Support connection for exhaust diffuser assembly

Abstract

A support connector assembly (300) for coupling an exhaust diffuser (34) to a diffuser housing (56) is provided. The support connector assembly (300) comprises a support connector (301). The support connector (301) includes a body (302) extending from a front end (308) to a rear end (312). The support connector (301) also includes a front flange (304) extending from the body (302) at the front end (308). The front flange (304) is configured to be coupled to the diffuser housing (56). The support connection (301) also includes a pair of arms (306) extending from the body (302) at the rear end (312). The pair of arms (306) is configured to be coupled to the exhaust diffuser (34). A vibration damping assembly (200) is attachable to the support connection (301). An exhaust diffuser (34) having the support connector assembly (300) is also provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to support connections for connecting two or more components in a turbomachine. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to support connections for connecting an exhaust diffuser to a casing of a turbomachine. Background Art

[0002] Turbines are used for energy transfer purposes in various industries and applications. For example, a gas turbine engine typically includes a compressor section, a combustion section, a turbine section, and an exhaust section. The compressor section gradually increases the pressure of the working fluid entering the gas turbine engine, and supplies the compressed working fluid to the combustion section. The compressed working fluid and fuel (e.g., natural gas) are mixed in the combustion section and burned in the combustion chamber to generate high-pressure and high-temperature combustion gases. The combustion gases flow from the combustion section into the turbine section, where the combustion gases expand to do work. For example, the expansion of the combustion gases in the turbine section can rotate a rotor shaft connected to, for example, a generator to generate electricity. The combustion gases are then discharged from the turbine section through an exhaust diffuser positioned downstream of the turbine section.

[0003] The exhaust diffuser typically includes an inner liner and an outer liner radially separated from the inner liner to form an exhaust flow channel through the diffuser. One or more diffuser struts of generally airfoil shape extend between the inner liner and the outer liner within the exhaust flow channel to provide structural support to the outer liner and / or a rear bearing of the support shaft. In addition, the exhaust diffuser is typically connected to a housing (e.g., an outer housing) via an array of circumferentially spaced support connectors.

[0004] Operation of a turbine for power generation can result in frequency oscillations (i.e., pressure pulsations or vibrations) within the exhaust diffuser that may cause damage to various components of the exhaust diffuser over time or may result in an unplanned or premature shutdown of the turbine. For example, a support connector may be exposed to these vibrations, which may reduce or limit the effective hardware life of the support connector and / or the entire exhaust diffuser. Specifically, existing support connectors may be subject to high stresses at the junction between the support connector and the turbine (e.g., where the support connector is coupled to the exhaust diffuser and / or the housing).

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for an improved support connection that is robust to the vibrations experienced by the exhaust diffuser. In particular, an improved support connection having features that reduce vibrations and reduce bonding stresses is desirable and would be appreciated in the art. Summary of the invention

[0006] Various aspects and advantages of support link assemblies and exhaust diffuser assemblies according to the present disclosure will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the technology.

[0007] According to one embodiment, a support connector assembly for coupling an exhaust diffuser to a diffuser housing is provided. The support connector assembly includes a support connector. The support connector includes a body extending from a front end to a rear end. The support connector also includes a front flange extending from the body at the front end. The front flange is configured to couple to the diffuser housing. The support connector also includes a pair of arms extending from the body at the rear end. The pair of arms is configured to couple to the exhaust diffuser.

[0008] According to another embodiment, a support connector assembly for coupling an exhaust diffuser to a diffuser housing is provided, the support connector assembly comprising a support connector having a body extending from a front end to a rear end. The support connector assembly also includes a vibration reduction assembly attached to the support connector. The vibration reduction assembly includes at least one pin assembly coupled to the body of the support connector. At least one pin assembly includes a pin and a disk. The pin includes a pin head and a pin body. The vibration reduction assembly also includes at least one plate disposed between the pin head and the support connector. The at least one plate surrounds the pin body, and the at least one plate is movable between the pin head and the support connector relative to the pin and relative to the support connector to attenuate vibrations experienced by the support connector.

[0009] According to yet another embodiment, an exhaust diffuser assembly is provided. The exhaust diffuser assembly includes a diffuser housing, an exhaust diffuser, and a support connector that connects the exhaust diffuser to the diffuser housing. The support connector includes a body extending from a front end to a rear end. The support connector also includes a front flange extending from the body at the front end. The front flange is configured to be connected to the diffuser housing. The support connector also includes a pair of arms extending from the body at the rear end. The pair of arms is configured to be connected to the exhaust diffuser.

[0010] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the support connector assembly and exhaust diffuser assembly of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] This specification sets forth a complete and enabling disclosure of the support connector assembly and exhaust diffuser assembly of the present invention, including the best mode of making the system of the present invention and using the system and method of the present invention, as well as those of ordinary skill in the art, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a turbine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 2schematically illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view of an exhaust diffuser assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 3 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 2 a cross-sectional view of the exhaust diffuser assembly taken along line 3-3 shown in FIG.

