Gas Turbine Bifurcation Fire Purge via Segmented Buffer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engine bifurcations require structural support and conduit routing while minimizing airflow disruption and space constraints, and must effectively isolate the core engine from other aircraft structures during fires without the need for large fireproof connectors.
Innovation Solution
A bifurcation assembly with a housing defining an inner cavity, partitions creating a buffer area, and a control device governing the flow of purge gas to block fire spread, including grommets and fire retardant materials activated by heat, which can be triggered by temperature sensors to allow high-pressure purge gas flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large fireproof connectors are used to isolate the core engine from other structures, then fire isolation reliability is improved, but the bifurcation size increases and space availability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bifurcation structure is segmented into multiple sections with partitions creating buffer areas between them. This segmentation allows fire isolation without requiring large connectors, as each partition acts as an independent barrier. The buffer areas between partitions provide space for fire suppression systems while maintaining compact overall dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
Purge gas systems and fire suppressant materials are introduced as intermediary elements between the core engine and other structures. These intermediaries actively prevent fire spread through the bifurcation without requiring physical expansion of the connector size, thereby maintaining both fire isolation reliability and compact dimensions.
2Reliability
If bifurcation cross-section is increased to accommodate fireproof connectors, then fire isolation capability is improved, but airflow disruption worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The bifurcation is divided into segmented sections with narrow partitions rather than requiring a single large cross-section. This segmentation maintains compact dimensions that minimize airflow disruption while the multiple partition surfaces collectively provide effective fire isolation capability across the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Pneumatic purge gas systems are used to actively prevent fire spread through the bifurcation. This allows the use of compact cross-sections that minimize airflow disruption, while the pressurized gas system provides active fire protection without requiring large physical barriers.
3Loss of energy
If minimal cross-section is used for bifurcation to limit airflow disruption, then aerodynamic efficiency is improved, but space for fireproofing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The minimal cross-section bifurcation is segmented into multiple compartments with partitions creating buffer areas. This segmentation provides sufficient space for fireproofing measures within the compact structure, maintaining aerodynamic efficiency while enabling effective fire isolation through the distributed partition system.
Solution Approach 2:
Purge gas systems create an inert atmosphere within the compact bifurcation structure, preventing fire propagation without requiring additional space. This allows minimal cross-section design for aerodynamic efficiency while the inert gas environment provides active fireproofing capability.
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
The solution effectively isolates the core engine from other structures, reduces the need for large fireproof connectors, and minimizes aerodynamic disruption by using purge gas to prevent fire spread through the bifurcation, enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a fire retardant material supported within the housing that is activated in response to heat to produce a flame retardant gas
Implementation Method 2
a fixed orifice blocked by a plug that melts responsive to exposure to heat above a defined temperature for communicating the purge gas to the buffer area
Data Source
AI summary
A bifurcation assembly for a gas turbine engine is disclosed and includes a housing defining an inner cavity. A first partition and a second partition extend across the inner cavity and define a buffer area therebetween. Openings through the first and second partitions define passageway for supply conduits. A control device governs the flow of a purge gas into the buffer area for blocking the spread of fire. The purge gas provides a barrier to the spread of fire and heat through the bifurcation assembly.