Combustor dome -strut and liner with flexible connections

Abstract

A combustor for a gas turbine includes a dome and a shroud connected to the dome to define a damper cavity therebetween, the shroud having a shroud cold side proximate the damper cavity and a shroud hot side proximate a combustion chamber. At least one dome-shroud connection member connects the dome and the shroud to one another. The dome-shroud connection member forms a flexible joint between the dome and the shroud.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the joint between the dome and the baffle or multilayer liner in the burner of a gas turbine. Background Technology

[0002] Some gas turbine engines include combustors with a dome-shaped structure, with deflectors bolted to the dome structure. Furthermore, such combustors may include multi-layered combustor liners, comprising an outer liner shell and plates bolted to it, with a cooling airflow space between the outer liner shell and the plates. The bolted joints of the dome-deflector connection and the outer liner shell-plate connection are subjected to the intense heat generated by combustion within the combustor. Therefore, the bolted joints are subject to thermal expansion. The bolted joints are also subjected to vibrations, including vibrations caused by the combustion dynamics of the combustion process within the combustor. Attached Figure Description

[0003] The features and advantages of this disclosure will be apparent from the following description of various exemplary embodiments, as shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein similar reference numerals generally denote the same, functionally similar, and / or structurally similar elements.

[0004] Figure 1 This is a schematic partial cross-sectional side view of an exemplary high-bypass turbofan jet engine according to one aspect of this disclosure.

[0005] Figure 2 This is a partial cross-sectional side view of an exemplary burner according to one aspect of this disclosure.

[0006] Figure 3 This is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an alternative aspect of the dome-guide vane connection according to one aspect of this disclosure.

[0007] Figure 4 This is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an alternative aspect of the dome-guide vane connection according to another aspect of this disclosure.

[0008] Figure 5 This is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an alternative aspect of the dome-guide vane connection according to another aspect of this disclosure.

[0009] Figure 6 This is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an alternative aspect of the dome-guide vane connection according to another aspect of this disclosure.

[0010] Figure 7 This is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an alternative aspect of the dome-guide vane connection according to another aspect of this disclosure.

[0011] Figure 8This is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an alternative aspect of the dome-guide vane connection according to another aspect of this disclosure.

[0012] Figure 9 This is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an alternative aspect of the dome-guide vane connection according to another aspect of this disclosure.

[0013] Figure 10 This is a plan view of the dome of the corrugated flexible gasket, according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 11 This is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an alternative aspect of the dome-guide vane connection according to another aspect of this disclosure.

[0015] Figure 12 This is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an alternative aspect of the dome-guide vane connection according to another aspect of this disclosure.

[0016] Figure 13A and 13B An alternative arrangement of the flexible intermediate portion of the flexible connector according to this disclosure is depicted. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The features, advantages, and embodiments of this disclosure will be set forth or apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Furthermore, it should be understood that the following detailed description is exemplary and intended to provide further explanation, and does not limit the scope of the claimed disclosure.

[0018] Various embodiments are discussed in detail below. Although specific embodiments are discussed, this is for illustrative purposes only. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other components and constructions can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0019] As used herein, the terms “first” or “second” are used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to indicate the location or importance of the components.

[0020] The terms "upstream" and "downstream" refer to the relative directions of fluid flow within a fluid path. For example, "upstream" refers to the direction from which the fluid flows, while "downstream" refers to the direction in which the fluid flows.

[0021] Some gas turbine engines include combustors with a dome-shaped structure, with deflectors bolted to the dome structure. Furthermore, such combustors may include multi-layered combustor liners, comprising an outer liner shell and plates bolted to it, with a cooling airflow space between the outer liner shell and the plates. The bolted joints of the dome-deflector connection and the outer liner shell-plate connection are subjected to the intense heat generated by combustion within the combustor. Therefore, the bolted joints are subject to thermal expansion. The bolted joints are also subjected to vibrations, including vibrations caused by the combustion dynamics of the combustion process within the combustor.

[0022] This disclosure provides a technique for connecting a dome and a baffle to accommodate thermal expansion and vibration at the joint. More specifically, in this disclosure, a flexible compliant joint is provided between the dome and the baffle or between the outer liner and the burner plate. For example, the flexible compliant joint may include flexible bolts or flexible couplings, both of which are flexible in construction but also provide cooling for the joint. Alternatively, various other joints may be included to provide bending and cooling for the joint. Thus, various joint arrangements can accommodate thermal loads on the joint and vibrations generated during combustion.

[0023] Now refer to the attached diagram, Figure 1 This is a schematic partial cross-sectional side view of an exemplary high-bypass turbofan jet engine 10 (referred to herein as "engine 10") that can be incorporated into various embodiments of the present disclosure. Although further described below with reference to turbofan engines, this disclosure is also applicable to general turbomachinery, including turbojet engines, turboprop engines, and turboshaft gas turbine engines, including marine turbine engines, industrial turbine engines, and auxiliary power units. Figure 1 As shown, engine 10 has an axial centerline axis 12 extending therethrough from upstream end 98 to downstream end 99, for reference. Typically, engine 10 may include a fan assembly 14 and a core engine 16 disposed downstream of the fan assembly 14.