[0015] Figure 4 illustrates an isometric view of an exhaust diffuser assembly having an exhaust diffuser with a plurality of support connector assemblies coupled thereto according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a support connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 6 A perspective view of a support connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, which support connector can be combined with the above reference Figure 5 In the support connector assembly discussed;

[0018] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a first side of a support connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 8 showing a perspective view of a second side of a support connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Fig. 9 The present invention shows an exemplary aspect of Figure 7 an enlarged view of the framed detail;

[0021] Fig.10 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the support connector assembly taken along line 10-10 as shown; and

[0022] Fig.11 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 1 0. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the support connector assembly and exhaust diffuser assembly of the present invention, one or more examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the present invention technology, rather than limitation of the present invention technology. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made in the present invention technology without departing from the scope or essence of the present invention technology protected by the claims. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used in another embodiment to produce yet another embodiment. Therefore, the present disclosure is intended to cover such modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0024] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any implementation described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. In addition, unless otherwise specifically stated, all embodiments described herein should be considered exemplary.

[0025] The detailed description uses numbers and letter names to refer to the features in the drawings. Similar or similar names in the drawings and description have been used to refer to similar or similar parts of the present invention. As used herein, the terms "first", "second", and "third" may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another, and are not intended to indicate the position or importance of the various components.

[0026] The term "fluid" may be a gas or a liquid. The term "fluid communication" means that two or more regions defining a flow channel are joined to each other so that a fluid can form a connection (ie flow) between the designated regions.

[0027] As used herein, the terms "upstream" (or "upward") and "downstream" (or "downward") refer to relative directions with respect to the flow of a fluid in a fluid passage. For example, "upstream" refers to the direction from which the fluid is flowing, and "downstream" refers to the direction toward which the fluid is flowing. In the context of an exhaust diffuser assembly, "upstream" refers to the direction closest to the turbine segment, and "downstream" refers to the outlet end of the exhaust diffuser assembly.

[0028] The term "radially" refers to relative directions that are substantially perpendicular to the axial centerline of a particular component; the term "axially" refers to relative directions that are substantially parallel and / or coaxially aligned with the axial centerline of a particular component; and the term "circumferentially" refers to relative directions that extend around the axial centerline of a particular component.

[0029] Terms with approximate meanings (such as "about", "approximately", "substantially" and "substantially") are not limited to the exact values ​​specified. In at least some cases, approximate language may correspond to the accuracy of an instrument used to measure a value, or the accuracy of a method or machine used to construct or manufacture a component and / or system. In at least some cases, approximate language may correspond to the accuracy of an instrument used to measure a value, or the accuracy of a method or machine used to construct or manufacture a component and / or system. For example, approximate language may refer to a tolerance of 1%, 2%, 4%, 5%, 10%, 15% or 20% in an individual value, a range of values, and / or an end value of a range of defined values. When used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms are included within ten degrees greater than or less than the angle or direction. For example, "substantially vertical" includes directions within ten degrees of vertical in any direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise).

[0030] Unless otherwise indicated herein, the terms "coupled," "fixed," "attached to," and the like refer to both direct coupling, fixing, or attachment, as well as indirect coupling, fixing, or attachment through one or more intermediate components or features. The terms "directly coupled," "directly fixed," "directly attached to," and the like mean that two components are engaged in contact with one another and there are no intermediate components or features present.

[0031] As used herein, the terms "includes," "comprising," "having," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of features is not necessarily limited to only those features but may include other features not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. In addition, unless expressly specified otherwise, "and / or" refers to a condition that is satisfied by any of the following: A is true (or exists) and B is false (or does not exist); A is false (or does not exist) and B is true (or exists); and both A and B are true (or exist).

[0032] Here and throughout the specification and claims, where range limitations are combined and interchanged, such ranges are identified and include all sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise. For example, all ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other.

[0033] Now referring to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 A schematic diagram of one embodiment of a turbomachine is shown, which in the illustrated embodiment is a gas turbine engine 10. Although an industrial or land-based gas turbine engine is shown and described herein, the present disclosure is not limited to industrial and / or land-based gas turbine engines unless otherwise indicated in the claims. For example, the present invention as described herein may be used for any type of turbomachine, including but not limited to a steam turbine, an aircraft gas turbine, or a marine gas turbine.

[0034] As shown, the gas turbine engine 10 generally includes a compressor section 12. The compressor section 12 includes a compressor 14. The compressor section 12 includes an inlet 16 disposed at the upstream end of the gas turbine engine 10. The gas turbine engine 10 also includes a combustion section 18 having one or more combustors 20 disposed downstream of the compressor section 12. The gas turbine engine 10 also includes a turbine section 22 located downstream of the combustion section 18. A shaft 24 generally extends axially through the gas turbine engine 10.

[0035] The compressor segment 12 may generally include a plurality of rotor disks 21 and a plurality of rotor blades 23 extending radially outward from each rotor disk 21 and connected to each rotor disk. Each rotor disk 21 may in turn be coupled to or form an upstream portion of a shaft 24 extending through the compressor segment 12. The rotor blades 23 of the compressor segment 12 may include a turbine airfoil defining an airfoil shape (e.g., having a leading edge, a trailing edge, and a sidewall extending between the leading edge and the trailing edge). In addition, the compressor segment 12 includes stator vanes disposed between the rotor blades to define a series of compression stages. The stator vanes may extend from and be coupled to the compressor housing.

[0036] The turbine segment 22 may generally include a plurality of rotor disks 27 and a plurality of rotor blades 28 extending radially outward from each rotor disk 27 and interconnected to each rotor disk. Each rotor disk 27, in turn, may be coupled to or form a portion of a shaft 24 extending through the turbine segment 22. The turbine segment 22 also includes an outer casing 32 that circumferentially surrounds a downstream portion of the shaft 24 and the rotor blades 28. The turbine segment 22 may include a fixed nozzle 26 extending radially inward from the outer casing 32. The rotor blades 28 and the fixed nozzles 26 may be arranged in an alternating manner along the axial centerline 30 of the gas turbine 10. Both the rotor blades 28 and the fixed nozzles 26 may include a turbine airfoil defining an airfoil shape (e.g., having a leading edge, a trailing edge, and a sidewall extending between the leading edge and the trailing edge).

