Methods and apparatus for controlling contact within stator assemblies
AssigneeGeneral Electric Company
InventorsHani Ikram Noshi, Steven E. Tomberg, Josef Scott Cummins
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method enables a stator assembly for a turbine engine to be assembled. The method comprises forming a recess within a portion of each base, and coupling the stator vanes within the turbine engine in a circumferentially-spaced arrangement such that the recessed portion of each base facilitates reducing excitation responses of each of the plurality of stator vanes during engine operation.
Claims20
A method for assembling a stator assembly for a turbine engine, said method comprising:
- providing a plurality of stator vanes that each include a base and an integrally-formed airfoil that extends radially outward from the base;
- forming a scalloped portion within a portion of each base;
- and
- coupling the stator vanes within the turbine engine in a circumferentially-spaced arrangement such that the scalloped portion defined within each base facilitates controlling contact between a first stator vane of said plurality of stator vanes and at least one of an adjacent second stator vane, and facilitates reducing excitation responses of each of the plurality of stator vanes during engine operation.
A plurality of stator vanes for a turbine engine, each of said stator vane comprising:
- a base configured to couple said stator vane within the turbine engine;
- and
- an airfoil extending radially outward from said base, said base comprising a pair of circumferentially-spaced sides coupled together by an upstream side and a downstream side, wherein at least a portion of said base comprises a scalloped portion that is configured to facilitate controlling contact between a first of said plurality of stator vanes and at least one of a second stator vane, and facilitates reducing excitation responses of said vane during engine operation.
A rotor assembly comprising:
- a rotor shaft;
- and
- a plurality of stator vanes circumferentially-spaced around said rotor shaft, each said stator vane comprising a base and an integrally-formed airfoil extending radially outward from said base, each said base comprising a pair of circumferentially-spaced sides coupled together by an upstream side and a downstream side, wherein at least a portion of each said base comprises a scalloped portion that facilitates controlling contact between a first of said plurality of stator vanes and at least one of a second stator vane, and facilitates reducing excitation responses of each of said plurality of stator vanes during rotor operation.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.