Multi-Tube Fuel Nozzle Floating Mounting for Thermal Stress
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Solution Overview
Problem
The design and construction of fuel nozzle assemblies in gas turbine engines face challenges in efficiently mixing air and fuel, impacting emissions and power output, while also complicating installation, maintenance, and servicing due to thermal expansion and mechanical stresses.
Innovation Solution
A multi-tube fuel nozzle system with a floating arrangement using axial and radial springs to accommodate thermal expansion and vibration, allowing for resilient mounting of mixing tubes between an end cover assembly and plates, thereby reducing mechanical stresses and facilitating easy maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If mixing tubes are rigidly fixed in fuel nozzle assembly, then structural stability is improved, but thermal expansion stresses and mechanical stresses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing tubes are mounted in a floating arrangement that allows dynamic movement and adjustment. The tubes can move axially and radially within defined limits to accommodate thermal expansion and mechanical stresses, transforming a static rigid connection into a dynamic adaptive connection that maintains stability while reducing stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system allows changes in positional parameters (axial and radial positions) of the mixing tubes in response to thermal and mechanical conditions. This parameter flexibility enables the tubes to expand and contract with the nozzle assembly without generating excessive stresses, while maintaining proper alignment and sealing.
2Manufacturing precision
If mixing tubes are rigidly fixed in fuel nozzle assembly, then positioning accuracy is improved, but thermal expansion accommodation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The floating mounting system provides dynamic positioning capability where mixing tubes can adjust their axial and radial positions within controlled ranges. This dynamic adjustment maintains positioning accuracy under varying thermal conditions while accommodating thermal expansion, eliminating the trade-off between fixed precision and expansion accommodation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system incorporates pre-designed clearance and compliance features that cushion against thermal expansion before excessive stresses develop. The floating arrangement allows predetermined movement to absorb thermal growth, preventing positioning errors and maintaining accuracy despite temperature changes.
3Stress or pressure
If complex mounting system is used to accommodate thermal expansion, then stress reduction is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into independent axial and radial support functions. Axial support is provided by floating mounts that allow movement, while radial support is provided by sealing surfaces and guide structures. This segmentation simplifies each individual function while collectively achieving stress reduction without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The floating mounting arrangement serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides axial and radial support, accommodates thermal expansion, maintains sealing surfaces, and guides tube movement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity while achieving comprehensive stress reduction.
4Ease of manufacture
If traditional fuel nozzle assembly design is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel nozzle assembly is segmented into modular components including the nozzle body, mixing tubes, and floating mounting elements. This modular segmentation allows individual components to be manufactured separately using standard processes, then assembled together, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while enabling easier maintenance and replacement of specific parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The floating mounting arrangement simplifies maintenance by allowing mixing tubes to be independently accessed, removed, and replaced without disassembling the entire nozzle assembly. The dynamic mounting enables tubes to be pulled axially for removal while maintaining proper alignment, reducing maintenance complexity compared to rigid fixed-mount designs.
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 configuration enables efficient micromixing of air and fuel, reduces mechanical stresses, and simplifies maintenance by accommodating thermal expansion, leading to improved performance and reduced maintenance complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The design and construction of fuel nozzle assemblies in gas turbine engines face challenges in efficiently mixing air and fuel, impacting emissions and power output, while also complicating installation, maintenance, and servicing due to thermal expansion and mechanical stresses.
Implementation Method 2
A multi-tube fuel nozzle system with a floating arrangement using axial and radial springs to accommodate thermal expansion and vibration, allowing for resilient mounting of mixing tubes between an end cover assembly and plates
Implementation Method 3
The design and construction of fuel nozzle assemblies in gas turbine engines face challenges in efficiently mixing air and fuel, impacting emissions and power output, while also complicating installation, maintenance, and servicing due to thermal expansion and mechanical stresses.
Implementation Method 4
A multi-tube fuel nozzle system with a floating arrangement using axial and radial springs to accommodate thermal expansion and vibration, allowing for resilient mounting of mixing tubes between an end cover assembly and plates
Implementation Method 5
A multi-tube fuel nozzle system with a floating arrangement using axial and radial springs to accommodate thermal expansion and vibration, allowing for resilient mounting of mixing tubes between an end cover assembly and plates
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a multi-tube fuel nozzle. The multi-tube fuel nozzle includes an end cover, a first plate, and multiple tubes. The multiple tubes are disposed and supported in a floating arrangement between the end cover and the first plate. Each tube includes a forward end adjacent the end cover and an aft end adjacent the first plate.