[0037] In operation, ambient air 36 or other working fluid is drawn into the inlet 16 of the compressor 14 and is gradually compressed to provide compressed air 38 to the combustion section 18. The compressed air 38 flows into the combustion section 18 and mixes with the fuel to form a combustible mixture. The combustible mixture is burned within the combustion chamber 40 of the combustor 20, thereby generating combustion gases 42 that flow from the combustion chamber 40 into the turbine section 22. Energy (kinetic energy and / or thermal energy) is transferred from the combustion gases 42 to the rotor blades 28, causing the shaft 24 to rotate and produce mechanical work.

[0038] The gas turbine engine 10 may define a cylindrical coordinate system having an axial direction A extending along the axial centerline 30 , a radial direction R perpendicular to the axial centerline 30 , and a circumferential direction C extending about the axial centerline 30 .

[0039] The combustion gases 42 exit the turbine section 22 and flow through the exhaust diffuser 34 across a plurality of struts 44 disposed within the exhaust diffuser 34. During various operating conditions of the gas turbine engine 10, such as during part load operation, the combustion gases 42 flowing from the turbine section 22 into the exhaust diffuser 34 are imparted with a high level of swirl caused by the rotating turbine rotor blades 28. Such swirl can cause pressure fluctuations, frequency oscillations, or acoustic vibrations.

[0040] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an exhaust diffuser assembly 100 including an exhaust diffuser 34 is shown, and Figure 3 Shown along Figure 2 3-3 is shown as a cross-sectional view of the exhaust diffuser assembly 100. As shown, the exhaust diffuser 34 generally includes an inner liner 46 and an outer liner 48 radially spaced apart from the inner liner 46. The inner liner 46 may extend generally axially along an axial centerline 50 of the exhaust diffuser 34. The axial centerline 50 of the exhaust diffuser 34 may be coaxial with the axial centerline 30 of the gas turbine engine 10. The inner liner 46 is generally annular and may at least partially surround a rotating component. For example, the inner liner 46 may surround or encase a portion of the shaft 24.

[0041] In many embodiments, the outer liner 48 may be radially separated from the inner liner 46 such that an exhaust flow channel 52 is defined between the inner liner 46 and the outer liner 48. In a specific embodiment, the inner liner 46 is concentrically and coaxially aligned within the outer liner 48 relative to the axial centerline 50. In certain embodiments, the diffuser shell 56 may be radially spaced from and annularly surround the outer liner 48 such that a fluid plenum 58 is defined between the diffuser shell 56 and the outer liner 48. A stream of compressed air (or other working fluid) may flow within the fluid plenum 58 to cool various components of the exhaust diffuser 34 (such as the outer liner 48 and the struts 44). The present disclosure is not limited to any particular size, shape, material, or other physical characteristics of the inner liner 46, the outer liner 48, and / or the diffuser shell 56, unless stated in the claims.

[0042] Each of the diffuser struts 44 may extend between the inner liner 46 and the outer liner 48 and within the exhaust flow passage 52 defined therebetween. The diffuser struts 44 are spaced circumferentially around the inner liner 46, and the diffuser struts 44 may orient, align, or otherwise center the inner liner 46 within the outer liner 48. Furthermore, the diffuser struts 44 may provide structural support between the inner liner 46 and the outer liner 48. Figure 1 As shown, the diffuser struts 44 are positioned relative to the flow direction 60 of the spent combustion gases 42 flowing out of the turbine section 22 of the gas turbine engine 10. Figure 3 As shown, each diffuser strut 44 generally includes a root portion 62 connected to the inner liner 46 and a tip portion 64 radially separated from the root portion 62 and connected to the outer liner 48 .

[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the exhaust diffuser assembly 100 may also include one or more support connector assemblies 300 that couple the exhaust diffuser 34 to the diffuser housing 56. Specifically, the exhaust diffuser assembly 100 may include a plurality of support connector assemblies 300 that are circumferentially spaced apart (e.g., evenly or unevenly) from each other and coupled to the outer liner 48 and the diffuser housing 56. The diffuser housing 56 may include a front end 57 having a flange 59 extending outwardly (e.g., radially) from the diffuser housing 56 at the front end 57. The flange 59 may include one or more bolt holes (not shown) for coupling the front end 57 of the diffuser housing 56 to a flange 67 at the rear end 65 of the turbine housing 63. The turbine housing 63 and the diffuser housing 56 may each be annular so that both the turbine housing 63 and the diffuser housing 56 surround the axial centerline 50. The support connector assembly 300 may include a support connector 301 having a body 302, a front flange 304, and a pair of rear arms 306. The front flange 304 may be coupled to the front end 57 of the diffuser housing 56. Specifically, the front flange 304 may be positioned between the rear end 65 of the turbine housing 63 and the front end 57 of the diffuser housing 56. The front flange 304 may extend along (eg, parallel to) the radial direction R.

