Abstract: In one embodiment, systems and methods include using an eddie-bolt inspection tool to measure one or more eddie-bolts. An eddie-bolt inspection tool comprises a body; a valve; a light-emitting diode (LED); a battery; a first position switch; a second position switch; a cap; a nose piece; and a cover; wherein the cap is disposed on top of the body, wherein the body is disposed on top of the nose piece, where the nose piece is at least partially disposed within the body, wherein the cover is disposed around and on at least a portion of the body, wherein the body comprises: a first side; a second side; a third side; a fourth side; and an opening.

Abstract: A method for making an RF connector having an outer conductor and an inner conductor includes the steps of plating the outer conductor and the inner conductor of the RF connector with at least one corrosion-resistant metallic material; dispensing and/or injecting a material comprising an epoxy phenol novolac based resin. in a volume between the outer conductor and the inner conductor of the connector; heating the RF connector with the injected material to a temperature between about 150° C. to about 380° C. in a substantially dry nitrogen-based environment; and allowing the RF connector to cool.

Abstract: In order to alleviate a mismatch problem of thermal deformation, in all directions, of a connecting and installing structure between a CMC turbine outer annular component and a metal intermediate casing, a connector and an anti thermal mismatch connecting device are provided. The rod part of the connector comprises a subtractive hollow section and a cylindrical section. The subtractive hollow section is composed of a central shaft, a plurality of supporting rib plates extending outwards from a peripheral surface of the central shaft and inclined radially relative to the central shaft, and a plurality of outer annular plates arranged around the central shaft, with a circumferential gap between adjacent outer annular plates. The supporting rib plate is connected with the central shaft and the outer annular plate, and the central shaft is connected with the cylindrical section. The anti thermal mismatch connecting device the connector.

Abstract: An engine bi-material joint includes a first flange composed of a first material and defining a first coefficient of thermal expansion, and a second flange composed of a second material and defining a second coefficient of thermal expansion. The second flange is different from the first material. An interface flange is engaged with the first flange and with the second flange. The interface flange defines a third coefficient of thermal expansion being equal to or less than the first coefficient of thermal expansion of the first flange. The third coefficient of thermal expansion is less than the second coefficient of thermal expansion of the second flange. The first coefficient of thermal expansion of the first flange is less than the second coefficient of thermal expansion of the second flange.

Abstract: A ceramic fastener assembly for high temperatures. One embodiment is a fastener assembly that includes a ceramic fastener configured to engage a hole of a structure. The ceramic fastener includes a head and a non-threaded shank including one or more indentations around its perimeter. The fastener assembly also includes a sleeve configured to slide over the non-threaded shank of the ceramic fastener. The sleeve includes a hollow cylindrical body, an exterior surface with threads, and an interior surface with one or more protrusions configured to mate with the one or more indentations of the non-threaded shank. The fastener assembly further includes a nut configured to engage the threads of the sleeve to tighten the one or more protrusions with the one or more indentations of the non-threaded shank. The fastener assembly also includes a thermal spacer configured to thermally isolate the nut and the sleeve from the structure.

Abstract: A nozzle presents a longitudinal axis, includes both a combustion chamber made of metal material and presenting a downstream end, and a diverging portion made of composite material formed by a wall of conical shape extending between an upstream and a downstream end. The upstream end of the composite material diverging portion is connected to the downstream end of the combustion chamber. The nozzle further includes an annular mount made of metal material including a first portion secured to the combustion chamber and a second portion extending beyond the downstream end of the combustion chamber along the longitudinal axis. The upstream end of the composite material diverging portion is fastened to the second portion of the annular mount by a plurality of fastener members, each including a fastener bolt, each fastener bolt passing through the conically-shaped wall of the composite material diverging portion near the upstream end of the wall.

Abstract: A guide vane assembly with at least one guide vane row and a housing for the at least one guide vane row that extends along a circumferential direction about a central axis, wherein the at least one guide vane row includes multiple guide vanes that are respectively mounted at the housing in an adjustable manner by means of an adjusting appliance of the guide vane assembly. The adjusting appliance includes at least one adjusting element for adjusting the guide vanes that is arranged at a radial distance to an outer side of the housing with respect to the central axis, and a compensation device is provided, by means of which a radial distance of the adjusting element to the outer side of the housing is predetermined, and the different thermal expansions of the adjusting element and of the housing are at least partially compensated.

Abstract: A turbocharger rotor shaft assembly and associated turbocharger that includes at least one turbine rotor member having a first face and an opposed second face; and a rotor shaft having a first end and an opposed second end distal from the first end, wherein the rotor shaft is connected to the at least one turbine rotor at a location proximate to the first end and projects outward therefrom, the rotor shaft having an outwardly oriented face and an interior chamber defined therein, the interior chamber having an interior chamber volume. The turbocharger rotor shaft also includes at least one thermal transfer material contained in the interior chamber of the rotor shaft that has a thermal conductivity value that is greater than the thermal conductivity value of the material of construction of the rotor shaft.

