Integrated Dome-Deflector Member Combating Thermal Breakdown
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional metallic deflectors in gas turbine engines break down due to high heat exposure, requiring costly and time-consuming replacements.
Innovation Solution
A dome structure with a frame and integrated dome-deflector members, featuring cooling passages and a buffer material layer, which can be easily replaced and constructed from durable materials like ceramic matrix composites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate metallic deflectors are used to protect the dome structure from heat, then protection from thermal breakdown is improved, but the deflector breaks down due to high heat exposure requiring costly and time-consuming replacements
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector is integrated with the dome structure and constructed from ceramic matrix composite (CMC) materials, which provide superior thermal resistance and durability compared to conventional metallic deflectors. The CMC material allows the deflector to withstand high heat exposure without breakdown, eliminating the need for frequent replacements while maintaining protective function.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector and dome structure are combined into a single integrated unit rather than separate components. This integration simplifies the overall structure, reduces the number of parts requiring maintenance, and allows the durable CMC material to protect the entire dome-deflector assembly as one unit.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If separate metallic deflectors are used, then protection from heat is provided, but replacement is costly and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The use of ceramic matrix composite materials in the integrated dome-deflector structure provides superior heat resistance, allowing the component to withstand combustion chamber temperatures without degradation. This durability eliminates frequent replacements, thereby reducing maintenance time and operational downtime.
3Reliability
If separate metallic deflectors with high temperature coating are used, then added protection from thermal breakdown is provided, but the structure requires multiple separate components increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector and dome structure are merged into a single integrated component, reducing the number of separate parts from two (dome + deflector) to one. This integration simplifies assembly, inspection, and maintenance procedures while the CMC material provides inherent thermal protection without requiring additional high-temperature coatings.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated dome-deflector member performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support as a dome, offers thermal protection as a deflector, and resists thermal breakdown through CMC material properties. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate protective coatings and reduces overall system complexity.
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 solution extends the lifespan of the dome-deflector structure, reducing replacement frequency and maintenance costs while maintaining performance under high heat conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Cooling passages are provided through the dome wall and the deflector wall so as to provide a flow of cooling air from the pressure plenum into the cavity and, then, from the cavity to a combustion chamber side of the deflector wall
Data Source
AI summary
A dome structure for a combustor of a gas turbine includes a frame structure extending circumferentially about a combustor centerline axis, and a plurality of integrated dome-deflector plate members mounted to the frame structure. Each of the plurality of integrated dome-deflector plate members includes a dome wall, a deflector wall, and a plurality of side walls connecting the dome wall and the deflector wall to each other. A cavity is defined by the dome wall, the deflector wall, and the plurality of side walls.