Patent ID: 10100663

Abstract:
An actuation arrangement for effecting actuation of pivotable vane, for example, variable inlet guide vane in gas turbine engine. The actuation arrangement includes an actuator having a support plate and pivotable plate. The pivotable plate is fixedly connected to pivotable vane and pivotable plate and pivotable vane are pivotable about a pivot axis. The actuator further includes at least one actuation element having a length extending from support plate to proximal a transverse edge portion of pivotable plate substantially perpendicular to pivot axis. The or each actuation element is fixedly connected to each of the support and pivotable plates and formed of a material that changes dimension upon application of external energy. Thus, upon application of external energy, for example, heat, a change in length of the or each actuation element occurs such that change in length effects pivoting of pivotable plate and pivotable vane about the pivot axis.