Transition Duct Exit Frame Insert Reduces Thermal Distortion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional transition ducts in gas turbine engines experience thermal distortion due to high operating temperatures, leading to issues like frowning of the bottom rail and flattening of the upper rail, which existing support structures fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A transition exit frame is designed with inserts made from materials having different coefficients of thermal expansion than the main frame material, reducing distortion by using circumferentially curved bodies and connection arms with orifices to support the transition ducts effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional rigid support structure is used to support transition ducts, then structural strength is improved, but thermal distortion (frowning and flattening of rails) occurs during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies thermal expansion principles by incorporating a flexible support structure that can accommodate thermal expansion and contraction of the transition ducts during operation. The flexible support includes expansion joints and flexible connections that allow the ducts to expand radially and axially without causing distortion of the support rails, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining structural strength and preventing thermal distortion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction by combining rigid support structure materials with flexible thermal expansion compensation elements. The support structure integrates rigid components for structural strength with flexible components (such as flexible bellows or expansion joints) that accommodate thermal distortion, creating a composite system that simultaneously provides strength and thermal flexibility.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid mounting support structure is used to affix transition assembly, then structural stability is improved, but thermal expansion causes distortion of support rails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a completely rigid static support structure to a dynamic support system that can adapt to thermal changes. The flexible support structure includes movable expansion joints and flexible connections that allow the support rails to dynamically adjust their position and shape in response to thermal expansion, maintaining structural stability while preventing permanent distortion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates thermal expansion compensation mechanisms that allow the support structure to accommodate radial and axial expansion of the transition ducts. The flexible support includes expansion joints and flexible connections that prevent thermal expansion forces from distorting the support rails, thereby maintaining structural stability during thermal cycling.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional support structure is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but thermal distortion reduces reliability during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains ease of manufacture by using modular flexible support components that can be assembled using standard manufacturing processes. The flexible support structure includes standardized expansion joints and flexible connections that are relatively simple to manufacture and assemble, while effectively preventing thermal distortion and improving operational reliability during high-temperature operation.
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 solution effectively reduces thermal distortion in the transition exit frame, preventing frowning and flattening of support beams, thereby enhancing the structural integrity and operational stability of the transition ducts during turbine engine operation.
Implementation Method 1
The transition exit frame insert is formed from a second material having a second coefficient of thermal expansion that is different than the first coefficient of thermal expansion of the first material to reduce distortion within the transition exit frame body during operation of the turbine engine
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A transition duct exit frame (10) for supporting a transition duct (12) extending downstream from a combustor (14) to a turbine assembly (16) in a gas turbine engine (18) and including one or more transition duct exit frame inserts (20) configured to reduce thermal distortion created during operation of the gas turbine engine (18) is disclosed. The transition duct exit frame (10) is formed from one or more transition duct exit frame bodies (22). The transition duct exit frame body (22) is formed from a first material having a first coefficient of thermal expansion. The transition duct exit frame insert (20) forms at least a portion of the transition duct exit frame body. The transition duct exit frame insert (20) is formed from a second material (26) having a second coefficient of thermal expansion that is different than the first coefficient of thermal expansion of the first material (24) to reduce distortion within the transition duct exit frame body (22) during operation of the gas turbine engine (18).