynamic approach accommodates dimensional changes while preserving operational simplicity.
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 maintains the ring sectors' position during differential expansion, reduces stress, and provides a sealed passage, enhancing the engine's efficiency and temperature handling capabilities without the need for cooling the spring elements, allowing for the use of more common materials.
Implementation Method 1
resilient holder devices, each resilient holder device exerting a force on the circumferential ends of two adjacent ring sectors, holding said adjacent sectors in position
Implementation Method 2
by placing the ring element of each resilient holder device beside the outside face of the ring support structure, the spring element is spaced away from the hot stream flowing in the passage and is exposed only to temperatures that are compatible with the material of the spring
Implementation Method 3
provides a sealed passage
Data Source
AI summary
A turbine ring assembly includes a ring support structure and a plurality of ring sectors made of CMC material and forming a turbine ring, each ring sector including an annular base with respective end portions having edges that are held facing an edge of the end portion of the annular base of a sector that is adjacent in the turbine ring. The assembly includes resilient holder devices for holding the ring sectors in position on the ring support structure, and each resilient holder device includes a spring element present beside the outside face of the ring support structure.