Vane Support Arc Segments for CMC Airfoil Thermal Stress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implementing ceramic matrix composite (CMC) materials in gas turbine engine airfoils poses unique challenges due to high temperature resistance requirements and thermal constraints.
Innovation Solution
A support system comprising support arc segment pieces and vane support arc segment pieces formed of single crystal alloy or ceramic matrix composite, with radially open sockets and reaction surfaces to transmit loads and act as thermal buffers, facilitating the integration of CMC airfoils by distributing thermal and mechanical loads.
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 thermal stress management and structural integration become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple arc segment pieces that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each segment can be optimized for specific thermal and mechanical requirements, allowing CMC materials to be integrated in a modular fashion that reduces overall structural complexity while maintaining high temperature resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite material construction where CMC airfoils are integrated with metal support structures (single crystal alloy or CMC vane support arc segments). This composite approach allows each material to be used in the zone where it performs best, managing thermal stresses through material property gradients and simplifying integration by combining the advantages of both material systems.
2Temperature
If CMC airfoils are implemented, then high temperature performance is improved, but thermal stress distribution becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the support structure are designed with different material properties and geometries to locally manage thermal stresses. The vane support arc segments and airfoil supports are configured with specific radial and axial reaction surfaces positioned to distribute thermal stresses appropriately across the structure, with each local region optimized for its specific thermal and mechanical loading conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The vane support arc segments act as intermediary components between the CMC airfoils and the outer case. These intermediaries distribute and transfer thermal and mechanical loads, preventing direct transmission of high thermal stresses from the CMC airfoils to the metal outer case, thereby protecting the overall structure while maintaining high temperature performance.
3Force
If radially open sockets are used to engage mating components, then load transmission is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radially open socket structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical engagement for load transmission, allows for thermal expansion accommodation, and facilitates assembly. By designing the socket to perform multiple functions within a single structural feature, the overall structural complexity is minimized while maintaining effective load transmission capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using traditional enclosed sockets or rigid mechanical connections, the invention inverts the approach by using open sockets that allow the mating components to interlock in a complementary geometry arrangement. This inverted connection approach simplifies the structure by eliminating the need for complex fastening mechanisms while maintaining strong load transmission paths.
Data Source
AI summary
A gas turbine engine support system includes a support arc segment piece that defines radially inner and outer sides, axially forward and aft sides, and first and second circumferential mate face sides. The radially inner side has a radially open socket that is configured to engage a mating component and transmit loads from the mating component. The radially open socket is elongated in an axial direction with respect to the axially forward and aft sides The support arc segment piece has radial and axial reaction surfaces that are configured, respectively, to transmit radial and axial components of the loads from the mating component.