Abstract: A bearing system includes a first bearing ring, a second bearing ring spaced radially outwards from the first bearing ring, and a bearing cage between the first bearing ring and the second bearing ring. The bearing cage includes a circumferential outer side, a circumferential inner side, and a plurality of circumferentially spaced retainer portions between an axially forward end and an axially trailing end. Roller elements are located in the plurality of retainer portions of the bearing cage. At least one fluid nozzle is axially spaced from the bearing cage for dispensing a fluid to the roller elements.

Abstract: A bearing system includes an inner ring that surrounds an axis of rotation, an outer ring spaced radially outwards from the inner ring, and a cage that is positioned between the inner and outer rings to support a plurality of bearing elements. The inner ring includes an axial slot that extends in a direction along the axis of rotation. The inner ring also includes at least one radial side slot formed in at least one of a fore and aft end surface of the inner ring. The radial side slot directs lubricating fluid from the axial slot toward the cage to lubricate the plurality of bearing elements.

Abstract: A lubrication system includes an auxiliary lubricant tank 48, a supply conduit 58 extending from a source of lubricant 26 to the auxiliary lubricant tank. A reduced-G bypass line 108 branches from the conduit and enters the auxiliary tank at a first elevation E1. The system also includes an auxiliary tank discharge conduit 116, a portion of which resides within the tank. The resident portion has an opening 122 at least partially at a second elevation E2 higher than the first elevation.

Abstract: A lubrication system includes an auxiliary lubricant tank 48, a supply conduit 58 extending from a source of lubricant 26 to the auxiliary lubricant tank. A reduced-G bypass line 108 branches from the conduit and enters the auxiliary tank at a first elevation E1. The system also includes an auxiliary tank discharge conduit 116, a portion of which resides within the tank. The resident portion has an opening 122 at least partially at a second elevation E2 higher than the first elevation.

Abstract: A lubrication system includes an auxiliary lubricant tank 48, a supply conduit 58 extending from a source of lubricant 26 to the auxiliary lubricant tank. A reduced-G bypass line 108 branches from the conduit and enters the auxiliary tank at a first elevation E1. The system also includes an auxiliary tank discharge conduit 116, a portion of which resides within the tank. The resident portion has an opening 122 at least partially at a second elevation E2 higher than the first elevation.

Abstract: A face seal for a gas turbine engine comprises a seal body that has a contact face to engage a rotating surface. The contact face is defined as an area extending radially between an inner diameter of the seal body and an outer diameter of the seal body at one seal end providing a radial width. The radial width is between greater than 0.15 inch (3.81 mm).

Abstract: A method of constructing an integral coupling system containing a sun gear is disclosed. An integral sun gear is provided that has a sun gear component and a connection shaft. A first straight flat inner edge is machined on a first diaphragm to use as a datum point, and then the straight flat edge is fixtured. A tapered outer edge is machined on the first diaphragm, and the first diaphragm is welded to the integral sun gear. The flat inner edge is generally perpendicular to a central axis of the connection shaft.

Abstract: A face seal for a gas turbine engine comprises a seal body that has a contact face to engage a rotating surface. The contact face is defined as an area extending radially between an inner diameter of the seal body and an outer diameter of the seal body at one seal end. A ratio of the outer diameter to the inner diameter is at least 1.054.

Abstract: Roller bearings, and struts and gas turbine engines using such bearings are provided. In this regard, a representative roller bearing for a gas turbine engine includes: a roller having a rolling surface and an end; a race having a flange and defining a raceway, the raceway terminating at the flange, the raceway being operative to receive the roller such that the rolling surface of the roller engages in rolling contact with the raceway; and a hard coating applied to the flange such that the end of the roller engages in sliding contact with the coating.

Abstract: A coupling system for connecting a sun gear to a shaft within a planetary gear train, includes a sun gear coupling connecting the sun gear to the shaft. The sun gear coupling has at least one undulant flexible section joined to an inflexible spindle for accommodating misalignment between the sun gear and the shaft. The flexible section comprises a cylindrical ring having a diameter greater than the diameter of the spindle, and joined to the spindle by two longitudinally spaced apart diaphragms. The juncture between the diaphragms, the ring, and the spindle is curved in cross section on an outer side to improve flexibility and minimize stress concentrations, and the inner sides of the diaphragms are straight edges which result in a non-symmetric contour of the diaphragm walls.