[0044] In an exemplary embodiment, Figure 3 As shown, a plurality of support connector assemblies 300 may be circumferentially spaced from one another and each coupled to the outer liner 48 and diffuser housing 56 within the fluid plenum 58. A forward flange 304 may be removably coupled to the forward end 57 of the diffuser housing 56 (e.g., via one or more bolts, dowel pins, etc.), and a pair of rear arms 306 may be fixedly coupled to the radially outer surface of the outer liner 48 (e.g., via welding, brazing, or other methods). In an exemplary embodiment, as shown, the pair of rear arms 306 may not be parallel to one another.

[0045] Figure 4An isometric view of an exhaust diffuser assembly 100 having an exhaust diffuser 34 is shown to which a plurality of support connector assemblies 300 are coupled. As described above, the exhaust diffuser 34 may include an inner liner 46, an outer liner 48, and a plurality of struts 44 extending (e.g., radially) between the inner liner 46 and the outer liner 48. The exhaust diffuser 34 may include an upper half 70 and a lower half 72 joined together at a split line 74. Additionally, the exhaust diffuser 34 may extend axially between a forward end 78 and an aft end 76.

[0046] like Figure 4 As shown, a plurality of support connector assemblies 300 are attached to the outer liner 48, some of which may be arranged in circumferential groups 310 (e.g., three groups). Each support connector assembly 300 in the group 310 of support connector assemblies 300 may be approximately (e.g., ±5%) circumferentially equidistantly spaced from the other support connectors 300 in the group 310. Figure 4 As shown, each of the plurality of struts 44 defines an interior 86 that extends between an outer opening 88 defined in the outer liner 48 and an inner opening 90 defined in the inner liner 46. In such embodiments, the support connector assemblies 300 attached to the outer liner 48 may be disposed between circumferentially adjacent outer openings 88. Specifically, one or more groups 310 may be circumferentially disposed between two adjacent outer openings 88. In addition, a single split line support connector assembly 300 can be disposed between the split line 74 and the outer opening 88 closest to the outer split line 110. Although the circumferential group 310 is shown as having three support connector assemblies 300, other numbers (e.g., two or more) of support connector assemblies 300 may be used.

[0047] See now Figure 5 , shows a cross-sectional view of a support connector assembly 300 installed in an exhaust diffuser assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the exhaust diffuser assembly 100 includes an outer liner 48 of the exhaust diffuser 34, a diffuser shell 56 radially spaced apart from the outer liner 48, and a support connector assembly 300 that couples the outer liner 48 of the exhaust diffuser 34 to the diffuser shell 56. The diffuser shell 56 may include a shell body 104, a front flange 106 extending radially outward from the shell body 104, and a tab 108 extending radially inward from the shell body 104. When the exhaust diffuser assembly 100 is installed in a gas turbine engine (such as the above reference Figure 1 When implemented in the gas turbine engine 10 discussed above, the front flange 106 may be coupled to the rear flange 67 ( Figure 2 ).

[0048] The support connector assembly 300 may include a support connector 301 and a vibration reduction assembly 200 ( Figures 7 and 8The support connector 301 may include a body 302, a front flange 304, and a pair of rear arms 306 (one of which is located at Figure 5 308). The main body 302 may extend from a front end 308 to a rear end 312. A front flange 304 may extend from the main body 302 at the front end 308 (e.g., generally radially outward) and be coupled (e.g., removably coupled) to the diffuser shell 56. Specifically, the front flange 304 may be coupled to a front face of the tab 108 of the diffuser shell 56 via one or more bolts 110. A rear arm 306 may extend from the main body 302 at the rear end 312 (e.g., generally radially inward). The rear arm 306 may be fixedly coupled to a radially outer surface of the outer liner 48 of the exhaust diffuser 34 (such as via welding, brazing, or other methods). Specifically, the rear arm 306 may form a weld joint 305 with the outer surface of the outer liner 48.

[0049] Figure 6 A perspective view of a support connector 301 is shown, which may be incorporated into the support connector 301 described above. Figures 2 to 5 1 and 1 . Specifically, the vibration reduction assembly 200 and other mounting hardware have been removed from the support connector assembly 300 to isolate the support connector 301 in order to show the details of the support connector 301. As shown, the support connector 301 includes a body 302, a front flange 304 at a front end 308 of the body 302, and a pair of rear arms 306 at a rear end 312 of the body 302.

[0050] like Figure 6 As shown, the support connector defines a longitudinal centerline 350 and a Cartesian coordinate system (e.g., a coordinate system having three directions perpendicular to each other) relative to the longitudinal centerline 350. For example, the support connector 301 defines a longitudinal direction L extending along the longitudinal centerline 350, a transverse direction T extending perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline 350, and a vertical direction V extending perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline 350. The longitudinal direction L, the transverse direction T, and the vertical direction V are perpendicular to each other.

[0051] The body 302 may include a front portion 316 and a rear portion 318, which may intersect each other at a junction 317. The front portion may extend from the front end 308 (e.g., longitudinally) to the rear portion 318. The rear portion 318 may extend from the front portion 316 (e.g., longitudinally) to the rear end 312. A pair of arms 306 may each extend from the rear portion 318 of the body 302, and the front flange 304 may extend from the front end 308 of the front portion 316 of the body 302. Specifically, the rear portion 318 may extend to a rear edge 328 at the rear end 312, and a pair of arms 306 may extend from the rear portion 318 between the front portion 316 and the rear edge 328.

[0052] The front portion 316 can be longer than the rear end 312 in the longitudinal direction L, such as between about 1.5 times longer and about 5 times longer, or such as between about 2 times longer and about 4 times longer. In other words, the front portion 316 can define a longitudinal length that is between about 150% and about 500%, or such as between about 200% and about 400%, of the longitudinal length of the rear portion 318.