[0024] The core engine 16 typically includes a housing 18 defining an annular inlet 20. The housing 18 surrounds or at least partially forms, in a series flow relationship, a compressor section (22 / 24) having a low-pressure (LP) compressor 22 and a high-pressure (HP) compressor 24, a combustor 26, a turbine section (28 / 30) including a high-pressure (HP) turbine 28 and a low-pressure (LP) turbine 30, and an injection exhaust nozzle section 32. A high-pressure (HP) rotor shaft 34 drivesly connects the HP turbine 28 to the HP compressor 24. A low-pressure (LP) rotor shaft 36 drivesly connects the LP turbine 30 to the LP compressor 22. The LP rotor shaft 36 may also be connected to a fan shaft 38 of the fan assembly 14. In certain embodiments, such as Figure 1As shown, the LP rotor shaft 36 can be connected to the fan shaft 38 via a reduction gear 40, for example in an indirect drive or gear drive configuration.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, the fan assembly 14 includes a plurality of fan blades 42 coupled to and extending radially outward from the fan shaft 38. An annular fan housing or nacelle 44 circumferentially surrounds at least a portion of the fan assembly 14 and / or the core engine 16. The nacelle 44 may be supported relative to the core engine 16 by a plurality of circumferentially spaced outlet guide vanes or struts 46. Furthermore, at least a portion of the nacelle 44 may extend above the outer portion of the core engine 16 to define a bypass airflow passage 48 therebetween.

[0026] Figure 2 Is it like this? Figure 1 A cross-sectional side view of an exemplary combustor 26 of the core engine 16 shown. Figure 2 As shown, the burner 26 typically includes a burner liner 50 having an inner liner 52 and an outer liner 54, and a dome assembly 56, which together define a combustion chamber 62. Both the inner liner 52 and the outer liner 54 can extend circumferentially about a burner centerline axis 112, which may correspond to an engine axial centerline axis 12. Figure 1 The inner liner 52 and outer liner 54 are connected to the cowl 60, and a pressure plenum 66 is defined between the cowl 60, the inner liner 52, the outer liner 54, and the dome assembly 56. The burner 26 also includes a mixer assembly 58 connected to the fuel nozzle assembly 70. Although... Figure 2 A single mixer assembly 58 and a single fuel nozzle assembly 70 are depicted, but multiple mixer assemblies 58 and corresponding fuel nozzle assemblies 70 may be included in the burner 26, wherein each corresponding mixer assembly 58 and fuel nozzle assembly 70 is circumferentially spaced around the burner centerline axis 112.

[0027] like Figure 2 As shown, the inner liner 52 is enclosed within the inner housing 65, and the outer liner 54 is enclosed within the outer housing 64. An outer flow passage 88 is defined between the outer liner 54 and the outer housing 64, while an inner flow passage 90 is defined between the inner liner 52 and the inner housing 65. Both the outer housing 64 and the inner housing 65 can extend circumferentially about the burner centerline axis 112. The inner liner 52 and the outer liner 54 can extend from the dome assembly 56 to the HP turbine 28 (…). Figure 1The turbine nozzle 79 at the inlet of the combustor liner 50 thus at least partially defines the hot gas path between the combustor liner 50 and the HP turbine 28. The combustion chamber 62 may more specifically define a primary combustion zone 74, where the initial chemical reaction of the fuel-oxidant mixture 72 occurs to produce combustion gases 86, and / or where the combustion gases 86 can further flow downstream within the combustion chamber 62 and between the HP turbine 28 and the LP turbine 30 (…). Figure 1 The combustion gases 86 are recirculated before entering the turbine nozzle 79 at the inlet. As will be described in more detail below, the outer liner 54 may be a multi-layered liner comprising an outer liner shell 53 and an outer liner plate 55, the outer liner plate 55 being connected to the outer liner shell 53 via a plurality of outer liner shell-plate connecting members 57. Similarly, the inner liner 52 may be a multi-layered liner comprising an inner liner shell 59 and an inner liner plate 61, the inner liner plate 61 being connected to the inner liner shell 59 via a plurality of inner liner shell-plate connecting members 63. Furthermore, as will be described in more detail below, the dome assembly 56 may include a dome 67 and a deflector 68, the deflector 68 being connected to the dome 67 via at least one dome-deflector connecting member 71.

[0028] During the operation of engine 10, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, as schematically indicated by arrow 73, a certain volume of air enters the engine 10 from the upstream end 98 through the associated nacelle inlet 76 of the nacelle 44 and / or fan assembly 14. As the air 73 passes through the fan blades 42, a portion of the air 73 is directed or directed into the bypass airflow passage 48 as bypass airflow 78, while another portion of the air 73 is directed or directed into the LP compressor 22 as compressor inlet air 80. The compressor inlet air 80 is gradually compressed as it flows toward the combustor 26 through the LP compressor 22 and the HP compressor 24. Figure 2 As shown, compressed air 82 flows into and pressurizes the diffuser chamber 84. A first portion of the compressed air 82, schematically indicated by arrow 82(a), flows from the diffuser chamber 84 into the pressure chamber 66, where it is mixed with fuel supplied by the fuel nozzle assembly 70 via the mixer assembly 58. The fuel-oxidizer mixture 72 is then injected through the mixer assembly 58 into the combustion chamber 62. The fuel-oxidizer mixture 72 is ignited and burned by the igniter 75 to produce combustion gases 86 within the primary combustion zone 74 of the combustion chamber 62. Typically, the LP compressor 22 and HP compressor 24 supply more compressed air 82 to the diffuser chamber 84 than is required for combustion. Therefore, a second portion of the compressed air 82, schematically indicated by arrow 82(b), can be used for various purposes other than combustion. For example, as... Figure 2As shown, compressed air 82(b) can be directed into the outer flow passage 88, and another portion of compressed air 82(b) can be directed into the inner flow passage 90. Furthermore, or alternatively, at least a portion of the compressed air 82(b) can be drawn from the diffuser cavity 84 for other purposes, such as providing cooling air for at least one of the HP turbine 28 or the LP turbine 30.

