Swirler Mount Interface for Gas Turbine Combustor
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing combustor sections in gas turbine engines require complex and heavy arrangements for fuel nozzle swirlers, which complicate maintenance and repair due to the need for mechanical fasteners and brazing, and can block cooling holes, leading to thermal challenges.
Innovation Solution
A swirler with a snap-fit interface, including a male and female snap component, is used to mount the swirler to the bulkhead support shell, allowing for easy assembly and replacement without additional fasteners or braze, utilizing a cowl to apply axial loads and prevent rotation, thereby simplifying maintenance and reducing thermal issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical fasteners are used to mount the fuel nozzle swirler to the bulkhead shell, then the mounting is effective and secure, but the arrangement becomes complicated and heavy, and cooling holes may be blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The bulkhead assembly is segmented into modular components: the bulkhead shell with integrated cooling holes, the swirler assembly with fuel nozzles, and a separate cowl component. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and assembled through simple snap-fit interfaces, reducing overall complexity while maintaining secure mounting
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting function is merged with the structural components themselves. The bulkhead shell includes integrated snap-fit features, and the cowl incorporates retention mechanisms. This eliminates the need for separate mechanical fasteners, reducing part count and complexity while maintaining secure attachment
2Strength
If brazing is used to attach the fuel nozzle swirler to the bulkhead, then the connection is strong and lightweight, but the entire bulkhead section must be replaced for repair
Solution Approach 1:
The swirler assembly is designed as a separate, replaceable module that attaches to the bulkhead shell through snap-fit interfaces. This segmentation allows the swirler to be independently removed and replaced without affecting the bulkhead shell or requiring brazing operations, significantly improving repairability while maintaining connection strength through the snap-fit mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The swirler assembly is designed as a disposable or serviceable component that can be quickly removed and replaced when worn or damaged. The snap-fit interface enables rapid disposal of the old swirler and installation of a new one, eliminating the need for time-consuming brazing repairs and improving maintenance efficiency
3Strength
If cooling holes are blocked by fasteners, then structural support is provided, but thermal management becomes compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The bulkhead shell is segmented to include dedicated cooling hole passages that are kept clear of mounting hardware. The snap-fit features are positioned away from the cooling hole paths, ensuring unobstructed thermal management channels while providing adequate structural support for the swirler assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A swirler for a combustor of a gas turbine engine includes a swirler outer body with a male snap component and/or female snap component of a snap-fit interface defined around a swirler central longitudinal axis. A bulkhead assembly for a combustor of a gas turbine engine includes a swirler mounted to a bulkhead support shell through a snap-fit interface.