Turbine Vane Ring Retaining Clip for Thermal Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional fastening methods for turbine shrouds in gas turbine engines fail to accommodate the differing coefficients of thermal expansion of components, leading to potential misalignment and instability due to expansion and contraction during operation.
Innovation Solution
A retaining clip with an arcuate plate that deflects elastically to exert a radial spring load, securing mounting pins within bores and slots, providing a stable and frictional bias to prevent movement and accommodate thermal expansion differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fasteners (rivets or bolts) are used to couple components, then structural strength is maintained, but the components cannot accommodate differing thermal expansion rates, leading to misalignment and instability
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining clip is designed with an arcuate plate that can deflect elastically between unloaded and loaded curvatures, allowing the structure to dynamically adapt to thermal expansion and contraction while maintaining secure retention of mounting pins
Solution Approach 2:
The arcuate plate changes its curvature parameter in response to thermal expansion forces, deflecting from an unloaded curvature (first radius) to a loaded curvature (second radius greater than the first radius) to accommodate dimensional changes in the turbine shroud components
2Manufacturing precision
If rigid fastening structures are used, then manufacturing precision is achieved, but operational stability under thermal cycling is compromised due to expansion and contraction
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining clip utilizes a flexible arcuate plate structure that can bend and deflect elastically, providing a flexible retention mechanism that maintains mounting pin alignment while accommodating thermal cycling of the turbine shroud components
Solution Approach 2:
The arcuate plate transitions between static and dynamic states, deflecting elastically during thermal expansion and contraction cycles to maintain operational stability while preserving the precision alignment established during manufacturing
3Adaptability or versatility
If elastic deflection is introduced to accommodate thermal expansion, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases due to the arcuate plate mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The arcuate plate serves as a flexible retention element that combines the functions of a fastener and a thermal compensation mechanism in a single simple component, avoiding the need for complex multi-part retention systems
Solution Approach 2:
The arcuate plate automatically deflects in response to thermal expansion forces without requiring external control systems or additional components, allowing the retention mechanism to self-adjust to thermal cycling conditions
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 ensures secure retention of components, resisting thermal expansion-induced misalignment and vibration, thereby enhancing the operational stability and longevity of gas turbine engines.
Implementation Method 1
The arcuate plate is configured to deflect elastically between an unloaded curvature in which the arcuate plate defines a first radius and a loaded curvature in which the arcuate plate defines a second radius that is greater than the first radius
Implementation Method 2
Due to the differing coefficients of thermal expansion, the components of some turbine shrouds expand at different rates when exposed to combustion products
Data Source
AI summary
An engine including a turbine section with a number of vane assemblies attached to a support housing. The assemblies are secured to the support housing with fasteners and retaining clips for the fasteners.