Gas Turbine Mount System Eliminates Thrust Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gas turbine engine mounting configurations experience distortion due to 'punch loads' from thrust links, leading to increased clearances between static and rotating components, which negatively affect engine performance and fuel efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A gas turbine engine design featuring a gear train with a gear reduction ratio of greater than or equal to 2.3, a spool with a low pressure turbine, and a fan variable area nozzle that adjusts the fan nozzle exit area to manage pressure ratios and reduce fan instability, along with a mount system that eliminates thrust links to minimize distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional engine mounting configuration with thrust links is used, then thrust transmission is achieved, but engine case distortion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the thrust links from the engine mounting configuration. By extracting this component that causes distortion, the engine case and LPC cases no longer experience the harmful punch loads, thereby maintaining their structural integrity and optimal shape while still achieving thrust transmission through alternative means.
2Force
If conventional mounting with thrust links is used, then thrust coupling to pylon is achieved, but clearance between static cases and rotating blade tips increases
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the thrust links that cause case distortion, the patent prevents the increase in blade tip clearance. The extraction of this harmful component maintains the precise geometric relationships between static cases and rotating blades, preserving manufacturing precision and optimal engine performance.
3Force
If thrust links are used in mounting configuration, then load transmission is achieved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the mounting structure by extracting the thrust links and their associated complex geometry. This removal eliminates the need for long thrust links extending from the aft mount to the intermediate case, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining load transmission capabilities through a simplified configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A gas turbine engine includes a spool along an engine centerline axis which drives a gear train.