Integrated Mounting Strut Fuel Pathways in Afterburner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing afterburner arrangements in gas turbine engines require multiple components and obstructions within the bypass pathway, which can cause pressure variations and reduce efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The afterburner arrangement incorporates a mounting strut that provides a structural connection between the internal and external casings while also housing fuel pathways for fuel nozzles, eliminating the need for a manifold within the bypass pathway and reducing the number of components and obstructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a manifold is used to supply fuel to multiple nozzles within the bypass pathway, then fuel distribution is achieved, but the number of components and obstructions in the bypass pathway increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting strut is merged with the fuel supply function by integrating fuel pathways directly into the strut structure. This allows a single component to serve both structural (mounting) and functional (fuel distribution) purposes, eliminating the need for a separate manifold and reducing the number of obstructions in the bypass pathway.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting strut is designed to perform multiple functions: providing structural support to hold the internal casing, and simultaneously serving as a fuel conduit through integrated fuel pathways. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count in the system.
2Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for structural connection and fuel supply, then functional requirements are met, but pressure variations occur in the bypass pathway
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the structural mounting function and fuel supply function into a single integrated strut component, the design reduces the number of interfaces and connections in the bypass pathway. This minimization of components reduces turbulence and pressure variations while maintaining all necessary functional requirements.
3Ease of operation
If fuel pathways are routed through multiple components, then fuel delivery is achieved, but thermal stress on fuel lines increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel pathways are integrated directly into the mounting strut, creating a direct and streamlined fuel delivery route from the fuel source to the nozzles. This eliminates intermediate fuel lines and connections that would otherwise be subjected to thermal stress, while maintaining effective fuel delivery capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
An afterburner arrangement (200) comprising: an internal casing (214) and an external casing (216) defining a bypass pathway (218) between them; a mounting strut (228) forming a structural connection between the internal casing and the external casing; and A plurality of fuel nozzles (222/224/226) associated with the mounting strut, wherein the mounting strut at least partly houses a corresponding plurality of fuel pathways (250/254/258) to provide fuel to the respective fuel nozzles.