Turbine Diffuser Indented Webs for Compact Injector Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current turbine engine designs require a significant axial distance between the diffuser webs and fuel injectors for dismounting, leading to increased length and mass of the engine, which is detrimental in the aeronautics industry.
Innovation Solution
The diffuser design incorporates evenly distributed indentations on the downstream peripheral edges of the webs, allowing for the retraction of injectors and reducing the axial play between the diffuser and injectors, thereby decreasing the engine's length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a substantial axial distance is maintained between the diffuser webs and fuel injectors, then the injectors can be dismounted for maintenance, but the engine length and mass increase
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser web is segmented with indentations that create discrete access zones for each injector, allowing individual injector removal without requiring removal of the entire diffuser assembly. The indentations act as segmented access points that guide the extraction process.
Solution Approach 2:
The injector is nested within the indentation of the diffuser web during operation, and during maintenance, the injector is extracted from this nested position. The indentation provides a cavity that accommodates the injector both during operation and during the extraction process, eliminating the need for large axial clearance.
2Weight of stationary object
If the diffuser is positioned closer to the fuel injectors, then the engine mass and length are reduced, but the injectors cannot be dismounted for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser web is segmented with indentations that create discrete access zones for each injector, allowing individual injector removal without requiring removal of the entire diffuser assembly. The indentations act as segmented access points that guide the extraction process.
Solution Approach 2:
The indentation acts as an intermediary structure between the diffuser web and the injector, providing a mechanical interface that facilitates injector extraction. The indentation geometry serves as a mediator that enables maintenance access while maintaining compact positioning during normal operation.
3Ease of repair
If axial play is increased for injector removal, then injectors can be extracted, but the air supply efficiency to the combustion chamber is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser web is segmented with indentations that create discrete access zones for each injector, allowing individual injector removal without requiring removal of the entire diffuser assembly. The indentations act as segmented access points that guide the extraction process.
Solution Approach 2:
The indentation introduces a localized geometric feature at the specific location where injector extraction is needed, while the rest of the diffuser web maintains its original aerodynamic profile. This local modification does not compromise the overall air supply efficiency to the combustion chamber.
Data Source
AI summary
A diffuser for a turbine engine that includes two annular webs extending inside one another and connected between them by substantially radial vanes, wherein the downstream peripheral edge of at least one of the webs includes indentions evenly distributed about the longitudinal axis of the diffuser.