[0053] The body 302 may define a width 320 in the transverse direction T that varies in the longitudinal direction L between the front end 308 and the rear end 312. Specifically, as the front portion 316 extends longitudinally from the front end 308 to the junction 317, the front portion 316 converges in the width 320 along the transverse direction T, such that the width 320 (e.g., the transverse width) of the front portion 316 gradually decreases from the front end 308 to the rear end 318. As the rear portion 318 extends longitudinally from the junction 317 with the front portion 316 to the rear end 312, the rear portion 318 may diverge in the width 320 along the transverse direction T, such that the width 320 (e.g., the transverse width) of the rear portion 316 increases from the junction 317 to the rear end 312. In summary, the junction 317 between the front portion 316 and the rear portion 318 may be an inflection point at which the width 320 transitions from decreasing to increasing as the body extends from the front end 308 to the rear end 312.

[0054] like Figure 6 As shown, the front flange 304 extends substantially vertically from the body in a first direction, and the pair of arms 306 each extend substantially vertically from the body 302 in a second direction opposite to the first direction. In other words, the front flange 304 may extend substantially vertically outward from the body 302, and the pair of arms 306 may each extend substantially vertically inward from the body 302.

[0055] The front flange 304 may include an arcuate segment 322 and a straight segment 324, and the front flange 304 may extend to a terminal edge 326. The arcuate segment may extend between the front end 308 of the body 302 to the straight segment 324, and the straight segment 324 may extend from the arcuate segment 322 to the terminal edge 326. The arcuate segment 322 may increase in lateral width from the front end 308 to the straight segment 324. The straight segment 324 may have a substantially constant or uniform lateral width.

[0056] like Figure 6 As shown, the body 302 can extend longitudinally between the front end 308 and the rear end 312, and the body 302 can extend transversely from the first side 330 to the second side 332. The body 302 can be longer in the longitudinal direction L than in the transverse direction T, for example, the length between the front end 308 and the rear end 312 can be longer than the width 320.

[0057] In an exemplary embodiment, the pair of arms 306 may include a first arm 307A and a second arm 307B spaced apart from the first arm 307A along the transverse direction T. The first arm 307A may extend from a first side 330 of the body 302. More specifically, the first arm 307A may extend from the first side 330 of the body 302 at the rear portion 318. Similarly, the second arm 307B may extend from the second side 332 of the body 302. That is, the second arm 307B may extend from the second side 332 of the body 302 at the rear portion 318.

[0058] In an exemplary embodiment, Figure 6 As shown, the support connector 301 may define one or more stress relief openings 334A, 334B. The one or more stress relief openings 334A, 334B may each include a hole 336A, 336B and a slit 338A, 338B extending from the hole to the edge of the support connector 301. For example, the first stress relief opening 334A may include a first hole 336A defined in the front portion 316 of the body 302 near the front end 308. The first stress relief opening 334A may also include a first slit 338A extending from the first hole 336A to the end edge 326 of the front flange 304. Most of the first slit 338A may be defined in the front flange 304, and a small portion of the first slit 338A may be defined in the front portion 316 of the body 302. In addition, the second stress relief opening 334B may include a second hole 336B defined in the rear portion 318 of the body 302. The second stress relief opening 334B may also include a second slit 338B extending from the second hole 336B to the rear edge 328 .

[0059] In addition, if Figure 6 As shown, the front flange 304 (such as the straight section 324 of the front flange 304) can define bolt holes 362 and locating pin holes 364. The bolt holes 362 can be disposed on either side of the slit 338A. Each bolt hole 332 can be disposed between two locating pin holes 364. The bolt holes 362 can be configured to receive bolts, and the locating pin holes 364 can be configured to receive locating pin rods to couple the front flange to the diffuser housing. The bolt holes 362 can have a larger diameter than the diameter of the locating pin holes 364.

[0060] See now Figure 7 and Figure 8 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 7 A perspective view of a first side of the support connector 300 is shown, and Figure 8 A perspective view of a second side of the support connector 300 is shown. Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, the support connector 300 also includes a vibration reduction assembly 200 attached to the support connector 300. The vibration reduction assembly 200 can dampen vibrations experienced by the support connector 301 during operation of the exhaust diffuser assembly 100 (and / or the gas turbine engine 10) so as to prevent damage to the support connector 301 and increase the hardware life of the support connector 301.

[0061] The vibration reduction assembly 200 may include at least one plate 202 and at least one pin assembly 204 (in Figure 10 to Figure 11 ). At least one pin assembly 204 may be coupled to the body 302 of the support connector 301. In many embodiments, as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, at least one pin assembly 204 may include a pin 206 and a disk 208 coupled to the pin 206. The pin 206 may include a pin head 210 and a pin body 212. As shown, at least one plate 202 may be disposed between the pin head 210 and the support connector 301. For example, the at least one plate 202 surrounds the pin body 206 and is limited to movement along the pin body 206 to attenuate vibrations of the support connector 301. That is, the at least one plate 202 is movable between the pin head 210 and the support connector 301 relative to the pin 206 and relative to the support connector 301 to attenuate vibrations experienced by the support connector 301.

[0062] The vibration reduction assembly 200 also includes a brace 344 and one or more straps 346 coupled to the brace 344. As shown, the brace 344 and the one or more straps 346 may together surround the body 302 and at least one plate 202. That is, the support connector 301 may include a first side surface 340 (such as an outer side surface) and a second side surface 342 (such as an inner side surface) opposite the first side surface 340. The brace 344 may extend along the first side surface 340 and be disposed in contact with the first side surface. At least one of the one or more plates 202 may be disposed along the second side surface 342 and in contact with the second side surface. The strap 346 may be coupled to the brace 344 and may extend along the outer plate of the one or more plates 202.