Abstract: An exhaust gas liner for a gas turbine includes an annular inner shell and an annular outer shell, which are arranged concentrically around a machine axis of the gas turbine to define an annular exhaust gas channel in between. The inner shell and/or said outer shell are composed of a plurality of liner segments, which are attached to a support structure. To compensate thermal expansion and achieving resistance against dynamic loads, the liner segments are fixed to the support structure at certain fixation spots, which are distributed over the area of said liner segments, such that said liner segments are clamped to said support structure through a whole engine thermal cycle without hindering thermal expansion.

Abstract: An assembly for and method of reinforcing interconnection between an active material wire actuator, such as a shape memory alloy wire, and structure, includes the generation and engagement of an enlarged formation affixed to or integrally formed with the actuator.

Abstract: For connecting a shaft to a rotating component, especially of a shaft to a turbine wheel of an exhaust gas turbocharger, an intermediate component is provided by means of which the shaft is connected indirectly to the rotating component. The connection between the rotating component and the intermediate component is a form-locking and/or force-locking connection, especially a riveted connection.

Abstract: In accordance with various embodiments, a plug head assembly is provided comprising a ceramic plug head having a frustroconical geometry, wherein the ceramic plug head has a proximal terminus and a distal terminus, wherein the ceramic plug head has a first coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), a sleeve having a frustroconical geometry conforming to the ceramic plug head and a second CTE, wherein the second CTE is greater than the first CTE, a distal retainer having a frustroconical geometry conforming to the sleeve, the distal retainer having a first engagement portion for engaging the a proximal retainer, the proximal retainer having a second engagement portion for engaging the distal retainer, and a base that couples with the proximal retainer. In addition, thick banded plug heads are provided.

Abstract: A component assembly includes a first component, such as an optical component, and a second component, such as a support component, having different coefficients of thermal expansion (CTEs). The component assembly also includes a spacer having a CTE matched to that of the first component, disposed between the first component and the second component. When the CTE of the first component is greater than that of the second component, the second component includes a protrusion, and the spacer includes a complementary opening for receiving the protrusion, such that a joint between the protrusion and the complementary opening is under compressive stress. The spacer also includes a mounting area for receiving the first component, and an air gap disposed between the first component and the protrusion.

Abstract: An actuator includes a capturing part, a retained part and a heating element which applies heat to the retained part or the capturing part responsive to selective application of power to the at least one heating element. The capturing part attaches to a first object and has a first coefficient of thermal expansion. The retained part attaches to a second object and has a second coefficient of thermal expansion. The retained part is insertable into the capturing part in a first state of the actuator. The retained part is held in contact with the capturing part via an interference fit to hold the first and second objects proximate to each other in a second state. The retained part is ejected from the capturing part in a third state. Applying heat via the heating element causes a transition between the second and the first or third states of the actuator.

Abstract: A thermocompression bonding structure includes a first member and a second member having a linear expansion coefficient different from that of the first member; and metal fine particles interposed between the first and second members as a bonding material to thermocompression bond the two members. The two members are disposed to apply thermal stress generating between the first member and the second member as pressurizing force on a bonding surface between the two members, and to increase temperature to thermocompression bond the first member and the second member.

Abstract: A thermal coupling includes a first structure having a first coefficient of thermal expansion; a second structure having a second coefficient of thermal expansion lower than the first coefficient of thermal expansion; a plurality of thermal expansion fingers provided in the first structure; a plurality of thermal expansion flanges extending from the plurality of thermal expansion fingers, respectively; and a flange extending from the second structure and attached to the plurality of thermal expansion flanges.

Abstract: A turbine comprising a first turbine component being of a first material having a first coefficient of thermal expansion. A second turbine component being of a second material having a second coefficient of thermal expansion, said second turbine component adjacent said first turbine component. A space between said first and second turbine components. A seal assembly sealing said space, wherein at least a portion of said seal assembly has a coefficient of thermal expansion substantially similar to at least one of said first or second turbine components to thereby maintain a seal in said space during thermal expansion or contraction of said first and second turbine components.

