Abstract: Disclosed is an engine surge avoidance system and method which adapts the acceleration schedules (i.e., P2.5 bleed valve and NDOT) to prevent engine surge events from occurring while minimizing reductions in engine response time. The surge avoidance system and method disclosed herein achieves this goal by adapting both the NDOT and the P2.5 bleed schedules in an optimum fashion.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device and method for exposing a substrate to ultraviolet radiation emitted from a discharge lamp having regions of varying intensity along its length. The discharge lamp includes, inter alia, an elongated vitreous tube, first and second electrode assemblies and a coating on the interior the interior of the tube. The elongated vitreous tube has an outer periphery and axially opposed first and second ends which define an axial length for the tube therebetween. The outer periphery has a plurality of regions defined along said axial length, wherein a first region extends over a predetermined first portion of said axial length and has a helical groove path defining a series of axially spaced apart grooves formed therein. The first region emits ultraviolet radiation having an intensity greater than that emitted from a second region of the outer periphery.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for monitoring the vibration levels of gas turbine engines. The vibration monitoring system acquires vibration data from an engine, and processes the data with advanced algorithms to determine engine component health, both in a diagnostic and prognostic fashion. The method includes the steps of measuring an operating parameter and a corresponding set of vibration amplitudes for a plurality of rotating component during a period of operation and normalizing the set of measured vibration amplitudes based on established amplitude limits. The set of normalized amplitude data points are stored in parameter-based data blocks, which extend over a predetermined range of the operating parameter. For each data block, a time period remaining to reach the established amplitude limits is estimated based on changes in the normalized amplitude data points stored in the data blocks.

Abstract: A spray nozzle is disclosed which includes an elongated nozzle body having an axially extending interior chamber and at least two radially extending air inlet ports communicating with the interior chamber. An elongated fluid inlet fitting having an axial fluid inlet passage is axially disposed within the interior chamber of the nozzle body. A fluid distribution insert is axially disposed within the axial fluid inlet passage of the fluid inlet fitting. The fluid distribution insert has an axial impact chamber formed therein, and an axial fluid feeding orifice which communicates with the axial impact chamber. An air swirling insert is disposed within the nozzle body. The air swirling insert has an interior bore for receiving the fluid distribution insert, and a fluid mixing orifice communicating with the fluid feeding orifice of the fluid distribution insert. A fluid metering insert is axially disposed within the impact chamber of the fluid distribution insert.

Abstract: Fuel control systems for use with a gas turbine engines which accounts for real-time thermodynamic engine effects when attempting to match or track the NDOTActual rate to the NDOTDemand rate. The fuel control system includes a mechanism for measuring several engine operating parameters and a mechanism for determining an initial engine fuel demand based on the measured engine operating parameters. The control system further includes a mechanism for estimating, during engine operation and based on the measured operating parameters, the amount of heat transferred between fuel combustion gases and the engine metal and estimating an effective fuel flow adjustment based therefrom. The control system disclosed herein also includes a mechanism for determining a final engine fuel demand based on the initial predicted engine fuel demand and the estimated effective fuel flow adjustment.

Abstract: A tri-state driver arrangement has a coupler (2) for the potential-free transmission of signals between an input and an output of the tri-state driver arrangement (1) and an output driver (8) with tri-state characteristics connected to the output. In order to reduce the outlay on the circuit and the power of the driver, in a first embodiment the coupler (2) is arranged as a magnetic coupler. In a second embodiment, it is proposed that the output voltage (UOUT) of the coupler (2) is to be monitored with respect to certain threshold values (−UTH, +UTH) in order to switch the output driver (8) into the tri-state condition depending upon this output voltage.

Abstract: A vane pump is disclosed for use with gas turbine engines adapted and configured to provide a failure mode similar to that of a traditional gear pump. The vane pump includes a pump housing, a cam member, a cylindrical rotor member and a mechanism for communicating a high pressure fluid from the discharge arc region to the inlet arc region when the tip surface of each vane element has experienced a predetermined amounted of wear so as to prevent pump startup. The wearing of the tip surface of each vane element resulting from the slideable engagement with the circumferential surface of the pumping cavity.

Abstract: A vane pump is disclosed for use with gas turbine engines which has pressurized fluid supplied to the undervane portion of the vane elements to balance the forces imparted thereon. The vane pump includes a pump housing, a cam member, a cylindrical rotor member and a chamber. The chamber is defined within the housing and positioned for fluid communication with the undervane portion of each vane element to provide a desired pressure thereto. The chamber is in fluid communication with a first pressure source and a second pressure source, wherein the first pressure source is associated with the discharge arc segment of the pumping cavity, and the second pressure source is associated with the inlet arc segment of the pumping cavity.

Abstract: A fuel pump for use in conjunction with a gas turbine engine is disclosed which includes a pump housing, a shrouded rotor member, and an inlet post member, wherein fluid is axially supplied along the pump centerline and then radially discharged at a first pressure to the interior chamber of the pump housing, at the base portion of vane elements associated with the rotor, thereby contacting the vane elements at a minimum angular velocity and angle of incidence. Also disclosed is a single bearing arrangement for eccentrically supporting a shrouded rotor member.