Mid-Turbine Frame Cooling Fitting with Segmented Slots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engines face challenges in effectively distributing cooling fluid within the mid-turbine frame to prevent heat damage to engine elements, as existing solutions may cause fluid impingement and uneven cooling.
Innovation Solution
A fitting with a main body and deflector plate, featuring circumferentially spaced slots and a support flange, is used to direct cooling fluid from a source, such as a high-pressure compressor, between the gas path wall and external housing, ensuring even distribution and minimizing pressure drop.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If cooling fluid is routed through the mid-turbine frame, then engine elements are protected from heat damage, but fluid impingement and uneven cooling occur
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet is segmented into multiple circumferentially spaced slots instead of a single opening. This divides the cooling fluid flow into multiple streams that are distributed around the circumference, preventing fluid impingement at single locations and ensuring more uniform cooling across the engine elements.
Solution Approach 2:
Each slot is designed with specific dimensions (area of 0.52-0.59 square inches) to optimize the local flow characteristics. The circumferential spacing and individual slot sizing ensure that cooling fluid is delivered with appropriate pressure and distribution to different zones of the mid-turbine frame, achieving uniform cooling effectiveness.
2Temperature
If cooling fluid flow rate is increased to improve cooling, then heat protection is enhanced, but pressure drop increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the outlet into multiple slots, the total flow rate can be increased for better cooling effectiveness while each individual slot maintains optimized dimensions that minimize pressure drop. The multiple pathways allow higher overall flow without excessive pressure loss in any single path.
Solution Approach 2:
The slot dimensions (area of 0.52-0.59 square inches, length of 0.74-0.76 inches, width of 0.73-0.75 inches) are carefully optimized to balance flow rate and pressure drop. These parameter changes ensure sufficient cooling fluid delivery while minimizing pressure losses through the fitting.
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 fitting effectively disperses cooling fluid within the mid-turbine frame, preventing impingement and ensuring uniform cooling of engine elements, while maintaining minimal pressure drop and structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The fitting is configured to direct cooling fluid from the source to a location radially between the gas path wall and the external housing
Implementation Method 2
The mid-turbine frame is typically provided with a flow of cooling fluid to protect the engine elements from damage caused by exposure to excess heat
Data Source
AI summary
A fitting according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a main body portion having a first axial end and a second axial end opposite the first axial end, an inlet provided at the first axial end, and an outlet adjacent the second axial end. The outlet includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced-apart slots formed through the main body portion, and each slot has an area within a range of 0.52 and 0.59 square inches.