[0029] Return to reference Figure 1 and 2 The combustion gases 86 generated in combustion chamber 62 flow through turbine nozzle 79 and enter HP turbine 28, thus causing HP rotor shaft 34 to rotate, thereby supporting the operation of HP compressor 24. Figure 1 As shown, the combustion gases 86 are then directed through the LP turbine 30, thus causing the LP rotor shaft 36 to rotate, thereby supporting the operation of the LP compressor 22 and / or the rotation of the fan shaft 38. The combustion gases 86 are then discharged through the injection exhaust nozzle section 32 of the core engine 16 to provide propulsion at the downstream end 99.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an alternative aspect of the dome-guide vane connection according to one aspect of this disclosure. Figure 3 An example of a dome-deflector connection member 71 for implementing a flexible connection between the dome 67 and the deflector 68 is depicted. The dome-deflector connection member 71 can also be implemented as an outer liner shell-plate connection member 57 and as an inner liner shell-plate connection member 63. Therefore, although a detailed view 100 of the dome-deflector connection member 71 will be described below for each type of connection member, elements of a detailed view 102 for the inner liner shell-plate connection member 63 are also depicted where applicable. Therefore, reference numerals applicable to the inner liner shell-plate connection member 63 will be included in parentheses in the following figures.

[0031] exist Figure 3 In this aspect, dome 67 is connected to baffle 68 via dome-baffle connecting member 71 to define baffle cavity 77 between dome 67 and baffle 68. Dome 67 includes a cold side 114 adjacent to pressure chamber 66 and a hot side 116 adjacent to baffle cavity 77. Dome 67 includes a plurality of dome airflow cooling channels 115, which allow a portion of compressed air 82(b) from pressure chamber 66 to flow through the dome airflow cooling channels 115 into baffle cavity 77, impacting the cold side 118 of baffle 68 as cooling airflow 82(c). Baffle 68 includes a cold side 118 adjacent to baffle cavity 77 and a hot side 120 adjacent to combustion chamber 62. Dome-baffle connecting member 71 is implemented as Figure 3The bolted joint 103 includes a flexible bolt 104, a nut 122, a spring 124, and a washer 126. The nut 122 engages with the threaded portion 128 of the flexible bolt 104 to connect the flexible bolt 104 to the dome 67. The flexible bolt 104 includes a bolt head 106 that engages with the hot side 120 of the deflector 68. The spring 124 provides force between the dome 67 and the deflector 68 to maintain the engagement of the bolt head 106 with the deflector 68. Alternatively, the bolt head 106 can be engaged with the deflector 68, for example, by brazing.

[0032] The flexible bolt 104 also includes a flexible shank portion 108. The flexible shank portion 108 may be formed from a hollow cylindrical shank, wherein helical serrations 134 cut along the length of the shank to form a helical coil-shaped shank 136, which defines a hollow cavity 130 therein. The bolt head 106 includes a cooling channel 132 extending therethrough, which is in fluid communication with the hollow cavity 130. Therefore, a cooling airflow 82(c) entering the baffle cavity 77 via the dome airflow cooling channel 115 can flow through the helical coil-shaped shank 136 into the hollow cavity 130 and through the cooling channel 132 of the bolt head 106 to provide cooling to the bolt head 106 at the hot side 120 of the baffle 68.

[0033] Figure 4 This is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an alternative aspect of the dome-guide vane connection according to another aspect of this disclosure. Figure 4 Similar to Figure 3 In this aspect, it includes a bolted joint having a flexible bolt 142. The flexible bolt 142 includes a threaded shank portion 144 that engages with a nut 122 to connect the flexible bolt 142 to the dome 67. Figure 4 The flexible bolt 14 includes a helical coil shank portion 146 that connects a threaded shank portion 144 to a head 148. The head 148 can be engaged to the deflector 68, for example, by brazing. Alternatively, when the deflector 68 can be made of a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) material, the deflector 68 can include an insert (not shown) that can be threaded into the head 148.

[0034] Figure 5 This is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an alternative aspect of the dome-guide vane connection according to another aspect of this disclosure. Figure 5 Similar to Figure 3 In this aspect, it includes a bolted joint with flexible bolts 150. Figure 5The flexible bolt 150 includes a threaded portion 128 that engages with a nut 122 to connect the flexible bolt 150 to the dome 67. However, the flexible bolt 150 includes a solid shank portion 138 with a plurality of circumferential serrations 140, but does not include a helical coil shank portion or a helical coil-type shank portion. The circumferential serrations 140 allow the flexible bolt 150 to have greater flexibility and also serve as cooling fins to provide cooling to the flexible bolt 150.

