Vane Arc Segment Load Path for Gas Turbine CMC Airfoils
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implementing ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) in gas turbine engine airfoils is challenging due to unique material stress and manufacturing complexities, particularly in supporting structures that handle aerodynamic and thermal loads without exceeding material limits.
Innovation Solution
A vane arc segment design featuring a fiber-reinforced composite airfoil piece with continuous fibers between the airfoil section and platform, a non-fibrous ceramic interface, and a radially extending flange for load transmission, facilitating a low-stress mounting scheme that decouples the second platform from primary loads and allows for higher thermal gradients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If CMC materials are used in airfoils for high temperature resistance, then temperature resistance is improved, but material stress management and manufacturing complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The airfoil is divided into multiple segments that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This segmentation allows each piece to be optimized for specific manufacturing processes and reduces the overall manufacturing complexity of the complete airfoil structure while maintaining the high temperature resistance of CMC materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes ceramic matrix composite (CMC) materials that combine ceramic particles or fibers within a matrix material. This composite structure provides high temperature resistance while managing material stress through the composite architecture, and enables manufacturing through various consolidation processes.
2Temperature
If CMC materials are used in airfoils for high temperature resistance, then temperature resistance is improved, but stress management worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The CMC composite structure distributes and manages material stress through its composite architecture, where the matrix material and ceramic reinforcement work together to handle thermal and mechanical loads without exceeding material limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates localized features such as specific fiber orientations, material composition variations, and structural reinforcements at critical stress points within the airfoil. This local quality optimization allows the structure to manage stress effectively in high-stress regions while maintaining temperature resistance throughout.
Data Source
AI summary
A vane arc segment includes an airfoil piece that defines a first platform and an airfoil section that extends from the first platform. The first platform defines a radial flange that extends along at least a portion of a circumferential mate face of the first platform. The airfoil piece is formed of a fiber-reinforced composite that has fibers that are continuous between the airfoil section and the first platform. The airfoil section carries a second platform radially opposite the first platform. The second platform includes a through-hole, and the airfoil section extends through the through-hole.