Dome-Deflector Joint Cooling for Gas Turbine Bolt Head Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The bolt heads in gas turbine engines, connected to the dome by bolts, are exposed to intense heat from combustion, leading to deterioration of structural integrity and requiring frequent replacements.
Innovation Solution
A cooling airflow is directed through a cavity between the dome and deflector to cool the bolt head, using various arrangements such as longitudinal slotted cooling passages in the bolt, sleeve cooling passages, and angled deflector cooling passages to provide effective cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the bolt head is exposed to intense heat from combustion, then the combustion process can proceed, but the structural integrity of the bolt deteriorates and frequent replacements are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the bolt structure into segments with cooling passages running through it, allowing cooling air to be distributed to different sections of the bolt. This segmentation enables targeted cooling of the bolt head and other heat-exposed areas without interfering with the overall structural integrity or combustion function.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces cooling air as an intermediary substance that mediates between the hot combustion environment and the bolt structure. By routing cooling air through passages in the bolt head and along the bolt length, this intermediary fluid carries heat away from critical areas, protecting the bolt's structural integrity while allowing combustion to proceed.
2Temperature
If cooling passages are added to the bolt structure, then heat exposure is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the cooling function with the existing bolt structure by integrating cooling passages directly into the bolt head and shaft. Rather than adding separate cooling components, the cooling channels are incorporated into the bolt itself during manufacturing, combining structural and thermal management functions in a single integrated component.
Solution Approach 2:
The bolt structure is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical fastening through its traditional role while also serving as a heat management component through its integrated cooling passages. This multi-functionality allows the same structure to both secure the combustion chamber and actively cool itself, reducing the need for additional dedicated cooling components.
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 cooling system prolongs the life of the bolt by reducing heat exposure, thereby reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Implementation Method 1
A cooling airflow is directed through a cavity between the dome and deflector to cool the bolt head
Data Source
AI summary
A dome-deflector assembly for a gas turbine includes a dome, a deflector, and at least one dome-deflector connecting assembly that includes a connecting member connecting the dome and the deflector together with a cavity being defined between the dome and the deflector. The connecting member extends through the deflector and has a first end arranged at a hot surface side of the deflector and a second end arranged to connect with the dome. The dome-deflector connecting assembly is configured to provide a flow of cooling air from the cavity to the hot surface side of the deflector to cool the first end of the connecting member on the hot surface side of the deflector.