Abstract: Exhaust outlets (e.g., in a gas turbine engine) are generally made from sections of thin-walled materials (e.g., sheet metal) that are joined by flanges. Due to the length of the exhaust outlet and differing thermal expansion coefficients exhibited by the flanges and the thin-walled materials, these joints are subjected to high mechanical, as well as thermal, stresses. A long-arm flange is disclosed that decouples the mechanical stress from the thermal stress in the flange and distributes the stress, to thereby reduce the stress at the flange interface. Additionally, the long-arm flange can be easily adapted to the specific geometry of any exhaust outlet.

Abstract: Exhaust outlets (e.g., in a gas turbine engine) are generally made from sections of thin-walled materials (e.g., sheet metal) that are joined by flanges. Due to the length of the exhaust outlet and differing thermal expansion coefficients exhibited by the flanges and the thin-walled materials, these joints are subjected to high mechanical, as well as thermal, stresses. A long-arm flange is disclosed that decouples the mechanical stress from the thermal stress in the flange and distributes the stress, to thereby reduce the stress at the flange interface. Additionally, the long-arm flange can be easily adapted to the specific geometry of any exhaust outlet.

Abstract: An exhaust system of a turbine typically includes an exhaust collector that turns the axial flow of exhaust, output by the turbine, radially outward, with the intent of diverting the flow up an exhaust stack. However, the width of the exhaust collector may be limited by packaging engineering, which can decrease the efficiency of the exhaust system. Accordingly, an exhaust collector is disclosed that utilizes non-cylindrical conical shapes in an exhaust diffuser to maximize volume and reduce velocity in the exhaust collector, to compensate for the decrease in efficiency caused by a reduced width of the exhaust collector.

Abstract: A thermal bridge forms a connection between a cold side and a hot side that is capable of withstanding a large temperature differential while high-pressure gas (e.g., air) flows between the two sides within an internal passageway. A cold-side region and hot-side region of the thermal bridge may each have a flange with a plurality of holes. The cold-side region may also include a conical fillet with counterbore recesses to provide access to each of the plurality of holes from a low radial position.