Variable Stiffness Turbine Support Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Turbine engines require a support structure that maintains a consistent stiffness across varying engine conditions to mitigate load transfer and undesired vibratory modes, while also providing effective vibratory isolation.
Innovation Solution
A gas turbine engine with a support structure featuring a conduit containing fluid, where an effort variable modulates the stiffness by altering the volume or magnetic flux, allowing for active or passive adjustment based on operational parameters, using sensors and controllers to adjust the effort variable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the supporting structure is made sufficiently soft or low stiffness, then load transfer from the fan assembly to the gear assembly is mitigated, but undesired vibratory modes are enabled at the gear assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure incorporates a variable stiffness mechanism that allows the structure to dynamically adjust its mechanical properties. The stiffness can be changed from a soft state (to mitigate load transfer) to a stiff state (to prevent vibratory modes), enabling the structure to adapt to different operational conditions and resolve the contradiction between these two opposing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter of stiffness in the support structure. By varying the stiffness parameter based on operational needs, the system can achieve both load transfer mitigation (when stiffness is reduced) and vibratory mode suppression (when stiffness is increased), thus resolving the technical contradiction through parameter modulation.
2Reliability
If the supporting structure provides dampening or vibratory isolation, then vibration isolation between the gear assembly and surrounding engine is improved, but the stiffness consistency across various engine conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The variable stiffness mechanism enables the support structure to dynamically adjust its properties based on engine operating conditions. This allows the structure to maintain optimal stiffness consistency across different conditions while simultaneously providing the necessary dampening and vibratory isolation, resolving the contradiction between these two performance requirements.
3Device complexity
If a fixed stiffness support structure is used, then the structure is simple and reliable, but it cannot maintain optimal stiffness across varying engine conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a variable stiffness mechanism that transforms a static, simple structure into a dynamic system capable of adapting to different engine conditions. While this increases device complexity, it enables the structure to maintain optimal stiffness across varying operational parameters, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability.
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 variable stiffness support structure effectively mitigates load transfer and vibratory modes, maintaining optimal stiffness across engine conditions, enhancing vibratory isolation and reducing unwanted vibrations.
Implementation Method 1
the fluid within the conduit defines a hydraulic fluid, a pneumatic fluid, a lubricant, or a magneto-rheological fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A gas turbine engine including a support structure including a conduit coupled to a static support. The conduit defines an end wall between which a fluid is contained within a volume defined by the conduit. An effort variable provided to the support structure modulates a stiffness of the support structure.