Turbine Support Structure Removal Through Installed Outer Duct Wall
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for disassembling gas turbine engines often require significant disassembly of non-target components, making the process inefficient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A method for removing the turbine support structure, such as a mid-turbine frame, from a gas turbine engine without disassembling other sections by maintaining the outer duct wall, allowing selective removal and installation of components like the second turbine rotor and exhaust case.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If traditional disassembly methods are used to access and remove the turbine support structure, then the turbine support structure can be removed for inspection and repair, but other sections and components of the engine must be significantly disassembled, increasing complexity and time
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass duct is divided into separate modular sections including the outer duct wall, inner duct wall, and end walls that can be independently removed. This segmentation allows the outer duct wall to be detached specifically to access the turbine support structure without requiring disassembly of other engine sections, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of repair and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The outer duct wall is extracted or removed from the bypass duct assembly to provide direct access to the turbine support structure. This extraction allows maintenance personnel to reach and remove the turbine support structure without disassembling other engine components, improving ease of repair while minimizing increase in device complexity
2Ease of repair
If traditional disassembly methods are used, then components can be accessed for maintenance, but the time required for disassembly and reassembly is significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass duct is pre-configured with removable outer duct wall sections and fastening mechanisms that are prepared in advance for quick removal. This preliminary design allows maintenance personnel to rapidly access the turbine support structure without time-consuming disassembly procedures, reducing loss of time while maintaining ease of repair
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass duct structure incorporates dynamic or adjustable fastening systems that allow the outer duct wall to be quickly removed and reinstalled. This dynamic design enables rapid access to the turbine support structure for maintenance, significantly reducing the time required for disassembly and reassembly operations
3Ease of operation
If the outer duct wall is removed to access the turbine support structure, then maintenance is simplified, but the structural integrity of the bypass duct is temporarily compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Replacement outer duct wall sections or sealing components are prepared in advance before the outer duct wall is removed. These pre-prepared components ensure that the bypass duct can be quickly resealed and structural integrity restored after the turbine support structure is serviced, maintaining stability while enabling ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
Sealing mechanisms or support structures are installed beforehand to compensate for the temporary removal of the outer duct wall. This beforehand cushioning ensures that the bypass duct maintains its structural integrity and prevents contamination or damage during the maintenance operation, balancing ease of access with structural stability
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for disassembling a gas turbine engine. The gas turbine engine includes a compressor section, a combustor section, a turbine section, a static structure and a bypass duct. The static structure houses and supports the compressor section, the combustor section and the turbine section. The static structure includes a turbine support structure. The bypass duct includes an inner duct wall, an outer duct wall and a bypass flowpath formed radially between the inner duct wall and the outer duct wall. The outer duct wall extends axially along the static structure and overlaps the turbine support structure. During the method, the turbine support structure is removed from the gas turbine engine while the outer duct wall remains installed.