Gas Turbine Vane Joint Torque Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The joints between outlet guide vanes (OGVs) and the supporting structure in gas turbine engines are susceptible to rolling due to torque loading and reduced design space, especially with the introduction of gearboxes, which compromises their stability and ability to withstand operational loads.
Innovation Solution
A vane or stator design featuring a platform with a circumferentially-extending flange and recessed surface, allowing for a single fixing element to secure adjacent platforms, where the flange and recessed surface are aligned with through holes to counteract opposing torque loads, enhancing joint stability and load distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional supporting structures are removed to introduce gearboxes, then engine design flexibility is improved, but joint stability against torque loading deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The joint portion is segmented into distinct functional elements: a flange extending from one circumferential edge and a recessed surface extending from the opposing circumferential edge. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function - the flange provides structural support while the recessed surface receives the flange to form a stable joint, collectively resolving the stability issue despite traditional supporting structure removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The recessed surface is positioned to receive the flange in a manner that creates opposing torque resistance. When torque loads are applied, the flange-recessed surface joint configuration generates counteracting forces that balance the applied torque, preventing joint failure and maintaining stability under load conditions.
2Strength
If multiple fixing elements are used to secure adjacent platforms, then joint strength is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flange and recessed surface are merged into a single integrated joint configuration where the flange extends from one circumferential edge and the recessed surface extends from the opposing circumferential edge. This merging allows a single fixing element to secure both adjacent platforms simultaneously, reducing complexity while maintaining joint strength through the coordinated action of the unified joint structure.
3Manufacturing precision
If through holes are aligned axially and circumferentially, then manufacturing precision is improved, but alignment difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The joint portion is designed with the flange and recessed surface positioned at opposing circumferential edges, creating a symmetric configuration where through holes can be aligned along a radial axis. This equipotential design simplifies alignment during manufacturing by providing a natural reference axis, reducing the difficulty of achieving precise axial and circumferential hole alignment.
Data Source
AI summary
A vane for a gas turbine engine, the vane including a platform with an airfoil extending radially from the upper surface of the platform. The platform includes a joint portion which includes a circumferentially extending flange and a recessed surface both formed on either the upper or lower surface of the platform. The flange and the recessed surface extend from opposing circumferential edges of the joint portion and each include a substantially radially-extending through hole.