Monolithic Annular Combustor Liner Tile Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engine combustors face efficiency issues due to air leaks through joints between multiple tiles in combustion liners, which reduce combustion efficiency and cooling effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A combustor design featuring a monolithic annular liner tile with a mount assembly that includes circumferentially spaced mount pins and hangers, and studs extending from the liner tiles to an inner case, minimizing joints and enhancing assembly efficiency by using monolithic annular components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If multiple tiles are arranged circumferentially and axially adjacent to define liner walls, then the combustion liner can be assembled from modular components, but air leaks occur through the joints between tiles which reduces combustion efficiency and cooling effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate liner tiles into a single monolithic annular liner component. This eliminates the joints between tiles that caused air leaks, thereby improving combustion efficiency and cooling effectiveness while maintaining the modular assembly advantage through the single-piece design that can be manufactured as one integrated component.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tiles are used to form the combustion liner, then the liner can accommodate thermal expansion and manufacturing tolerances, but the joints between tiles create leak paths for air
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple tiles into a monolithic annular liner that eliminates joints and associated air leaks. The single-piece design incorporates expansion joints or flexible sections within the monolithic structure that allow thermal expansion while maintaining seal integrity, thus accommodating thermal expansion without creating leak paths.
3Reliability
If monolithic annular liner tiles are used, then air leaks through joints are eliminated, but the assembly process becomes more complex requiring precise mounting mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the mounting mechanism directly into the monolithic annular liner structure itself, combining the liner function with the mounting function. The liner includes integrated mounting features such as lugs, tabs, or direct attachment points that are part of the monolithic structure, eliminating the need for separate mounting components and reducing overall assembly complexity while maintaining the leak-free advantage.
Data Source
AI summary
A combustor for use in a gas turbine engine and methods for assembling the same are disclosed. The combustor includes an outer case and a combustion liner. The combustion liner is arranged radially inward of the outer case. The combustion liner is arranged to define an annular combustion chamber.