Abstract: A bearing system includes an inner ring that surrounds an axis of rotation, an outer ring spaced radially outwards from the inner ring, and a cage that is positioned between the inner and outer rings to support a plurality of bearing elements. The inner ring includes an axial slot that extends in a direction along the axis of rotation. The inner ring also includes at least one radial side slot formed in at least one of a fore and aft end surface of the inner ring. The radial side slot directs lubricating fluid from the axial slot toward the cage to lubricate the plurality of bearing elements.

Abstract: A method of constructing an integral coupling system containing a sun gear is disclosed. An integral sun gear is provided that has a sun gear component and a connection shaft. A first straight flat inner edge is machined on a first diaphragm to use as a datum point, and then the straight flat edge is fixtured. A tapered outer edge is machined on the first diaphragm, and the first diaphragm is welded to the integral sun gear. The flat inner edge is generally perpendicular to a central axis of the connection shaft.

Abstract: A coupling system for connecting a sun gear to a shaft within a planetary gear train, includes a sun gear coupling connecting the sun gear to the shaft. The sun gear coupling has at least one undulant flexible section joined to an inflexible spindle for accommodating misalignment between the sun gear and the shaft. The flexible section comprises a cylindrical ring having a diameter greater than the diameter of the spindle, and joined to the spindle by two longitudinally spaced apart diaphragms. The juncture between the diaphragms, the ring, and the spindle is curved in cross section on an outer side to improve flexibility and minimize stress concentrations, and the inner sides of the diaphragms are straight edges which result in a non-symmetric contour of the diaphragm walls.

Abstract: A coupling system for connecting a sun gear to a shaft within a planetary gear train, includes a sun gear coupling connecting the sun gear to the shaft. The sun gear coupling has at least one undulant flexible section joined to an inflexible spindle for accommodating misalignment between the sun gear and the shaft. The flexible section comprises a cylindrical ring having a diameter greater than the diameter of the spindle, and joined to the spindle by two longitudinally spaced apart diaphragms. The juncture between the diaphragms, the ring, and the spindle is curved in cross section on an outer side to improve flexibility and minimize stress concentrations, and the inner sides of the diaphragms are straight edges which result in a non-symmetric contour of the diaphragm walls.

Abstract: A face seal for a gas turbine engine comprises a seal body that has a contact face to engage a rotating surface. The contact face is defined as an area extending radially between an inner diameter of the seal body and an outer diameter of the seal body at one seal end providing a radial width. The radial width is between greater than 0.15 inch (3.81 mm).

Abstract: A bearing system includes a first bearing ring, a second bearing ring spaced radially outwards from the first bearing ring, and a bearing cage between the first bearing ring and the second bearing ring. The bearing cage includes a circumferential outer side, a circumferential inner side, and a plurality of circumferentially spaced retainer portions between an axially forward end and an axially trailing end. Roller elements are located in the plurality of retainer portions of the bearing cage. At least one fluid nozzle is axially spaced from the bearing cage for dispensing a fluid to the roller elements.

Abstract: A face seal for a gas turbine engine comprises a seal body that has a contact face to engage a rotating surface. The contact face is defined as an area extending radially between an inner diameter of the seal body and an outer diameter of the seal body at one seal end. A ratio of the outer diameter to the inner diameter is at least 1.054.

Abstract: Roller bearings, and struts and gas turbine engines using such bearings are provided. In this regard, a representative roller bearing for a gas turbine engine includes: a roller having a rolling surface and an end; a race having a flange and defining a raceway, the raceway terminating at the flange, the raceway being operative to receive the roller such that the rolling surface of the roller engages in rolling contact with the raceway; and a hard coating applied to the flange such that the end of the roller engages in sliding contact with the coating.

Abstract: A lubrication system includes an auxiliary lubricant tank 48, a supply conduit 58 extending from a source of lubricant 26 to the auxiliary lubricant tank. A reduced-G bypass line 108 branches from the conduit and enters the auxiliary tank at a first elevation E1. The system also includes an auxiliary tank discharge conduit 116, a portion of which resides within the tank. The resident portion has an opening 122 at least partially at a second elevation E2 higher than the first elevation.

Abstract: The inner ring of a high speed roller bearing is constructed in three pieces, an inner race sandwiched between side rails. The inner race being the major load carrying member is fabricated from a high strength steel and the side rail elements are constructed from a more ductile steel. All the lubrication and oil cooling passages are judiciously located in the ductile steel constructed side rails. Scoops are provided in proximity to the side rails to aid in the delivering of oil to the lubrication and oil cooling passages.