[0063] like Figure 7As shown, the brace 344 includes a mounting portion 214, a first web portion 216, a first band portion 218, a second web portion 220, and a second band portion 222. The mounting portion 214 can be connected to the pin 206 (e.g., the mounting portion 214 can surround the pin body 212 and be disposed between the disk 208 and the body 302). That is, the mounting portion 214 can define a hole through which the pin body 212 extends. The first web portion 216 can include a first pair of web branches 217, each extending from the mounting portion 214 to the first band portion 218. The second web portion 220 can include a second pair of web branches 221, each extending from the first band portion 218 to the second band portion 222.

[0064] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown collectively, first strap portion 218 may be coupled to first strap 349 of one or more straps 346, and second strap portion 220 may be coupled to second strap 347 of one or more straps 346. Referring now to FIG. Fig. 9 , showing an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure Figure 7 It should be understood that although Fig. 9 Features of the first strap portion 218 and the first strap 349 are shown, but Fig. 9 The features shown in may also be incorporated into the second strap portion 222 and the second strap 347 .

[0065] like Fig. 9 As shown, the first band portion 218 may include a plate segment 224 and two flange segments 226 extending perpendicularly from the plate segment 224 on either side 330, side 332 of the body 302. The plate segment 224 may be generally parallel to the body 302 and in contact with the first surface 340 of the body 302. Similarly, the first band 349 may include a plate segment 228 and two tab segments 230 extending perpendicularly from the plate segment 228 on either side 330, side 332 of the body 302. Each flange segment 226 may include an inner surface 232 that contacts a side of the body 302 (such as the first side 330 or the second side 332) and at least one of the one or more plates 202. In addition, each flange segment 226 may include an outer surface 234 that contacts the inner surface 236 of the tab segment 230. The tab segment 230 of the first band 349 may form a friction fit with the flange segment 226 of the first band portion 218 of the strut 344.

[0066] Fig.10 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown along Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the support connector assembly 300 taken along line 10-10 is shown, and Fig.11 Shows Fig.10 A magnified view of a portion of Fig.10Only the first arm 307A of the pair of arms 306 is shown, but it should be understood and appreciated that reference Fig.10 The features shown and described may also be incorporated into the second arm 307B.

[0067] In an exemplary embodiment, each arm 307A, 307B in a pair of arms 306 may extend from a root 352 connected to the body 302 to a free edge 354. The root 352 may be a junction between the body 302 and the corresponding arm 307A, 307B. Each arm 307A, 307B may include a handle portion 356 and a protrusion portion 358. The handle portion 356 may extend generally vertically from the root 352 to the protrusion portion 358, and the protrusion portion 358 may extend from the handle portion 356 to the free edge 354. The protrusion portion 358 may extend outwardly (e.g., longitudinally and / or vertically) from the handle portion 356. That is, the protrusion portion 358 may include a protrusion 360 extending outwardly from the handle portion 356. In an exemplary implementation, as will be discussed below, the free edge 354 of each arm 307A, 307B may be welded to the outer liner 48, and the protrusion 360 may significantly reduce stress experienced at the weld joint as well as provide easier access to the joint to be welded, which is advantageous.

[0068] like Fig.11 As shown, the support connector assembly 300 includes a support connector 301 and a vibration reduction assembly 200 attached to the support connector 301. The vibration reduction assembly 200 can dampen vibrations experienced by the support connector 301 during operation of the exhaust diffuser assembly 100 (and / or the gas turbine engine 10) so as to prevent damage to the support connector 201 and increase the hardware life of the support connector 301.

[0069] The vibration reduction assembly 200 may include at least one plate 202, a brace 344, and at least one pin assembly 204 coupling the at least one plate 202 and the brace 344 to the support connector 301. The at least one pin assembly 204 may be coupled to the body 302 of the support connector 301. In many embodiments, as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, at least one pin assembly 204 may include a pin 206 and a disk 208 coupled to the pin 206. The pin may include a pin head 210 and a pin body 212. The pin head 210 may be disc-shaped, may extend outwardly from the pin body 212, and may be generally parallel to the disk 208. The pin body 212 may extend through at least one plate 202 (e.g., a first plate 240 and a second plate 242), a body 302 of a support connector 301, a brace 344, and the disk 208. Once installed, the pin 206 may be secured in place by welding or brazing the disk 208 to the pin body 212.

[0070] As shown, at least one plate 202 (such as a first plate 240 and a second plate 242) may be disposed between the pin head 210 and the body 302 of the support connector 301. For example, the at least one plate 202 surrounds the pin body 206 and is limited to movement along the pin body 206 to dampen vibrations of the support connector 301. That is, the at least one plate 202 is movable between the pin head 210 and the support connector 301 relative to the pin 206 and relative to the support connector 301 to dampen vibrations experienced by the support connector 301. Specifically, at least one plate 202 (such as a first plate 240 and a second plate 242) may be disposed between the pin head 210 and the second side surface 342 of the body 302. The support bar 344 may be disposed between the disk 208 and the first side surface 340 of the body 302.