[0035] Figure 6 This is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an alternative aspect of the dome-baffle connection according to another aspect of this disclosure. Figure 6 In this aspect, the dome-guide plate connecting member 71 is a flexible connector 152, which is connected to the dome 67 at a first end 154 and to the guide plate 68 at a second end 156. Figure 6 In the diagram, the flexible connector 152 is shown connected to a dome 67 at a first end 154, wherein the first end 154 engages against the hot side 116 of the dome 67 and is connected to the dome 67 via a bolt joint 160. The bolt joint 160 includes a bolt 158 ​​that engages with the internal threaded surface 159 of the first end 154 of the flexible connector 152. The flexible connector 152 is also shown connected to a baffle 68 at a second end 156, wherein the second end 156 engages against the cold side 118 of the baffle 68 and is connected via a pin joint 162. The pin joint 162 may include a baffle connecting protrusion 164 extending from the cold side 118 of the baffle 68 into a baffle cavity 77, wherein the baffle connecting protrusion 164 includes a pin hole 168 passing through it. The baffle connecting protrusion 164 is arranged to fit within the second end 156 of the flexible connector 152. The second end 156 of the flexible connector 152 includes a pin hole 170 passing through it, and is arranged such that a pin 166 can be inserted through pin hole 170 and pin hole 168 to connect the flexible connector 152 to the deflector 68. Of course, other techniques can be used to connect the flexible connector 152 to the dome 67 and the deflector 68, and some of these techniques will be described below.

[0036] The flexible connector 152 includes a flexible intermediate section 172 located between a first end 154 and a second end 156 of the flexible connector 152. The flexible intermediate section 172 may include a helical coil-type shank 136 similar to that of the flexible bolt 104. Figure 3 The spiral coil structure. Alternatively, such as... Figure 13A As shown, it is Figure 6In an alternative arrangement to the detailed view 240, the flexible intermediate section 172 may include a spring-like structure 241 formed by joining a plurality of belleville-type washer 242 together. Figure 13B In another alternative arrangement, the flexible intermediate section 172 can form a spring-like structure 241, which is formed by a plurality of stacked waveform elements 244 (e.g., waveform washers) that engage with each other. Thus, the flexible connector 152 provides a flexible connection between the dome 67 and the guide vane 68.

[0037] Figure 7 This is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an alternative aspect of the dome-guide vane connection according to another aspect of this disclosure. Figure 7 Aspects include Figure 6 The flexible connector 152, but includes different connection types for connecting the flexible connector 152 to the deflector 68. Figure 7 In the diagram, the first end 154 of the flexible connector 152 is shown as being connected to... Figure 6 The same manner is shown in the diagram, where a bolted joint 160 is used to connect to the dome 67. However, the second end 156 of the flexible connector 152 is shown connected to the baffle 68 via a mounting bracket joint 173. The mounting bracket joint 173 may include a mounting bracket 174, which is generally circular in shape and includes a tapered wall 175 extending circumferentially around a centerline 180 of the mounting bracket 174, a flange 176 extending radially inward toward the centerline 180, and a flange 178 extending radially outward relative to the centerline 180. The flange 176 may be brazed to the second end 156 of the flexible connector 152, for example, and the flange 178 may be brazed to the cold side 118 of the baffle 68, for example.

[0038] Figure 8 This is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an alternative aspect of the dome-guide vane connection according to another aspect of this disclosure. Figure 8 Aspects include Figure 7 The flexible connector 152, and also includes a mounting bracket joint 173 for connecting the second end 156 of the flexible connector 152 to the guide vane 68. However, in Figure 8 In the diagram, the first end 154 is shown connected to the dome 67 via a second mounting bracket joint 173 rather than via a bolt joint 160. Thus, the flange 176 of the mounting bracket 174 is connected to the first end 154 of the flexible connector 152 via, for example, brazing, and the flange 178 is connected to the hot side 116 of the dome 67 via, for example, brazing.

[0039] Although on the one hand, Figure 8The diagram generally depicts a single flexible connector 152 implementing the dome-baffle connection member 71; however, the dome-baffle connection member 71 may alternatively include multiple flexible connectors 152(a) and 152(b) stacked together. For example, the dome-baffle connection member 71 may include a first flexible connector 152(a) and a second flexible connector 152(b), which are connected to each other via, for example, a second end 156(a) of the first flexible connector 152(a) connected via a connecting member 153 to a first end 154(b) of the second flexible connector 152(b). Each of the first flexible connector 152(a) and the second flexible connector 152(b) may include a cavity 151 having a threaded inner surface 155 passing through it. The connecting member 153 may also have threads that threadedly engage with the threaded inner surface 155 to connect the first flexible connector 152(a) and the second flexible connector 152(b). The first end 154(a) of the first flexible connector 152(a) can be connected via mounting bracket 174 or by means of... Figure 6 and 7 The second flexible connector 152(b) can be connected to the dome 67 in any of the ways shown, and can be connected via the mounting bracket 174 or by means of other means. Figure 6 and 7 Any of the methods shown are used to connect to the deflector 68 at the second end 156(b) of the second flexible connector 152(b). Therefore, additional flexibility can be achieved by implementing multiple flexible connectors 152(a) and 152(b) within a single dome-deflector connection member 71.

