Gas Turbine Forward Mount Assembly Load Reaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional mount assemblies for gas turbine engines are unable to adequately react all loads during operation, leading to distortion and backbone bending of the engine casing, which negatively affects engine performance by increasing clearances between static and rotating components.
Innovation Solution
The proposed engine mount assembly includes a forward mount and rear mount design with specific interface features and linkage assemblies that effectively react vertical, side, torque, and thrust loads by connecting to the pylon and engine components at strategic positions, reducing the transmission of moments that cause backbone bending.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a traditional mount assembly with forward and rear mounts is used to support the engine, then the engine can be supported vertically, laterally and axially, but the mount assembly is unable to adequately react all loads created during operation, leading to backbone bending of the engine core
Solution Approach 1:
The engine case is segmented into multiple load-bearing sections (front load bearing section, rear load bearing section, and intermediate load bearing section) that can independently react to different types of loads. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized for specific load types, preventing the transmission of bending moments through the entire engine core while maintaining overall structural integrity.
2Force
If narrow engine cases are used to absorb moments during end of runway roll maneuvers, then the pylon can handle the loads, but the engine core bends which reduces engine performance
Solution Approach 1:
Different sections of the engine case are designed with different load-bearing properties. The front and rear sections are optimized for vertical and lateral loads, while the intermediate section is specifically designed to bear axial loads and resist bending moments. This local differentiation of structural properties allows the engine to absorb maneuvering moments without experiencing backbone bending, thereby maintaining engine performance.
3Strength
If the mount assembly allows load transmission to the pylon, then the engine is supported, but the casing distorts and flexes causing increased clearances between static and rotating blade tips
Solution Approach 1:
The engine case is divided into multiple load-bearing sections that independently react to different load types. This segmentation prevents the transmission of bending moments through the entire engine core, thereby eliminating casing distortion and flexing that would otherwise cause increased clearances between static and rotating blade tips, maintaining precise manufacturing tolerances during operation.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A forward mount (36, 74) assembly for connecting a pylon (12) to an intermediate case (26) of a gas turbine engine (10), the forward mount assembly (36, 74) includes a forward mount platform (58), a wiffle tree assembly (60), and first and second A-arms (62A, 62B). The platform (58) is connected to the pylon (12) and is disposed adjacent the intermediate case (26). The wiffle tree assembly (60) is connected to the forward mount platform (58) through a first ball joint (64D). The first A-arm (62A) is connected to a first side of the intermediate case (26) and the second A-arm (62B) is connected to a second opposing side of the intermediate case (26). The first and second A-arms (62A, 62B) are mounted to the forward mount platform (58) and are mounted to opposing ends of the wiffle tree (60). The aforementioned arrangement allows the first and second A-arms (62A, 62B) to react a thrust load at the intermediate case (26) substantially parallel to a centerline axis (C) of the gas turbine engine (10).