Topology Optimization in Structural Design of a LP Turbine Guide Vane: Potential of Additive Manufacturing for Weight Reduction Available to Purchase

A low pressure turbine guide vane of an aircraft engine is structurally redesigned for additive manufacturing (AM). AM is known to provide more design freedom than conventional manufacturing methods, which encourages the implementation of numerical optimization methods in the design process in order to reduce weight by eliminating unneeded material. One such method is called topology optimization (TO), which finds the optimal material distribution inside a fixed design space. Using commercial software, TO is conducted to find the optimal geometry. The guide vane is subject to gas loads. During optimization, constraints for bending deformation and Eigen frequencies are applied. The design space consists of the airfoil interior and the shrouds, leaving aerodynamic surfaces untouched. Several TO approaches are examined and the result is preliminarily evaluated in a stationary coupled temperature-displacement FEA with take-off loading conditions. The results indicate a potential weight reduction of 19% but with a rise in temperature gradients. An enlarged shroud geometry would enable even greater weight reduction.