[0040] Figure 9 This is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an alternative aspect of the dome-baffle connection according to another aspect of this disclosure. Figure 9 In this aspect, the dome-baffle connection member 71 includes a corrugated flexible washer 182 extending through a dome opening 198 in the dome 67 and connected to a stud 184 extending from the cold side 118 of the baffle 68. The stud 184 can be brazed to the baffle 68, for example, or threadedly engaged with an insert (not shown) in the baffle 68. The corrugated flexible washer 182 includes a central opening 186 through which the stud 184 extends. The corrugated flexible washer 182 has a radially outward flange 188 that engages with the cold side 114 of the dome 67. Figure 9 In the cross-sectional view, the corrugated flexible gasket 182 can be seen to have an approximately sinusoidal shape; however, in the cross-sectional view obtained from the cold side 114 of the dome 67... Figure 10 In the plan view, the corrugated flexible washer 182 can be seen to have a roughly circular shape. Figure 10In the diagram, the bent portions 190, 192, and 194 of the corrugated flexible washer 182 are represented by dashed lines. Figure 9 As shown, the bent portion 192 of the corrugated flexible washer 182 engages with the cold side 118 of the deflector 68. To complete the flexible connection from the dome 67 to the deflector 68, the nut 196 is threadedly engaged with the stud 184 to provide a predetermined amount of pressure between the radially outer flange 188 of the corrugated flexible washer 182 and the cold side 114 of the dome 67, and between the bent portion 192 of the corrugated flexible washer 182 and the cold side 118 of the deflector 68.

[0041] exist Figure 9 Alternatively, a corrugated flexible gasket 200 may be provided, which is the same as the corrugated flexible gasket 182, except that the corrugated flexible gasket 200 may include a plurality of cooling openings 202 passing through it. Figure 10 Cooling openings 202 are depicted circumferentially spaced around the center 205 of the corrugated flexible gasket 200. The cooling openings 202 can provide a cooling airflow 82(c) to flow from the pressure chamber 66 through the cooling openings 202 in order to provide impingement cooling to the cold side 118 of the guide vane 68.

[0042] Figure 11 This is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an alternative aspect of the dome-guide vane connection according to another aspect of this disclosure. Figure 11 In some ways, it is similar to Figure 9 In this aspect, a corrugated flexible washer is implemented within the dome-guide plate connection member 71. Similar to... Figure 9 In this aspect, stud 184 extends from the cold side 118 of the baffle 68. A first corrugated flexible washer 204 has a first washer central opening 206 through which it passes, and stud 184 extends through the first washer central opening 206. Similar to the corrugated flexible washer 182, the first corrugated flexible washer 204 has a first washer radially outward flange 208 that engages with the cold side 114 of the dome 67. The first corrugated flexible washer 204 extends through the dome opening 198 into the baffle cavity 77. However, unlike... Figure 9 In this respect, the first corrugated flexible gasket 204 does not engage with the cold side 118 of the deflector 68. Instead, in Figure 11 In this aspect, a second corrugated flexible washer 210 having a central opening 212 passing through it engages with a stud 184. The second corrugated flexible washer 210 includes a second washer radially outer flange 214 that engages with the hot side 116 of the dome 67, and the bent portion 216 of the second corrugated flexible washer 210 engages with the cold side 118 of the guide plate 68.

[0043] exist Figure 11 Alternatively, a first corrugated flexible washer 218 can be provided, which is identical to the first corrugated flexible washer 204, except that the first corrugated flexible washer 218 may include a plurality of cooling openings 222 passing through it. The cooling openings 222 may be similar to Figure 9 and 10 The cooling opening 202 is shown in the diagram. Similarly, a second corrugated flexible washer 220 can be provided, which is identical to the second corrugated flexible washer 210, except that the second corrugated flexible washer 220 may include a plurality of cooling openings 224 passing through it. The cooling opening 222 can be similar to... Figure 9 and 10 The cooling opening 202 is shown. Cooling opening 222 provides cooling airflow 82(c) to impact the cold side 213 of the second corrugated flexible gasket 220, and cooling opening 224 provides cooling airflow 82(c) to impact the cold side 118 of the guide plate 68.

[0044] Figure 12 This is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an alternative aspect of the dome-guide vane connection according to another aspect of this disclosure. Figure 12 In some ways, it is similar to Figure 11 In this aspect, multiple corrugated flexible washers are implemented within the dome-guide plate connection member 71. Figure 12 In this aspect, a first corrugated flexible washer 218 is included, and the first radially outer flange 208 of the first corrugated flexible washer 218 is engaged with the cold side 114 of the dome 67. Figure 12 aspects and Figure 11 One difference lies in the different types of second corrugated flexible washers. Figure 12 In this aspect, a second corrugated flexible washer 226 is included, wherein the bent portion 234 of the second corrugated flexible washer 226 is joined to the cold side 118 of the baffle 68 by, for example, brazing at a joint 236. Furthermore, the second corrugated flexible washer 226 includes a stud 230 extending from the center 232 of the second corrugated flexible washer 226. The stud 230 extends through the first washer center opening 206 of the first corrugated flexible washer 218, and a nut 196 is threadedly engaged with the stud 230. The second washer radially outer flange 228 of the second corrugated flexible washer 226 engages with the hot side 116 of the dome 67. Similar to... Figure 11 In terms of the first corrugated flexible gasket 218, it may include a cooling opening 222, and the second corrugated flexible gasket 226 may include a plurality of cooling openings 238, similar to Figure 11Cooling opening 224. Therefore, by utilizing cooling openings 222 and 238, cooling airflow 82(c) can be provided to impact the cold side 118 of the guide plate 68.