[0071] In an exemplary embodiment, the plate 202 may include a first plate 242 having a first thickness 128 and a second plate 240 having a second thickness 129. The second thickness 129 may be greater than the first thickness 128. For example, the second thickness 129 may be between about 20% and about 80% greater than the first thickness 128, or such as between about 30% and about 70% greater than the first thickness 128, or such as between about 40% and about 60% greater than the first thickness 128.

[0072] During operation, the plates 202 may move relative to the support connector 301 and each other, which results in micro-collisions (or "bumps") between the plates 202. These micro-collisions may counteract vibrations experienced by the support connector 301 to which the vibration reduction assembly 200 is attached, thereby advantageously increasing the hardware life of the support connector 301. In addition, the rear arm 306 of the support connector 301 advantageously facilitates fixable coupling (e.g., welding) of the support connector to the outer liner 48 without introducing unreasonable stress at the weld location.

[0073] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any device or system and performing any combined method. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. If these other examples include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that do not differ substantially from the literal language of the claims, these other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims.

[0074] Further aspects of the invention are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses:

[0075] A support connector assembly for connecting an exhaust diffuser to a diffuser housing, the support connector assembly comprising: a support connector, the support connector comprising: a main body extending from a front end to a rear end; a front flange extending from the main body at the front end, the front flange being configured to be connected to the diffuser housing; and a pair of arms extending from the main body at the rear end, the pair of arms being configured to be connected to the exhaust diffuser.

[0076] A support connector assembly as described in any preceding clause, further comprising a vibration reduction assembly attached to the support connector.

[0077] A support connector assembly according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the vibration damping assembly comprises: at least one pin assembly, the at least one pin assembly being coupled to a body of the support connector, the at least one pin assembly having a pin and a disk, the pin comprising a pin head and a pin body; and at least one plate, the at least one plate being disposed between the pin head and the support connector, wherein the at least one plate surrounds the pin body, and wherein the at least one plate is capable of moving between the pin head and the support connector relative to the pin and relative to the support connector to attenuate vibrations experienced by the support connector.

[0078] A support connector assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the vibration reduction assembly further comprises a strut and one or more straps coupled to the strut, wherein the strut and the one or more straps together surround the body and the at least one plate.

[0079] A support connector assembly as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the brace comprises a mounting portion, a first web portion, a first belt portion, a second web portion and a second belt portion.

[0080] A support connector assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the first strap portion is coupled to a first strap of the one or more straps, and wherein the second strap portion is coupled to a second strap of the one or more straps.

[0081] A support connector assembly according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the body includes a front portion and a rear portion, wherein the front portion converges in width as the front portion extends from the front end to the junction of the front end and the rear portion, and wherein the rear portion diverges in width as the rear portion extends from the junction with the front portion to the rear end.

[0082] A support connector assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the pair of arms extend from the rear portion of the body, and wherein the front flange extends from the front portion of the body.

[0083] A support connector assembly according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the support connector defines a longitudinal centerline, a longitudinal direction, a transverse direction and a vertical direction, wherein the body extends generally longitudinally from the front end to the rear end, wherein the front flange extends generally vertically from the body in a first direction, and wherein each arm of the pair of arms extends generally vertically from the body in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0084] A support connector assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the body extends laterally from a first side to a second side, wherein a first arm of the pair of arms extends from the first side, and wherein a second arm of the pair of arms extends from the second side.

[0085] A support connector assembly according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein each arm of the pair of arms extends from a root connected to the body to a free edge, wherein each arm includes a handle portion and a protrusion portion, the handle portion extending from the root to the protrusion portion, and the protrusion portion extending from the handle portion to the free edge.

[0086] A support connector assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein one or more strain relief openings are defined in the support connector, each of the one or more strain relief openings comprising a hole and a slit extending from the hole to an edge of the support connector.

[0087] A support connector assembly for connecting an exhaust diffuser to a diffuser housing, the support connector assembly comprising: a support connector, the support connector comprising a main body extending from a front end to a rear end; and a vibration damping assembly attached to the support connector, the vibration damping assembly comprising: at least one pin assembly, the at least one pin assembly being connected to the main body of the support connector, the at least one pin assembly having a pin and a disk, the pin comprising a pin head and a pin body; and at least one plate, the at least one plate being disposed between the pin head and the support connector, wherein the at least one plate surrounds the pin body, and wherein the at least one plate is capable of moving between the pin head and the support connector relative to the pin and relative to the support connector to attenuate vibrations experienced by the support connector.

[0088] A support connector assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the vibration reduction assembly further comprises a strut and one or more straps coupled to the strut, wherein the strut and the one or more straps together surround the body and the at least one plate.

[0089] A support connector assembly as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the brace comprises a mounting portion, a first web portion, a first belt portion, a second web portion and a second belt portion.

[0090] A support connector assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the first strap portion is coupled to a first strap of the one or more straps, and wherein the second strap portion is coupled to a second strap of the one or more straps.

[0091] A support connector assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein one or more strain relief openings are defined in the support connector, each of the one or more strain relief openings comprising a hole and a slit extending from the hole to an edge of the support connector.

[0092] A support connector assembly according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the support connector further comprises: a front flange extending from the main body at a front end, the front flange being configured to be connected to a diffuser housing; and a pair of arms extending from the main body at a rear end, the pair of arms being configured to be connected to an exhaust diffuser.

[0093] An exhaust diffuser assembly, the exhaust diffuser assembly comprising: a diffuser shell; an exhaust diffuser; and a support connector, the exhaust diffuser being connected to the diffuser shell, the support connector comprising: a main body extending from a front end to a rear end; a front flange extending from the main body at the front end, the front flange being configured to be connected to the diffuser shell; and a pair of arms extending from the main body at the rear end, the pair of arms being configured to be connected to the exhaust diffuser.

