Gas Turbine Module Balancing Bracket for In-Situ Trim Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engines face time-consuming and costly processes for correcting unbalance during vibration tests, requiring repeated disassembly and addition of trim weights due to unbalanced modules.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a support bracket and cradle with specific mounting and support structures to facilitate balancing trim application to gas turbine engine modules, allowing for efficient identification and correction of unbalances without full disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the engine is fully assembled when tested, then the vibration test can be performed on the complete engine, but excessive vibrations may require time-consuming disassembly and iterative trim weight addition to correct unbalances
Solution Approach 1:
The engine is divided into separate modules (compressor module, turbine module, etc.) that can be tested independently. The support bracket is designed to hold specific modules rather than requiring the entire engine assembly, allowing focused vibration testing and trim weight addition on individual modules without disassembling the complete engine.
Solution Approach 2:
Trim weights are added to modules during the assembly process before final installation in the complete engine. The support bracket enables trim weight addition on modules while they are still accessible during assembly, performing the balancing action in advance rather than requiring later disassembly for correction.
2Manufacturing precision
If the engine is disassembled to access the high pressure turbine for trim weight addition, then unbalances can be corrected, but the process becomes costly and time-consuming with repeated iterations
Solution Approach 1:
The high pressure turbine is accessed as part of a modular turbine assembly that can be separately handled. The support bracket is designed to hold the turbine module with the diffuser positioned for trim weight access, allowing balancing operations on the module itself without requiring disassembly from the complete engine.
Solution Approach 2:
The support bracket serves as an intermediary device that provides the necessary positioning and support for trim weight addition. It holds the module in the correct orientation and provides access to the diffuser area where trim weights are added, eliminating the need for complex disassembly procedures.
3Reliability
If iterative trim weight addition is performed on fully assembled engines, then unbalances are corrected, but the process requires multiple repetitions and increases costs
Solution Approach 1:
Modules are pre-balanced during the assembly process using the support bracket before final engine installation. This preliminary balancing action reduces or eliminates the need for iterative corrections later, as unbalances are addressed when modules are still accessible and can be adjusted efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The support bracket is designed to be used during the normal assembly process itself, allowing trim weights to be added to modules while they are being installed. The assembly process serves its own balancing needs without requiring separate disassembly and reassembly cycles.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for applying balancing trim to a module of a gas turbine engine, the module having a compressor having a forward shaft and an aft hub, a turbine connected to the aft hub, and the turbine having a turbine case and an aft shaft, the system having: a support bracket that mounts to the turbine case and supports the module when testing for unbalances, wherein the support bracket has: an outer periphery; outer mounting apertures at the outer periphery, wherein the outer mounting apertures are sized to receive fasteners to connect the support bracket to the turbine case; a center aperture defined by an inner periphery, wherein the center aperture is sized to receive the aft hub; and weight positioning slots defined between the outer mounting apertures and the center aperture; and wherein the outer periphery and the inner periphery are axially spaced apart from each other.