[0045] While the foregoing description generally pertains to gas turbine engines, gas turbine engines can be implemented in a variety of environments. For example, the engine can be implemented in aircraft, but it can also be implemented in non-aircraft applications (such as power plants, marine applications, or oil and gas production applications). Therefore, this disclosure is not limited to use in aircraft.

[0046] The above aspects of this disclosure provide a flexible joint connecting the dome and the baffle and / or connecting the liner shell and the liner plate to better accommodate thermal expansion at the joint and vibration at the joint. Therefore, various joint arrangements can accommodate thermal loads on the joint and also vibrations generated during combustion, thereby reducing stresses that may otherwise be generated at the joint, leading to joint damage over time.

[0047] Further aspects of this disclosure are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses.

[0048] A combustor for a gas turbine, the combustor comprising: a dome; a baffle plate connected to the dome to define a baffle cavity therebetween, the baffle plate having a cold side adjacent to the baffle cavity and a hot side adjacent to the combustion chamber; and at least one dome-baffle plate connecting member connecting the dome and the baffle plate to each other, the dome-baffle plate connecting member forming a flexible joint between the dome and the baffle plate.

[0049] According to the burner described in the foregoing clause, the dome-guide plate connection member includes a bolt joint, the bolt joint including a flexible bolt having a bolt head and a flexible shank portion, the bolt head engaging the guide plate on the hot side of the guide plate.

[0050] According to any of the foregoing clauses, the burner wherein the flexible shank portion includes a helical coil-type shank disposed between the dome and the baffle, the helical coil-type shank defining a hollow cavity therein, and the bolt head having a cooling channel extending through it and in fluid communication with the hollow cavity.

[0051] According to any of the preceding clauses, the burner wherein the dome-baffle connection member includes a flexible connector that is connected to the dome at a first end and to the baffle at a second end.

[0052] According to any of the preceding clauses, the burner includes a flexible intermediate section located between a first end and a second end of the flexible connector, the flexible intermediate section including any one of a helical coil structure, a spring-like structure with a disc washer, and a spring-like structure having a plurality of wave-like elements engaged with each other.

[0053] According to any of the preceding clauses, the flexible connector is connected to the dome at the first end via either a bolt joint or a mounting bracket joint, and the flexible connector is connected to the baffle at the second end via either a pin joint or a mounting bracket joint.

[0054] According to any of the preceding clauses, the burner, wherein the dome-baffle connection member includes a first flexible connector and a second flexible connector connected to each other, the first flexible connector being connected to the dome at a first end of the first flexible connector, and the second flexible connector being connected to the baffle at a second end of the second flexible connector.

[0055] According to any of the preceding clauses, the burner, wherein the dome-baffle connection member includes a corrugated flexible washer having a central opening therethrough and a radially outward flange, the baffle including a stud extending from the cold side of the baffle through the central opening, and the radially outward flange of the corrugated flexible washer engaging the cold side of the dome.

[0056] According to any of the foregoing clauses, the burner includes a corrugated flexible gasket with a cooling opening therethrough for providing an impinging cooling airflow to impinge on the cold side of the baffle.

[0057] According to any of the foregoing clauses of the burner, wherein the dome-baffle connection member includes a first corrugated flexible washer and a second corrugated flexible washer, the first corrugated flexible washer having a central opening therethrough and a radially outward flange of the first washer, the second corrugated flexible washer having a central opening therethrough and a radially outward flange of the second washer, the baffle including a stud extending from the cold side of the baffle, the stud extending through the central opening of the first washer and through the central opening of the second washer, the radially outward flange of the first washer engaging the cold side of the dome, and the first corrugated flexible washer extending through the dome opening and into the baffle cavity, the radially outward flange of the second washer engaging the hot side of the dome, and the second corrugated flexible washer engaging the cold side of the baffle.

[0058] According to any of the preceding clauses, the burner includes a first corrugated flexible gasket with a cooling opening therethrough for providing a cooling airflow to the cold side of a second corrugated flexible gasket, and the second corrugated flexible gasket includes a cooling opening therethrough for providing an impinging cooling airflow to impinge on the cold side of a baffle.

[0059] According to any of the preceding clauses of the burner, wherein the dome-baffle connection member comprises (a) a first corrugated flexible washer having a central opening therethrough and having a radially outward flange; and (b) a second corrugated flexible washer having a stud extending from the center of the second corrugated flexible washer and having a radially outward flange, the second corrugated flexible washer being engaged to the baffle, the stud extending through the central opening of the first washer, the radially outward flange of the second washer being engaged with the hot side of the dome, and the radially outward flange of the first washer being engaged with the cold side of the dome.

[0060] According to any of the preceding clauses, the burner includes a first corrugated flexible gasket with a cooling opening therethrough for providing a cooling airflow to the cold side of a second corrugated flexible gasket, and the second corrugated flexible gasket includes a cooling opening therethrough for providing an impinging cooling airflow to impinge on the cold side of a baffle.