Abstract: A panel mounting system comprises a panel, a foundation and a plurality of hangers connecting the panel to the foundation. The panel comprises a plurality of first attachment points, and the foundation comprises a plurality of second attachment points. The panel is constrained by the plurality of hangers such that movement of each first attachment point relative to the corresponding second attachment point is constrained to a plane that is normal to the surface of the panel at the first attachment point, and is aligned with the direction of thermal expansion of the panel at the first attachment point.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present disclosure is a unique system. Another embodiment is a unique fastener system. Another embodiment is a unique gas turbine engine. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for gas turbine engines, fastener systems and other systems. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle bodywork component comprising a first panel and a second panel having a second coefficient of linear thermal expansion greater than the first coefficient of linear thermal expansion of the first panel, the component further including a connection part having a third coefficient of linear thermal expansion that is less than the first and that is fastened to the first panel.

Abstract: A connector between a first object having a first coefficient of thermal expansion and a second object having a second coefficient of thermal expansion has a slot attaching to the second object. The slot formed by an inner shell having a slot shape and a first portion that blends into an outer surface of the second object, the slot having an enclosed portion facing forward and an aft portion that is open.

Abstract: A turbomachine includes a member formed from a material having a first coefficient of thermal expansion. The member includes a crack. A crack arrestment system is provided in the member. The crack arrestment system includes at least one crack arresting element provided at the crack. The at least one crack arresting element has a second coefficient of thermal expansion that is distinct from the first coefficient of thermal expansion. The at least one crack arresting element is configured and disposed to exert a compressive force on the member at the crack to substantially arrest crack propagation.

Abstract: A thermal expansion joint apparatus includes an insert extending through respective first and second components to loosely restrain the first component between the second component and an enlarged head of the insert, thereby allowing thermal expansion of the respective first and second components relative to each other. The insert is secured to the second component by a fastener which can be removed, for example, when the insert is to be removed from the engine.

Abstract: A simple ceramic matrix composite fastening system that is utilized for attaching components of dissimilar materials, particularly, ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) and metallic engine components. The system is comprised of a detachable subassembly bracket fabricated from metal. The bracket has a metallic engine component attached to one end and a CMC component attached to the other end. The bracket releasably secures the CMC and the metallic component together using rivets or pins, which are inserted into holes through the CMC to securely fasten the adjoining parts.

Abstract: A thermal expansion joint suited for metal sheet component assemblies and method of connection is described. The expansion joint connection is formed by overlapping edge portions of components which are subject to different temperatures. Slot apertures are formed in the edge portion of a first component at predetermined locations and hole apertures are formed in the edge portion of the second component and disposed for confronting alignment with the slot apertures. A connecting sleeve is disposed in each hole aperture and projects through the hole and associated slot and a retention washer is secured over an end of the connecting sleeve on the other side of the second component. A fastener extends through the retention washer and the connecting sleeve to clampingly interconnect the overlapped edge portions of the first and second components.

Abstract: A method of forming a fastener that includes an axial centerline, a seating surface angled with respect to the axial centerline at an angle ? and adapted to contact an angled seat of a bore, the smallest diameter of the seating surface being designated a seating diameter, and a threaded connecting portion for engaging a threaded portion of a bore, the threaded connecting portion including a point designated a proximal contact point, the distance from the seating diameter to the proximal contact point in the direction of the axial centerline being the clamped length of the fastener, the method including steps of determining a value for at least a first one of angle ?, seating diameter D and clamped length L, solving the equation ?=arctan (D/(2L)) to calculate at least a second one of angle ?, seating diameter D and clamped length L, and forming a fastener based on the determined and calculated values. Also a fastener and fastener system based on the method.

Abstract: A thermal coupling includes a first structure having a first coefficient of thermal expansion; a second structure having a second coefficient of thermal expansion lower than the first coefficient of thermal expansion; a plurality of thermal expansion fingers provided in the first structure; a plurality of thermal expansion flanges extending from the plurality of thermal expansion fingers, respectively; and a flange extending from the second structure and attached to the plurality of thermal expansion flanges.

Abstract: An example mounting assembly includes a fastener receivable within an aperture of a component. A felt metal gasket separates the fastener from the component.

Abstract: An example adjustable linking member of a mounting assembly includes a first attachment portion and a second attachment portion. The first attachment portion connects a linking member to a first component. The second attachment portion connects the linking member to a second component. A variable portion of the adjustable linking member varies a distance between the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion in a first direction when heated. The variable portion varies the distance between the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion in a second direction when cooled. The first direction is opposite the second direction.

Abstract: A thermal coupling includes an attachment frame; a plurality of substantially straight or planar frame ribs extending from said attachment frame, said attachment frame comprising an annular frame ring, said plurality of frame ribs generally parallel to said frame ring; a plurality of fastener rings provided on said plurality of frame ribs, respectively, said fastener rings extending substantially perpendicular to said frame ribs; and plurality of fastener ring openings provided in said plurality of fastener rings, respectively.

