Variable Camber Vane Seal Strip Leakage Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas turbine engine variable camber vane systems face challenges in reducing leakage between airfoil portions, which affects engine efficiency due to insufficient sealing mechanisms, particularly in varying incidence angles and camber adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A variable camber guide vane system with a sealing arrangement using a seal strip made of polymeric materials like Vespel or Torlon, installed in a groove with an interference fit, that accommodates movement and rotation of airfoil portions while maintaining a seal between airfoil portions 56 and 58, reducing leakage flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a seal strip made of polymeric materials is installed in a groove with an interference fit to seal between airfoil portions, then leakage between airfoil portions is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to the additional sealing arrangement
Solution Approach 1:
The seal strip is made of polymeric materials (Vespel or Torlon) that provide flexible sealing capability between the stationary and variable airfoil portions. The interference fit installation creates a tight seal that accommodates movement and rotation while preventing leakage flow between the airfoil portions.
2Reliability
If the seal strip is installed with an interference fit in the groove, then the sealing effectiveness is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases due to the precise fitting requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The interference fit design changes the dimensional parameters of the seal strip and groove to create a press-fit connection. This provides reliable sealing through the friction and normal force generated by the interference, while the polymeric material's compliance helps accommodate minor dimensional variations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sealing arrangement accommodates movement and rotation of airfoil portions, then the adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase to maintain seal integrity during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The polymeric seal strip provides flexibility and compliance that allows it to accommodate movement and rotation of the airfoil portions. The material can deform elastically to maintain contact and sealing effectiveness throughout the range of motion, reducing the impact of manufacturing tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing arrangement is designed to be dynamic rather than static, allowing the seal strip to move and deform with the airfoil portions during operation. This dynamic design maintains seal integrity throughout the full range of motion and camber adjustments.
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 sealing arrangement effectively reduces leakage between airfoil portions, enhancing the efficiency of the gas turbine engine by maintaining a tight seal during operation and camber adjustments, thereby improving overall engine performance.
Implementation Method 1
A seal strip (96) is provided and arranged to seal between the airfoil portions (56, 58) during operation. The seal strip is installed in a groove (98) with an interference fit, and is operative to accommodate movement of one or both of the airfoil portions (56, 58).
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
One embodiment of the present invention is a unique variable camber vane system for a gas turbine engine. Another embodiment is a unique gas turbine engine. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for gas turbine engines and variable camber vane systems. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.