[0061] The burner according to any of the foregoing clauses further includes a burner liner, the burner liner including a burner liner shell and a burner liner plate connected to the burner liner shell to define a baffle cavity therebetween, the burner liner plate being connected to the burner liner shell via at least one shell-plate connecting member at a joint, the shell-plate connecting member forming a flexible joint between the burner liner shell and the burner liner plate.

[0062] According to any of the foregoing clauses, the burner, wherein the shell-plate connection member includes a bolt joint, the bolt joint including a flexible bolt having a flexible shank portion.

[0063] According to any of the preceding clauses, the burner, wherein the shell-plate connection member includes a flexible connector that is connected at a first end to the burner liner shell and at a second end to the burner liner plate, the flexible connector including a flexible intermediate portion located between the first end and the second end.

[0064] According to any of the foregoing clauses, in a burner, the shell-plate connection member includes a corrugated flexible washer having a central opening therethrough and a radially outward flange, the burner liner plate includes a stud extending from the cold side of the burner liner plate through the central opening, and the radially outward flange of the corrugated flexible washer engages the burner liner shell.

[0065] According to any of the preceding clauses, the burner shell-plate connection member includes (a) a first corrugated flexible washer having a central opening therethrough and a radially outward flange; and (b) a second corrugated flexible washer having a central opening therethrough and a radially outward flange, the burner liner plate including a stud extending from the cold side of the burner liner plate, the stud extending through the central opening of the first washer and through the central opening of the second washer, the radially outward flange of the first washer engaging the cold side of the burner liner shell, and the radially outward flange of the second washer engaging the hot side of the burner liner shell.

[0066] According to any of the preceding clauses, the burner, wherein the shell-plate connection member comprises (a) a first corrugated flexible washer having a central opening therethrough and having a radially outward flange; and (b) a second corrugated flexible washer having a stud extending from the center of the second corrugated flexible washer and having a radially outward flange, the second corrugated flexible washer being engaged to the burner liner plate, the stud extending through the central opening of the first washer, the radially outward flange of the second washer being engaged with the hot side of the burner liner shell, and the radially outward flange of the first washer being engaged with the cold side of the burner liner shell.

[0067] According to any of the preceding clauses, the burner includes a first corrugated flexible gasket with a cooling opening therethrough for providing a cooling airflow to the cold side of a second corrugated flexible gasket, and the second corrugated flexible gasket includes a cooling opening therethrough for providing an impinging cooling airflow to impinge on the cold side of the burner liner.

[0068] While the foregoing description is directed to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, other changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art and can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, features described in connection with one embodiment of the present disclosure may be used in conjunction with other embodiments, even if not explicitly stated above.

Claims

1. A burner for a gas turbine, characterized in that, The burner includes: Dome; A deflector connected to the dome to define a baffle cavity therebetween, the deflector having a cold side adjacent to the baffle cavity and a hot side adjacent to the combustion chamber; and At least one dome-deflector connecting member, which connects the dome and the deflector to each other. The at least one dome-baffle connecting member includes a bolt joint comprising a flexible bolt having a bolt head and a flexible shank, the bolt head engaging the baffle on the hot side of the baffle. The flexible handle includes a hollow cylindrical handle portion without threads and defining a hollow cavity within the flexible handle; helical serrations formed along the length of the hollow cylindrical handle portion, thereby defining a helical coil handle portion disposed between the dome and the baffle plate; the helical serrations defining an airflow path for supplying cooling airflow from the baffle cavity to the hollow cavity through the helical serrations; and the bolt head having a cooling channel extending through it and in fluid communication with the hollow cavity.

2. The burner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The burner liner further includes a burner liner shell and a burner liner plate connected to the burner liner shell to define a baffle cavity therebetween, the burner liner plate being connected to the burner liner shell via at least one shell-plate connecting member at a joint, the at least one shell-plate connecting member forming a flexible joint between the burner liner shell and the burner liner plate.

3. The burner according to claim 2, characterized in that, in, The at least one shell-plate connection member includes a bolt joint, the bolt joint comprising a flexible bolt having a flexible helical coil shank portion.

4. The burner according to claim 2, characterized in that, in, The at least one shell-plate connection member includes a flexible connector that is connected to the burner liner shell at a first end and to the burner liner plate at a second end, the flexible connector including a flexible helical coil intermediate portion located between the first end and the second end.

5. The burner according to claim 2, characterized in that, in, The at least one shell-plate connection member includes a corrugated flexible washer having a central opening therethrough and a radially outward flange, the burner liner plate including a stud extending from the cold side of the burner liner plate through the central opening, and the radially outward flange of the corrugated flexible washer engaging the burner liner shell.

6. The burner according to claim 2, characterized in that, in, The at least one shell-plate connection member includes (a) a first corrugated flexible washer having a first washer central opening therethrough and a first washer radially outward flange; and (b) a second corrugated flexible washer having a second washer central opening therethrough and a second washer radially outward flange, the burner liner plate including a stud extending from the cold side of the burner liner plate, the stud extending through the first washer central opening and through the second washer central opening, the first washer radially outward flange engaging with the cold side of the burner liner shell, and the second washer radially outward flange engaging with the hot side of the burner liner shell.

