Segmented Turbine Disk Assembly Torque Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional torque tubes in gas turbines face challenges in resisting deformation and distortion during long-term operation, require easy assembly and disassembly for maintenance, and must facilitate smooth airflow for cooling, while effectively transferring rotational torque between the compressor and turbine sections.
Innovation Solution
A disk assembly comprising a first disk engaged with the compressor section, a second disk engaged with the turbine section, and a third disk with a through-hole for torque transfer, along with a damper ring for radial fixation and air storage spaces to enhance torque transfer and cooling airflow, minimizing weight and vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional torque tube is used to transfer rotational torque, then torque transfer is achieved, but the structure is prone to deformation and distortion during long-term operation
Solution Approach 1:
The torque tube is divided into multiple segments (first torque tube segment, second torque tube segment, third torque tube segment) connected by coupling members. This segmentation allows each segment to independently handle stress and deformation, preventing catastrophic failure and reducing overall structural distortion while maintaining torque transfer capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling members are nested within the torque tube segments, with coupling holes formed in each segment to receive the coupling members. This nested structure allows for modular assembly and disassembly while maintaining the integrity of the overall torque transfer system, enabling maintenance without complete disassembly.
2Reliability
If a torque tube is used for torque transfer, then rotational torque can be transferred, but assembly and disassembly for maintenance becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The torque tube is divided into multiple segments that can be independently removed and reassembled. The coupling members with coupling holes allow for straightforward connection and disconnection, significantly simplifying maintenance procedures compared to a monolithic torque tube structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling members enable dynamic assembly and disassembly of the torque tube segments. This allows the structure to transition between assembled and disassembled states easily, facilitating maintenance while maintaining structural integrity during operation.
3Reliability
If a solid torque transfer structure is used, then torque transfer resistance is enhanced, but cooling airflow becomes restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The torque tube segments incorporate through-holes and air flow passages that allow cooling air to pass through the structure. This porous design enables the torque tube to maintain its torque transfer function while simultaneously facilitating efficient cooling airflow, solving the contradiction between structural strength and cooling efficiency.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the torque tube structure is made complex to resist deformation, then structural stability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than creating a single complex monolithic structure, the invention uses multiple simpler segments connected by coupling members. Each segment can be designed with optimal simplicity for its specific function, and the overall structural stability is achieved through the coordinated arrangement of these segments rather than through individual segment complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A disk assembly includes a first disk, a second disk and a third disk. The first disk is engaged with a compressor section of a gas turbine. The second disk is engaged with a turbine section of the gas turbine. The third disk is disposed between the first and second disks and transfers a rotational torque applied to the second disk to the first disk. A through-hole is defined through the third disk along an axial direction of the gas turbine. A distance between the third disk and a tie rod is less than each of distances between the first and second disks and the tie rod, such that spaces are defined by surfaces of the third disk respectively in communication with the compressor section and the turbine section.