Combustor Tile Retention Using a Thermally Shielded Fastener Compartment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fasteners used to connect tiles to the combustor shell in gas turbine engines are prone to failure due to high combustion temperatures, necessitating improved retention mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A combustor assembly design that includes a tile flange portion connected to a meter panel via a fastener, with a heatshield and/or tile forming a compartment to thermally shield the fastener, allowing it to be spaced apart from high combustion temperatures, and a bracket to maintain a floating relationship between the tile and shell wall, enabling reliable connection and reduced thermal expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fasteners are used to connect tiles to the combustor shell, then the connection is simple and direct, but the fasteners are prone to failure due to high combustion temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The combustor assembly is divided into distinct thermal zones: a hot combustion space and a cooler compartment. The fastener is relocated to the cooler compartment, separating it from the high-temperature combustion environment. This spatial segmentation allows the fastener to operate in a thermally favorable environment while still performing its connection function.
Solution Approach 2:
A thermal barrier or insulating structure acts as an intermediary between the combustion space and the fastener. This intermediary element protects the fastener from direct thermal exposure by creating a thermal gradient, allowing the fastener to remain in a cooler zone while still being functionally connected to the tile and combustor shell.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the fastener is placed within the combustion space for direct connection, then the connection is straightforward, but the fastener lifespan is reduced due to thermal exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The connection geometry is modified by utilizing a three-dimensional compartment structure. Instead of a simple planar connection, the tile flange portion extends into a cooler compartment volume, allowing the fastener to be positioned in a thermally favorable location while maintaining structural connectivity through the meter panel and shell wall.
3Reliability
If additional thermal shielding structures are added to protect the fastener, then the fastener reliability improves, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The meter panel serves multiple functions: it acts as a structural connection element, defines the compartment geometry, provides a mounting surface for the heatshield, and facilitates fastener installation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining fastener protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The heatshield and compartment structure are merged into an integrated assembly. The heatshield is connected to the meter panel and works in conjunction with the tile flange portion to form the protective compartment, eliminating the need for separate fastening mechanisms and reducing assembly steps.
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 design enhances the mechanical integrity and operational lifespan of the fasteners, reduces manufacturing and maintenance costs, and simplifies assembly by eliminating the need for additional connection steps like welding.
Implementation Method 1
The compartment of the combustor assembly may thermally shield and protect the fastener from high combustion temperatures of the combustion space. Specifically, the heatshield and/or the tile forming the compartment may thermally shield and protect the fastener from the high combustion temperatures.
Data Source
AI summary
A combustor assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a combustor shell extending along a shell axis. The combustor shell includes a shell wall extending around the shell axis and a meter panel connected to an upstream end of the shell wall. The shell wall and the meter panel together define a combustion space therebetween. The combustor assembly further includes: a tile disposed within the combustor shell and including a tile flange portion extending radially with respect to the shell axis; a heatshield connected to the meter panel and extending at least radially towards the tile; a fastener connecting the tile flange portion to the meter panel; and a compartment thermally shielded from the combustion space. Either the heatshield and the tile together form the compartment or the tile alone forms the compartment. The fastener is spaced apart from the combustion space and at least partially disposed within the compartment.