7. A burner for a gas turbine, characterized in that, The burner includes: Dome; A deflector connected to the dome to define a baffle cavity therebetween, the deflector having a cold side adjacent to the baffle cavity and a hot side adjacent to the combustion chamber; and At least one dome-deflector connecting member, which connects the dome and the deflector to each other. The at least one dome-guide plate connecting member includes at least one flexible connector, the at least one flexible connector being connected to the dome at a first end and to the guide plate at a second end. The at least one flexible connector includes a hollow cylindrical intermediate section located between the first end and the second end of the flexible connector. The flexible hollow cylindrical intermediate section is unthreaded and defines a hollow cavity within the at least one connector. Helical sawtooth teeth are formed along the length of the flexible hollow cylindrical intermediate section, passing through it, thereby defining a helical coil structure. The hollow cavity is in fluid communication with the baffle cavity via the helical saw teeth.

8. The burner according to claim 7, characterized in that, in, The at least one flexible connector is connected to the dome at the first end via either a bolt joint or a mounting bracket joint, and the at least one flexible connector is connected to the deflector at the second end via either a pin joint or a mounting bracket joint.

9. The burner according to claim 7, characterized in that, in, The at least one connector includes a first flexible connector and a second flexible connector connected to each other, the first flexible connector being connected to the dome at a first end of the first flexible connector, and the second flexible connector being connected to the baffle at a second end of the second flexible connector.

10. A burner for a gas turbine, characterized in that, The burner includes: Dome; A deflector connected to the dome to define a baffle cavity therebetween, the deflector having a cold side adjacent to the baffle cavity and a hot side adjacent to the combustion chamber; and At least one dome-deflector connecting member, which connects the dome and the deflector to each other. Wherein, the at least one dome-guide plate connecting member includes a corrugated flexible washer having a central opening therethrough and a radially outward flange; the guide plate includes a stud extending from the cold side of the guide plate, the stud extending through the central opening; and the radially outward flange of the corrugated flexible washer engages the cold side of the dome; and The corrugated flexible gasket includes a cooling opening therethrough for providing an impinging cooling airflow to impact the cold side of the baffle.

11. A burner for a gas turbine, characterized in that, The burner includes: Dome; A deflector connected to the dome to define a baffle cavity therebetween, the deflector having a cold side adjacent to the baffle cavity and a hot side adjacent to the combustion chamber; and At least one dome-deflector connecting member, which connects the dome and the deflector to each other. The at least one dome-guide plate connecting member includes a first corrugated flexible washer and a second corrugated flexible washer. The first corrugated flexible washer has a central opening therethrough and a first radially outward flange. The second corrugated flexible washer has a central opening therethrough and a second radially outward flange. The guide plate includes a stud extending from the cold side of the guide plate. The stud extends through the central opening of the first washer and through the central opening of the second washer. The radially outward flange of the first washer engages with the cold side of the dome. The first corrugated flexible washer extends through the dome opening and into the baffle cavity. The radially outward flange of the second washer engages with the hot side of the dome. The second corrugated flexible washer engages with the cold side of the guide plate. The first corrugated flexible gasket includes a cooling opening therethrough for providing cooling airflow to the cold side of the second corrugated flexible gasket, and the second corrugated flexible gasket includes a cooling opening therethrough for providing impinging cooling airflow to impinge on the cold side of the guide plate.

12. A burner for a gas turbine, characterized in that, The burner includes: Dome; A deflector connected to the dome to define a baffle cavity therebetween, the deflector having a cold side adjacent to the baffle cavity and a hot side adjacent to the combustion chamber; and At least one dome-deflector connecting member, which connects the dome and the deflector to each other. The at least one dome-guide plate connecting member includes (a) a first corrugated flexible washer having a central opening therethrough and a first radially outward flange; and (b) a second corrugated flexible washer having a stud extending from the center of the second corrugated flexible washer and a second radially outward flange, the second corrugated flexible washer being engaged with the guide plate, the stud extending through the central opening of the first washer, the second radially outward flange being engaged with the hot side of the dome, and the first radially outward flange being engaged with the cold side of the dome. The first corrugated flexible gasket includes a cooling opening therethrough for providing cooling airflow to the cold side of the second corrugated flexible gasket, and the second corrugated flexible gasket includes a cooling opening therethrough for providing impinging cooling airflow to impinge on the cold side of the guide plate.

13. A burner for a gas turbine, characterized in that, The burner includes: Dome; A deflector connected to the dome to define a baffle cavity therebetween, the deflector having a cold side adjacent to the baffle cavity and a hot side adjacent to the combustion chamber; and At least one dome-deflector connecting member, which connects the dome and the deflector to each other. The at least one shell-plate connection member includes (a) a first corrugated flexible washer having a central opening therethrough and a first radially outward flange; and (b) a second corrugated flexible washer having a stud extending from the center of the second corrugated flexible washer and a second radially outward flange, the second corrugated flexible washer being engaged to the burner liner plate, the stud extending through the central opening of the first washer, the second radially outward flange being engaged with the hot side of the burner liner shell, and the first radially outward flange being engaged with the cold side of the burner liner shell. The first corrugated flexible gasket includes a cooling opening therethrough for providing cooling airflow to the cold side of the second corrugated flexible gasket, and the second corrugated flexible gasket includes a cooling opening therethrough for providing impinging cooling airflow to impinge on the cold side of the burner liner.

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