Variable Vane Receptacle Insert for Wear and Leakage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Turbine engines experience wear at the interfaces between variable vanes and inner and outer platforms, leading to skewed movement, increased turbulence, and gas leakage, necessitating improved methods for repairing worn vane platforms and reducing wear.
Innovation Solution
A variable vane arrangement with a vane receptacle insert that includes a receptacle insert attached to the platform via an interference fit, providing a wear buffer and bearing between the vane hub and platform, and constructed from a material that can accommodate thermal growth differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If variable vanes pivot about a pivot axis in a vane arrangement, then the variable vanes can adjust their position to control gas flow, but wear occurs at the interfaces between the variable vanes and inner and outer platforms
Solution Approach 1:
A receptacle insert is introduced as an intermediary component between the variable vane and the platform. The insert includes a bore that receives the variable vane and a shelf that contacts the platform, acting as a mediator that protects the platform from direct wear while enabling vane movement. The insert can be replaced when worn, preserving the expensive platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle insert is designed to absorb wear beforehand, protecting the platform from damage. By placing the insert in advance at the interface location, it cushions against the harmful wear effects that would otherwise directly affect the platform structure.
2Reliability
If worn portions of the platform are repaired by welding or replacing the entire platform, then the wear damage can be corrected, but the complexity and cost of repair increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle interface is segmented into a separate insert component that can be independently replaced. Instead of repairing or replacing the entire platform, only the worn insert needs to be removed and replaced, significantly simplifying the repair process and reducing downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle insert is designed as a sacrificial, replaceable component that can be economically replaced rather than repaired. When the insert wears, it is removed and replaced with a new one, avoiding the need for expensive platform repair operations like welding or machining.
3Reliability
If the receptacle insert is made from a material different from the platform material, then thermal growth differences can be accommodated, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The material parameters of the receptacle insert are changed to match the thermal expansion characteristics of the platform. By selecting a material with similar thermal growth properties, the insert accommodates thermal cycling without creating stress concentrations or misalignment, ensuring reliable operation across temperature ranges.
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 insert reduces wear and maintains vane alignment, minimizing turbulence and gas leakage, thereby enhancing the durability and performance of the turbine engine.
Implementation Method 1
providing a wear buffer and bearing between the variable vane hub and the platform
Implementation Method 2
The insert may be attached to the platform by at least an interference fit between the sleeve and the peripheral bore surface
Data Source
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AI summary
An assembly is provided for a variable vane arrangement (20) of a turbine engine. A platform (22, 24) extends circumferentially about a centerline (28) and radially relative to the centerline between a first platform side (34, 40) and a second platform side (32, 42). The platform includes a plurality of variable vane receptacles (70) arranged in an annular array about the axial centerline (28), which variable vane receptacles include a first variable vane receptacle (70). The first variable vane receptacle is configured with a recess (76), a bore (80) and a shelf (78). The recess (76) extends longitudinally along a variable vane pivot axis (52) into the platform (22, 24) from the first platform side (34, 40) to the shelf (78). The bore (80) extends longitudinally along the variable vane pivot axis (52) into the platform (22, 24) from the shelf (78). An insert (72) includes a sleeve (86) and a plate (88). The sleeve (86) lines at least a portion of the bore (80). The plate (88) is located within the recess (76) adjacent the shelf (78).