Annular Combustor Dome Assembly With Cold-Side Deflector Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bolted arrangements for mounting deflector assemblies in gas turbine engines expose fastening mechanisms to high thermal stress due to proximity to hot combustion gases, leading to potential failure and damage.
Innovation Solution
An improved mounting arrangement for the deflector assembly in a gas turbine engine where fastening mechanisms are positioned on the cold side, utilizing extended fins or arms inserted into sectoral slots of the annular dome, and sealed with brazing or riveting to reduce thermal stress and air leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If bolted arrangements are used to mount deflector assemblies, then the deflector assembly can be securely fastened to the annular dome, but the fastening mechanisms are exposed to high thermal stress leading to potential failure
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening mechanisms are extracted from the hot combustion gas environment and repositioned to the cold side of the deflector assembly. The deflector arms extend through apertures in the annular dome to secure the deflector assembly, while the fastening mechanisms are located on the cold side where they are protected from thermal stress, thereby resolving the contradiction between mounting strength and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector arms serve as intermediaries that transmit the mounting function from the cold side (where fastening mechanisms are located) to the hot side (where the deflector assembly needs to be secured). This allows the fastening mechanisms to be positioned on the cold side while still achieving secure mounting of the deflector assembly.
2Strength
If fastening mechanisms are positioned on the hot side for secure mounting, then mounting strength is achieved, but thermal stress causes distress and potential failure
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening mechanisms are extracted from the harmful thermal environment and repositioned to the cold side. The deflector arms act as transmission elements that carry the mounting function across the aperture, allowing the fastening mechanisms to be located where thermal stress is minimal while still achieving secure mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting function is distributed across multiple dimensions: the deflector arms extend radially through the apertures, and the fastening mechanisms are positioned axially on the cold side. This spatial redistribution allows the fastening mechanisms to be located in a thermally favorable position while maintaining mounting strength through the extended arm structure.
3Strength
If traditional bolted mounting is used, then the deflector assembly can be attached to the annular dome, but air leakage occurs through the fastening mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical bolted connection system is replaced with a brazed or riveted joining system. This substitution eliminates the air leakage path through threaded holes and bolt interfaces, while the deflector arms maintain the mechanical mounting function through the aperture structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting function and sealing function are merged into a single integrated structure. The deflector arms are joined to the annular dome through brazing or riveting, which simultaneously provides mechanical attachment and air tight sealing, eliminating the need for separate sealing elements and preventing air leakage.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances durability and life cycle of the deflector assembly by minimizing thermal distress and air leakage, ensuring robust and efficient operation under high-temperature conditions.
Implementation Method 1
sealed with brazing or riveting to reduce thermal stress and air leakage
Implementation Method 2
sealed with brazing or riveting to reduce thermal stress and air leakage
Data Source
AI summary
An annular dome assembly for a combustor. The annular dome assembly includes an annular dome including one or more dome panels defining the annular dome. A first dome panel includes a dome upstream surface and a dome downstream surface opposite the dome upstream surface. One or more dome arms extend from the dome upstream surface. One or more apertures extend from the dome upstream surface to the dome downstream surface. The annular dome assembly also includes a deflector assembly including one or more deflector panels defining the deflector assembly. A first deflector panel includes a deflector upstream surface and a deflector downstream surface opposite the deflector upstream surface. One or more deflector arms extend from the deflector upstream surface. Each of the one or more deflector arms are mounted within a respective aperture of the annular dome.