Variable Guide Vane Structure for Open Rotor Airflow Conditioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing guide vane structures in aircraft propulsion systems do not effectively address the need for improved airflow conditioning and thrust enhancement, particularly in open rotor systems, where swirl removal and thrust optimization are key challenges.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an open guide vane structure with pivotable and movable sections that allow for adjustable camber and pitch, enabling dynamic adaptation to airflow conditions, including pivotable leading edges and movable trailing edges, to optimize airflow conditioning and thrust recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fixed guide vane structures are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but airflow conditioning effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The guide vane is divided into multiple sections: a fixed root section and a movable trailing edge section that can independently adjust. This segmentation allows the structure to maintain manufacturing simplicity while enabling adaptive airflow conditioning through selective movement of the trailing edge portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide vane transitions from a completely fixed structure to a dynamic structure where the trailing edge section can move relative to the root section. This dynamic capability enables the guide vane to adapt to varying airflow conditions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Productivity
If adjustable camber and pitch mechanisms are added, then propulsion efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide vane mechanism is segmented into a fixed root portion and a movable trailing edge portion connected through a linkage mechanism. This segmentation allows for adjustable camber and pitch functions while keeping the overall mechanism relatively simple by limiting the movable components to only the necessary trailing edge section.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide vane mechanism enables changes in geometric parameters (camber and pitch) through the movement of the trailing edge section. By focusing parameter changes only in the trailing edge portion rather than the entire vane, the mechanism complexity is minimized while still achieving the desired propulsion efficiency improvements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the trailing edge section is made movable, then airflow adaptation is improved, but structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The guide vane is segmented into a fixed root section and a movable trailing edge section. The fixed root section maintains structural stability and proper positioning, while the movable trailing edge section provides airflow adaptation capability. This segmentation allows both stability and adaptability to coexist.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the guide vane have different properties: the root section is fixed to provide stability, while the trailing edge section is movable to provide adaptability. This local differentiation of quality (fixed vs. movable) resolves the contradiction between structural stability and airflow adaptation.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for an aircraft propulsion system includes an open propulsor rotor and an open guide vane structure. The open propulsor rotor is rotatable about a rotational axis. The open guide vane structure is axially next to and downstream of the open propulsor rotor. The open guide vane structure includes a plurality of open guide vanes arranged circumferentially about the rotational axis. The open guide vanes include a first open guide vane. The first open guide vane includes a camber line, a leading edge, a trailing edge, a leading edge section and a trailing edge section. The first guide vane extends longitudinally along the camber line from the leading edge to the trailing edge. The leading edge section is configured to pivot about a pivot axis. The trailing edge section is configured to move relative to the leading edge section to change a camber of the first open guide vane.