Gas Turbine Center Body Support Modular Bracing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engines face challenges in the ease and speed of servicing certain components due to complex load transmission and assembly requirements, particularly in the center body support structure.
Innovation Solution
A center body support design featuring an inner annular wall with a static mounting feature for bearings, an aft flange with apertures for wires or conduits, and a circumferential array of braces interconnecting the aft flange to a forward portion, along with specific fastening configurations for fan exit guide vanes and compressor cases, forms a robust and modular structure for efficient load transfer and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a complex modular structure with multiple flanges and braces is used in the center body support, then the load transfer capability and structural strength are improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of assembly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The center body support is divided into multiple segments including a forward portion, aft flange, inner annular wall, and outer annular wall, each performing specific functions. The braces further segment the load path into discrete triangular elements, distributing structural complexity while maintaining overall strength.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional elements are merged into integrated components. The aft flange combines mounting functions for bearings, geared architecture, and conduit connections. The braces simultaneously provide structural reinforcement and define the load transfer pathway, eliminating the need for separate reinforcement elements.
2Reliability
If multiple fastening configurations and mounting features are implemented, then the reliability of component attachment is improved, but the ease of repair and servicing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is segmented into modular components (forward portion, aft flange, annular walls) that can be independently accessed and serviced. The circumferential array of braces creates discrete access zones between them, allowing maintenance personnel to reach specific components without disassembling the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The circumferential array of braces acts as an intermediary structural element that maintains reliability while facilitating access. The spaces between braces provide natural access corridors for servicing internal components like bearings and geared architecture, mediating between the need for secure attachment and ease of repair.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the aft flange includes apertures for wires and conduits, then the adaptability of the structure is improved, but the structural integrity and resistance to rolling during heavy loading is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The aft flange exhibits local quality variations with strategically placed apertures for utility connections at specific locations. The braces provide localized reinforcement around these apertures, creating zones of enhanced structural integrity precisely where needed to counteract rolling moments during heavy loading.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure employs composite construction combining the aft flange material with reinforcement elements and braces. This composite approach allows the flange to accommodate utility connections while the reinforcing braces compensate for any strength reductions, maintaining overall structural integrity.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A center body support (64) for a gas turbine engine (20) includes an outer annular wall (68). An aft flange (72) extends radially outward from the outer annular wall (68). A brace (69) interconnects the aft flange (72) to a forward portion (74) of the outer annular wall (68). The aft flange (72), brace (69) and forward portion (74) of the outer annual wall (68) provide a unitary, one-piece structure.