Floating Aft Plate Combustion Nozzle for Thermal Strain Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engines face a challenge in balancing efficient operation with reduced nitrogen oxide emissions, as temperature differentials between nozzle components cause excessive strain on the aft plate due to thermal expansion, leading to potential damage and reduced lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A combustion nozzle design featuring a floating aft plate assembly that allows for thermal expansion, comprising mixing tubes within an outer shell and an impingement plate with pins to secure the aft plate, enabling it to float and accommodate temperature changes while maintaining structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the aft plate is fixedly attached to the nozzle, then structural stability is maintained, but thermal expansion causes excessive strain and reduces component lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The aft plate is changed from a fixed attachment to a floating attachment mechanism that allows dynamic movement. The aft plate can move freely in response to thermal expansion while maintaining its functional position, eliminating excessive strain and improving component lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment state of the aft plate is changed from rigid fixed to flexible floating. This parameter change allows the aft plate to accommodate thermal expansion through controlled movement while maintaining structural integrity and functional stability.
2Strength
If the aft plate is fixedly attached to accommodate thermal growth, then structural integrity is maintained, but the design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The floating attachment mechanism provides a simple dynamic solution that allows the aft plate to move with thermal expansion. This approach maintains structural integrity without requiring complex rigid constraints or multiple attachment points, thus avoiding increased design complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If rigid attachment is used for the aft plate, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but thermal expansion causes excessive strain
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system transitions from rigid to floating, allowing the aft plate to dynamically adjust its position in response to thermal expansion. This eliminates excessive thermal strain while maintaining manufacturing precision through controlled movement rather than rigid constraints.
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 floating aft plate design reduces thermally induced strain, extends component lifespan, and allows for the use of cost-effective materials by avoiding rigid attachment, thereby enhancing the operational efficiency and emission control of gas turbine engines.
Implementation Method 1
This temperature differential may cause the aft plate to expand relative to the nozzle. Given that the aft plate may be fixedly attached to the nozzle, such growth may result in excessive strain.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application provides a combustion nozzle for use with a gas turbine engine. The combustion nozzle may include a number of mixing tubes, an outer shell surrounding the mixing tubes, and a floating aft plate assembly. The floating plate assembly may enclose the outer shell. The mixing tubes may extend through the aft plate assembly.