FIXED-VARIABLE VANE WITH POTTING IN GAP
A fixed-variable vane assembly includes a vane that has a fixed airfoil section and a variable airfoil section next to the fixed airfoil section. The variable airfoil section is pivotably mounted at an end thereof in a joint with a variable joint gap that controls a size of an airfoil gap between the fixed airfoil section and the variable airfoil section. A potting material is located in the variable joint gap. The potting material locks the variable joint gap and locks in the size of the airfoil gap.
1 . A fixed-variable vane assembly comprising:
a vane that includes a fixed airfoil section and a variable airfoil section next to the fixed airfoil section, the variable airfoil section is pivotably mounted at an end thereof in a joint with a variable joint gap that controls a size of an airfoil gap between the fixed airfoil section and the variable airfoil section; and
a potting material in the variable joint gap, and the potting material locks the variable joint gap and locks in the size of the airfoil gap.
2 . The fixed-variable vane assembly as recited in claim 1 , wherein the joint includes a pivot member, a bushing that receives the pivot member, and a fixed receiver that has an opening that receives the bushing, and the variable joint gap is between the bushing and a side of the opening.
3 . The fixed-variable vane assembly as recited in claim 2 , wherein the fixed receiver has a threaded outside surface that receives a nut.
4 . The fixed-variable vane assembly as recited in claim 1 , wherein the variable joint gap has a non-uniform dimension.
5 . The fixed-variable vane assembly as recited in claim 1 , wherein the potting material is a vibration damper.
6 . The fixed-variable vane assembly as recited in claim 1 , wherein the potting material is a polymeric-based material.
7 . The fixed-variable vane assembly as recited in claim 1 , wherein the potting material is an elastomeric-based material.
8 . The fixed-variable vane assembly as recited in claim 1 , wherein the potting material is a silicone-based material.
9 . A fixed-variable vane assembly comprising:
a fixed airfoil section;
a variable airfoil section next to the fixed airfoil section, the variable airfoil section includes at an end thereof a pivot member;
a bushing that receives the pivot member;
a fixed receiver that has an opening that receives the bushing, the opening is larger than the bushing such that there is a variable joint gap between a side of the opening and the bushing; and
a potting material in the variable joint gap.
10 . The fixed-variable vane assembly as recited in claim 9 , wherein the fixed receiver has a threaded outside surface that receives a nut.
11 . The fixed-variable vane assembly as recited in claim 9 , wherein the variable joint gap has a non-uniform dimension.
12 . The fixed-variable vane assembly as recited in claim 9 , wherein the potting material is a vibration damper.
13 . The fixed-variable vane assembly as recited in claim 9 , wherein the potting material is a polymeric-based material.
14 . The fixed-variable vane assembly as recited in claim 9 , wherein the potting material is an elastomeric-based material.
15 . The fixed-variable vane assembly as recited in claim 9 , wherein the potting material is a silicone-based material.
16 . The fixed-variable vane assembly as recited in claim 9 , wherein the variable joint gap controls size of an airfoil gap between the fixed airfoil section and the variable airfoil section.
17 . A method of establishing sizing of an airfoil gap in a fixed-variable vane assembly, the method comprising:
pivotably mounting a variable airfoil section in a joint next to a fixed airfoil section;
adjusting a size of a variable joint gap in the joint to obtain a desired size of an airfoil gap between the fixed airfoil section and the variable airfoil section; and
applying a potting material in the variable joint gap to lock in the desired size of the airfoil gap.
18 . The method as recited in claim 17 , wherein the adjusting includes holding at least the variable airfoil section in a fixture.
19 . The method as recited in claim 17 , wherein the joint includes a pivot member, a bushing that receives the pivot member, and a fixed receiver that has an opening that receives the bushing, and the variable joint gap is between the bushing and a side of the opening.