Segmented Gas Turbine Adapter Ring for Plug Nozzle Thermal Growth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas turbine engine systems face challenges in reliably attaching components with different thermal and structural characteristics, leading to operational inefficiencies and structural integrity issues.
Innovation Solution
A segmented adapter ring system for gas turbine engines, comprising a plug nozzle and adapter ring with features like lugs, notches, and cutouts, along with a support ring, which allows for secure attachment and thermal growth accommodation, using materials like carbon-carbon composites and metallic components, and includes cooling channels and anti-rotation features to manage thermal and mechanical stresses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing attachment systems are used to connect gas turbine engine components, then structural connection is achieved, but reliability and structural integrity deteriorate due to thermal and structural characteristic mismatches
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter ring serves as an intermediary component between the plug nozzle and support ring, mediating the connection between components with different thermal and structural characteristics. It includes a first interface (204) configured to receive a portion of the plug nozzle and a second interface (206) configured to be received by the support ring, thereby enabling reliable attachment while accommodating thermal growth differences.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter ring is configured to accommodate thermal growth by allowing parameter changes in the connected components. The segmented design and interface configurations enable the system to adapt to thermal expansion and contraction, maintaining structural integrity across different thermal regions.
2Strength
If components are securely attached to withstand thermal and mechanical stresses, then structural integrity is maintained, but device complexity increases due to additional features like lugs, notches, and cooling channels
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter ring combines multiple functions into a single component: structural support, thermal growth accommodation, anti-rotation features, and cooling channels. By merging these functions into one integrated part, the overall device complexity is reduced compared to using separate components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter ring is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides mechanical support, thermal management, and rotational constraint. The single component performs multiple roles in the exhaust nozzle assembly, reducing the number of parts needed while maintaining structural integrity.
3Strength
If a complete adapter ring is assembled and installed, then structural support is maximized, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty of assembly in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter ring is divided into multiple segments (202) that can be assembled separately and then joined together. This segmentation allows the components to be installed in a confined space and then connected to form the complete structural support, making assembly feasible in tight engine compartments.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented adapter ring allows for nested assembly where segments can be positioned and connected within the confined space of the exhaust nozzle assembly. The segments can be installed sequentially and joined to form the complete ring structure.
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 adapter ring system enhances the reliability and operational efficiency of gas turbine engines by securely attaching components, managing thermal growth, and reducing the risk of structural failure under high-temperature conditions, while allowing for assembly in confined spaces.
Implementation Method 1
allows for secure attachment and thermal growth accommodation
Implementation Method 2
includes cooling channels and anti-rotation features to manage thermal and mechanical stresses
Data Source
AI summary
A gas turbine engine adapter is provided. In one form the adapter is segmented and may be attached to a gas turbine engine support ring. The adapter can provide a channel that may receive part of a gas turbine engine component such as, but not limited to, a plug nozzle. The adapter can include a load bearing support to counteract axial forces experienced by the plug nozzle during operation of the gas turbine engine. A compressible seal can be provided between the plug nozzle and the adapter. A leaf seal can also be provided to seal between segments of the adapter. The plug nozzle can be discouraged from rotating relative to the adapter.