Turbine Vane Segments Bonded Integral Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stator vane arrangements in turbine engines are prone to deformation and movement due to temperature and pressure differentials, leading to reduced effectiveness of feather seals and fluid leakage.
Innovation Solution
The vane arrangement segments are formed integral with each other, such as cast as unitary stator vanes, and bonded together with an annular band to maintain structural integrity and prevent movement, with machining steps ensuring proper fit and bonding to reduce leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If vane arrangement segments are individually connected to the turbine engine case with feather seals between them, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but temperature and pressure differentials cause the segments to deform and move relative to one another, reducing sealing effectiveness and causing fluid leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple vane arrangement segments into a single integrally formed vane arrangement. This eliminates the feather seals and mate faces between segments, preventing the relative movement and deformation that causes leakage. The integral structure ensures that all vanes move as a unified body under temperature and pressure differentials, maintaining sealing effectiveness while reducing the number of components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If vane arrangement segments are made as separate components with mate faces, then the adaptability and ease of assembly are improved, but the structural integrity is reduced as the segments cannot resist differential forces as a unified structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple vane arrangement segments into a single integrally formed structure. This unified structure provides the structural integrity needed to resist differential forces (temperature and pressure gradients) as a cohesive unit, preventing the relative movement and deformation that occurs in segmented designs. The integral construction ensures that all vanes move together under thermal and pressure loads, maintaining geometric relationships and sealing surfaces.
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 bonding and integral formation of vane segments significantly reduce fluid leakage by allowing the platforms to expand and contract as unitary bodies, enhancing the sealing efficiency and reducing deformation-induced leaks.
Implementation Method 1
The vane arrangement segments may be subject to temperature and/or pressure differentials during turbine engine operation. Such temperature and/or pressure differentials may cause the vane arrangement segments to deform and/or move
Data Source
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AI summary
A turbine engine vane arrangement and a method for manufacturing a turbine engine vane arrangement are provided. The vane arrangement includes a plurality of vane arrangement segments arranged circumferentially around an axial centerline. Each of the vane arrangement segments includes an airfoil that extends radially between a first platform segment and a second platform segment. The first platform segment extends circumferentially between a first mate face and a second mate face. The first mate face of a first of the vane arrangement segments is bonded to the second mate face of a second of the vane arrangement segments.