Gas Turbine Disk Assembly Torque Transfer via Tie Bolt Legs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional torque transfer members in gas turbines, such as torque tubes, face challenges in resisting deformation and distortion over long-term operation, require easy assembly and disassembly for maintenance, and must also facilitate smooth airflow for cooling, which existing designs fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A disk assembly comprising a first disk engaged with the compressor section, a second disk engaged with the turbine section, and a third disk that transfers torque between them, with specific structural features like through-holes and legs to support the tie bolt and form cooling air flow paths, enhancing torque transfer and airflow while preventing axial movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a torque tube is used to transfer torque between compressor and turbine sections, then torque transfer function is achieved, but the structure becomes complex and deformation resistance deteriorates over long-term operation
Solution Approach 1:
The torque transfer function is segmented into multiple disk assemblies (first disk, second disk, and third disk) that work together. Each disk can be independently designed and maintained, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable torque transfer through the distributed structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The disk assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: torque transfer, cooling air flow path provision, and structural support. The through-hole in the third disk and the spaces formed provide cooling air passages, eliminating the need for separate cooling systems and reducing overall device complexity.
2Power
If a torque tube is used for torque transfer, then torque transmission is achieved, but deformation and distortion increase during continuous long-term operation
Solution Approach 1:
The disk assembly allows for thermal expansion and contraction through its open structure with through-holes and spaces. The legs contacting the tie bolt provide flexible support that accommodates dimensional changes during temperature variations, preventing accumulation of deformation stress that would occur in a rigid torque tube.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling air flow paths are integrated into the disk structure through through-holes and spaces, adding functional dimensions to the torque transfer component. This multi-functional design distributes structural loads more effectively while maintaining torque transmission capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the torque transfer member also functions as cooling air flow path, then multi-functionality is achieved, but airflow smoothness deteriorates due to structural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The disk assembly has different local structures optimized for different functions: solid regions for torque transfer, through-holes and spaces for cooling air flow. The legs radially arranged around the center create localized flow channels that guide cooling air smoothly through specific paths without disrupting the overall torque transfer function.
4Stability of the object's composition
If tie bolt is used to fix rotor disks axially, then axial movement restriction is achieved, but torque transfer between separated sections becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The third disk acts as an intermediary component between the first and second disks. It transfers torque from the turbine section (second disk) to the compressor section (first disk) while the legs contact the tie bolt for axial positioning. This mediator structure resolves the conflict between axial constraint and torque transfer.
Data Source
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AI summary
A disk assembly may include: a first disk engaged with a compressor section of a gas turbine; a second disk engaged with a turbine section of the gas turbine; and a third disk disposed between the first and second disks, and transferring torque applied to the second disk to the first disk. The third disk has a plurality of legs formed on an inner circumferential surface thereof, the plurality of legs being in contact with an outer circumferential surface of a tie bolt of the gas turbine.