Gas Turbine Heat Shield Rib Axial Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engines face operational challenges due to high temperatures in the combustor section, which can impact the longevity of components and thermal gradients, necessitating a solution to manage and mitigate these thermal effects effectively.
Innovation Solution
A heat shield with specific geometrical features, including a rib and ramped region, is integrated into the gas turbine engine's case assembly to provide thermal protection and axial retention, utilizing high-temperature materials and snap locks for secure positioning, and optionally featuring a thermal barrier coating to enhance thermal management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the case is exposed to high temperatures from the combustor section, then the engine can operate at high combustion temperatures for power generation, but the case and its components suffer thermal degradation and reduced longevity
Solution Approach 1:
A heat shield is introduced as an intermediary component between the combustor section and the case. The heat shield includes a thermal barrier coating on its interior surface that blocks heat transfer to the case, while allowing the combustor to operate at high temperatures for power generation without compromising case integrity or component longevity
2Reliability
If a heat shield is added to protect against high temperatures, then component longevity is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heat shield is merged with the case assembly by integrating it into the existing structure. The heat shield is retained by engagement features (protrusions and corresponding recesses) that are part of the case assembly, combining the thermal protection function with the structural assembly rather than adding completely separate retention mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The heat shield serves multiple functions: it provides thermal protection to the case, acts as a structural component of the case assembly, and includes engagement features for retention. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, offsetting the added complexity
3Reliability
If the heat shield is securely retained in the case, then component reliability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase due to snap lock engagement features
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement features (protrusions and recesses) are designed with tolerances that accommodate normal manufacturing variations. The snap lock mechanism includes inherent compliance or tolerance buffering that ensures reliable retention even with typical manufacturing precision variations, preventing over-tightening of tolerance requirements
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 heat shield effectively improves thermal gradients and maintains component integrity by managing high temperatures, extending operational life and ensuring proper installation and retention, while also enhancing aerodynamic performance through pressure drop improvements.
Implementation Method 1
The interior surface of the heat shield is at least partially provided with a thermal barrier coating
Data Source
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Figure 6
AI summary
A gas turbine engine (10) is provided. The gas turbine engine comprises a first case (32), a combustor vane support lock (24) and a heat shield (26). The first case has an inner surface (42) that extends between a first case first end (46) and a first case second end (48). The combustor vane support lock is coupled to a turbine vane support (22) by a fastener (124) that extends through the combustor vane support lock and is received within the turbine vane support disposed adjacent to the combustor vane support lock. The heat shield has a first heat shield end (136), a second heat shield end (138), an exterior surface (132) that extends between the first heat shield end and the second heat shield end, and an interior surface (134) disposed opposite the exterior surface that extends between the first heat shield end and the second heat shield end, the interior surface defines a rib (162) that extends towards the combustor vane support lock.