Vespel® SCP-5050 Saves ��Ǵ��ight and Extends Shroud Life

Case Study

Jet engine shrouds made with high-temperature resistant Vespel^®SCP-5050 composite material offer proven impact resistance and potentially significant weight savings (40% less versus aluminum; 75% less versus stainless steel and titanium). Shrouds made with Vespel^®SCP-5050 also provide longer component life thanks to reduced wear interfaces, utilization of bearing material for the entire shroud, and elimination of bushing life issues.

Composite shrouds provide a low-friction, wear-resistant surface that prevents damage to expensive metal vane stems. Further, Vespel^®SCP-5050 can simplify design and assembly, and the weight savings realized by using this material can help improve aircraft fuel efficiency, range and payload capacity.

Application

A shroud is a segmented ring with holes drilled radially outward for variable vane stems used inside a jet engine compressor. Some are split.
Grooves are cut into shroud to accept metal connecting ring, frequently with an abradable seal.
Shrouds are typically aluminum, stainless steel, or titanium.
Shrouds utilize bushings to enhance wear and reduce friction for variable vane stems.
Inner shrouds typically float on the engine axis.

Challenges

Damage can occur to expensive metal components such as vanes if bushings wear out prematurely.
Components need to withstand thermal excursions for duration of expected engine life.
Shrouds need to withstand impact, loading, and maintain relative location of vanes.
Shrouds need to be designed to allow simultaneous assembly with multiple vanes.

More Hot ��Ǵ��ar Resistance

Chart showing wear resistance of ��Ǵ�� Vespel at high temperatures

Solution

Design shrouds in light weight, high temperature, wear resistant Vespel^®SCP-5050 composite material instead of metal.

Features and Benefits

High temperature material capabilities in application environments in excess of 600^°F/315^°C.*
Longer component life due to reduced wear interfaces, utilization of bearing material for entire shroud, and elimination of bushing life issues.
Proven impact resistance.
Potential weight savings of 40% over aluminum and 75% over stainless steel and titanium due to lower density of composite materials.
Fewer parts to stock and assemble through bushing elimination.
Lower system cost through part consolidation.
Provide largest subassembly possible.
Lower friction vs. metal with dynamic coefficient of .2 or less.
Vibration dampening properties of composites versus metals.

Stiff when Hot

Chart showing stiffness of ��Ǵ�� Vespel at high temperatures

Ideas & innovations

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