Integral CMC Combustor Chute for Gas Turbine Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching chutes to ceramic matrix composite combustor shells in gas turbine engines face challenges, including difficulties in integration and variability in chute shapes, which affect mixing performance and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A ceramic matrix composite combustor shell with an integral chute is fabricated using a porous ceramic preform and a layup tool to form a continuous piece, enhancing mixing air directionality and combustion efficiency by extending the chute towards the midline of the chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chutes are attached to ceramic matrix composite combustor shells using existing methods, then the combustor assembly can be constructed, but integration difficulties and variability in chute shapes occur which affect mixing performance
Solution Approach 1:
The chute is integrated directly into the ceramic matrix composite combustor shell as a single monolithic structure, eliminating the need for separate attachment processes. The preform is shaped to include both the combustor shell and chute as unified components, ensuring consistent geometry and eliminating integration difficulties while improving mixing performance through reliable geometric control
2Productivity
If existing attachment methods are used for chutes, then the combustor can be assembled, but variability in chute shapes affects combustion efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The desired chute geometry is pre-established during the preform shaping stage before final fabrication. The preform is carefully formed with the exact chute shape required for optimal mixing performance, and this geometry is maintained throughout the subsequent infiltration and processing steps, ensuring consistent combustion efficiency across all produced components
Data Source
AI summary
A combustion assembly for a gas turbine engine may be provided. The combustion assembly may include a ceramic matrix composite combustor shell, which may include a chamber defined by a wall of the ceramic matrix composite combustor shell, and the ceramic matrix composite combustor shell may include a ceramic matrix composite chute integral with the ceramic matrix composite combustor shell. The ceramic matrix composite chute may extend towards a midline of the chamber. A method for fabricating a ceramic matrix composite chute may be provided. At least one chute may be woven in three dimensions into a ceramic preform. A layup tool may be inserted into the chute. The chute may be enlarged with the layup tool. The ceramic preform may be formed into a ceramic matrix composite body, which includes a combustor shell and the chute.