[0094] An exhaust diffuser assembly as described in any preceding clause wherein a vibration damping assembly is attached to the support connection.

Claims

1. A support connector assembly (300) for coupling an exhaust diffuser (34) to a diffuser housing (56), the support connector assembly (300) comprising: A supporting connection member (301), the supporting connection member comprising: a body (302) extending from a front end (308) to a rear end (312); a forward flange (304) extending from the body (302) at the forward end (308), the forward flange (304) being configured to couple to the diffuser housing (56); and A pair of arms (306) extend from the body (302) at the rear end (312), the pair of arms (306) being configured to couple to the exhaust diffuser (34).

2. The support connector assembly (300) according to claim 1, further comprising a vibration reduction assembly (200) attached to the support connector (301).

3. The support connector assembly (300) according to claim 2, wherein the vibration reduction assembly (200) comprises: at least one pin assembly (204), the at least one pin assembly (204) coupled to the body (302) of the support connector (301), the at least one pin assembly (204) having a pin (206) and a disk (208), the pin (206) including a pin head (210) and a pin body (212); and At least one plate (202) is disposed between the pin head (210) and the support connector (301), wherein the at least one plate (202) surrounds the pin body (212), and wherein the at least one plate (202) is movable between the pin head (210) and the support connector (301) relative to the pin (206) and relative to the support connector (301) to attenuate vibrations experienced by the support connector (301).

4. The support connector assembly (300) according to claim 3, wherein the vibration reduction assembly (200) further includes a strut (344) and one or more straps (346) connected to the strut (344), wherein the strut (344) and the one or more straps (346) together surround the body (302) and the at least one plate (202).

5. A support connector assembly (300) according to claim 4, wherein the first belt portion (218) of the support rod (344) is connected to the first belt (349) of the one or more belts (346), and wherein the second belt portion (220) of the support rod (344) is connected to the second belt (347) of the one or more belts (346).

6. A support connector assembly (300) according to any preceding claim, wherein the body (302) includes a front portion (316) and a rear portion (318), wherein the front portion (316) converges in width as the front portion (316) extends from the front end (308) to a junction (317) of the front portion (316) and the rear portion (318), and wherein the rear portion (318) diverges in width as the rear portion (318) extends from the junction (317) with the front portion (316) to the rear end (312).

7. The support connector assembly (300) of claim 6, wherein the pair of arms (306) extend from the rear portion (318) of the body (302), and wherein the front flange (304) extends from the front portion (316) of the body (302).

8. A support connector assembly (300) according to any preceding claim, wherein the support connector (301) defines a longitudinal centerline (350), a longitudinal direction (L), a transverse direction (T) and a vertical direction (V), wherein the body (302) extends approximately longitudinally from the front end (308) to the rear end (312), wherein the front flange (304) extends approximately vertically from the body (302) along a first direction, and wherein each arm of the pair of arms (306) extends approximately vertically from the body (302) along a second direction opposite to the first direction.

9. A support connector assembly (300) according to claim 8, wherein the body (302) extends laterally from a first side (330) to a second side (332), wherein a first arm (307A) of the pair of arms (306) extends from the first side (330), and wherein a second arm (307B) of the pair of arms (306) extends from the second side (332).

10. A support connector assembly (300) according to any preceding claim, wherein each arm of the pair of arms (306) extends from a root (352) connected to the body (302) to a free edge (354), wherein each arm (306) includes a handle portion (356) and a protrusion portion (358), the handle portion (356) extending from the root (352) to the protrusion portion (358), and the protrusion portion (358) extending from the handle portion (356) to the free edge (354).

11. A support connector assembly (300) according to any preceding claim, wherein one or more stress relief openings (334A, 334B) are defined in the support connector, and each of the one or more stress relief openings (334A, 334B) includes a hole (336A, 336B) and a slit (338A, 338B) extending from the hole (336A, 336B) to an edge (326, 328) of the support connector (301).

12. An exhaust diffuser assembly (100), comprising: a diffuser housing (56) defining a fluid plenum (58); an exhaust diffuser (34) disposed within the fluid plenum (58); and A support connector assembly (300) coupling the exhaust diffuser (34) to the diffuser housing (56) is defined in accordance with any preceding claim.

13. The exhaust diffuser assembly (100) of claim 12, wherein the exhaust diffuser (34) includes a radially inward outer liner (48) of the diffuser shell (56); and wherein the support connector assembly (300) is one of a plurality of support connector assemblies spaced circumferentially around the outer liner (48) of the exhaust diffuser (34) to couple the outer liner (48) to the diffuser shell (56).

14. The exhaust diffuser assembly (100) of claim 12 or 13, wherein the front flange (304) of the support connector assembly (300) is removably coupled to the diffuser housing (56) and the pair of arms are fixedly coupled to a radially outer surface of the outer liner (48) of the exhaust diffuser (34).

15. An exhaust diffuser assembly (100) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the plurality of support connector assemblies (300) are arranged in a circumferential group (310), the circumferential group (310) being disposed between circumferentially adjacent outer openings (88), the outer openings being defined in the outer liner (48) of the exhaust diffuser (34); and wherein a single split line support assembly (300) is capable of being disposed between a split line (74) of the outer liner (48) and the outer opening (88) closest to the split line (74).

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