Transfer Tube Shoulder Geometry for Thermal Growth and Misalignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid transfer systems in gas turbine engines face challenges in efficiently managing axial movement and thermal growth due to misalignment and radial interference, leading to increased resistance and risk of fretting in fluid transfer tubes.
Innovation Solution
A transfer tube assembly with a shoulder and conical surface configuration that engages with a corresponding chamfered edge surface, allowing for axial movement while accommodating misalignment and thermal growth by generating opposing axial forces and distributing load uniformly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the transfer tube is rigidly fixed to limit axial movement, then alignment precision is improved, but thermal growth accommodation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer tube employs a dynamic mounting system where the tube can slide axially within the engine casing while being laterally constrained. This dynamic configuration allows the tube to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction movements while maintaining proper alignment through the sliding mechanism that permits controlled axial movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the transfer tube by allowing axial movement within defined limits. The tube transitions from a fixed position to a movable position along the axial direction, enabling it to adapt to thermal growth while maintaining lateral alignment through the constrained sliding mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the transfer tube allows axial movement to accommodate thermal growth, then adaptability is improved, but misalignment and radial interference worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer tube system is segmented into movable and fixed components. The transfer tube itself is designed as a movable element that can slide independently within the engine casing, separating the axial movement function from the lateral positioning function. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in one aspect of movement control.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer tube acts as an intermediary element between the fuel manifold and the engine casing. It provides a sliding connection that mediates between the fixed mounting structure and the thermal expansion movements, allowing controlled axial movement while maintaining lateral alignment through the constrained sliding mechanism.
3Reliability
If the transfer tube is constrained to reduce radial interference, then reliability is improved, but axial movement capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer tube employs a dynamic mounting system where the tube can slide axially within the engine casing while being laterally constrained. This dynamic configuration allows the tube to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction movements while maintaining proper alignment through the sliding mechanism that permits controlled axial movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer tube utilizes a flexible mounting arrangement where the tube wall itself acts as a flexible element capable of slight radial deformation to accommodate misalignment while maintaining the fluid seal. This flexibility allows the tube to adapt to minor radial interference without compromising reliability or excessive axial movement capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A transfer tube assembly comprises a transfer tube slidably engaged in sealing engagement with a first component. The transfer tube has a shoulder engageable with a stopper for limiting relative axial movement between the transfer tube and the first component. The shoulder has an abutment surface facing a corresponding bore surface of the first bore of the first component. The abutment surface and the bore surface are configured to generate axially opposing reaction forces in response to the abutment surface and the bore surface contacting each other.