Abstract: A method and system that compensates for thermal induced stresses in structures composed of different materials fastened together. The system utilizes three compensation mounts made from a material with a coefficient of thermal expansion that is between that of the two materials being fastened together. These mounts can be linear or, for a thinner structure, the mounts are “C” shaped. The size of the “C” mounts and fastening locations are calculated based on the coefficient of thermal expansion for the two materials being fastened together and the “C” mount material. The geometry of the “C” mounts allows for fastening the two planar surfaces without introducing a large thickness increase to the structure. This system allows for materials to be fastened together, and when placed in an environment with temperature fluctuations, the system experiences zero, minimal or insignificant amounts of thermal induced stress.

Abstract: An optical structure comprising a first and a second component and a connecting element which connects the two components and which has at least two spring elements. The two components have an extremely high level of positional and angular accuracy relative to each other even with major fluctuations in temperature and each spring element has a spring constant at least twice as great in two respective mutually perpendicular spatial directions as in the third spatial direction perpendicular to the first two spatial directions, referred to as the elasticity direction, wherein the two spring elements have elasticity directions which do not extend parallel to each other.

Abstract: An assembly including a metal piece, a piece made of ceramic material, and at least one intermediate connection element assembled to each of the pieces by brazing. The intermediate connection element includes a deformable sheet presenting at least two flat zones brazed to respective ones of the pieces, the two flat zones being interconnected by a deformable zone presenting at least two free undulations oriented in alternation towards the metal piece and towards the piece made of ceramic material.

Abstract: A fastener for a turbine engine includes a bolt and a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) cap mechanically secured to the bolt. CMC components are attached to an exhaust nozzle case with the fasteners. The fastener includes a bolt made of metal and having a head. A CMC cap is located on the head of the bolt and secured to the bolt by a mechanical device. The mechanical device allows the CMC cap to have a different thermal expansion than the bolt. The CMC cap also acts as a thermal shield for the bolt, aiding in the reduction of a heat signature of the turbine engine.

Abstract: A method of forming a fastener that includes an axial centerline, a seating surface angled with respect to the axial centerline at an angle ? and adapted to contact an angled seat of a bore, the smallest diameter of the seating surface being designated a seating diameter, and a threaded connecting portion for engaging a threaded portion of a bore, the threaded connecting portion including a point designated a proximal contact point, the distance from the seating diameter to the proximal contact point in the direction of the axial centerline being the clamped length of the fastener, the method including steps of determining a value for at least a first one of angle ?, seating diameter D and clamped length L, solving the equation ?=arctan(D/(2L)) to calculate at least a second one of angle ?, seating diameter D and clamped length L, and forming a fastener based on the determined and calculated values. Also a fastener and fastener system based on the method.

Abstract: A system and method for connecting a plurality of components in a furnace incorporate a thermal strain relief device made of graphite or other material designed for high temperature environments in which operating temperatures of the furnace are between about 1000° C. and about 1700° C. The thermal strain relief device includes a body, a raised area provided on a first side of the body, and an elevation structure provided on a second side of the body. The thermal strain relief device is assembled with at least first and second components, and a connector for connecting the first and second components in the furnace, where the first and second components may have different coefficients of thermal expansion, and the thermal strain relief device is configured to flex in response to tightening of the connector, and in response to thermal expansion of the first and second components when operated at high temperatures.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a degradation assembly comprises an impact tip brazed to a carbide bolster. A stem protrudes from the bolster, being adapted to be retained within a bore connected to a driving mechanism. A locking fixture is disposed within the bore and locking the stem to a wall of the bore.

Abstract: A method and system that compensates for thermal induced stresses in structures composed of different materials fastened together. The system utilizes three compensation mounts made from a material with a coefficient of thermal expansion that is between that of the two materials being fastened together. These mounts can be linear or, for a thinner structure, the mounts are “C” shaped. The size of the “C” mounts and fastening locations are calculated based on the coefficient of thermal expansion for the two materials being fastened together and the “C” mount material. The geometry of the “C” mounts allows for fastening the two planar surfaces without introducing a large thickness increase to the structure. This system allows for materials to be fastened together, and when placed in an environment with temperature fluctuations, the system experiences zero, minimal or insignificant amounts of thermal induced stress.

Abstract: A bolt heater including a junction housing, a handle attached and secured to a wall of the housing solely from an exterior of the housing, such as by a threaded connection, a power cable including a fitting attached directly to the wall of the housing, and an electrical resistance heater rod attached to the wall of the housing. The wall may have a boss with a recess therein for receiving a portion of the handle. The housing may be a hollow cylinder with a circular top wall, a circular bottom wall, and a cylindrical side wall. The heater rod may be attached to the housing via a threaded connection and the housing may have a non-circular portion near the threaded connection point, the non-circular portion being engageable by a tool to assist in the threading attachment of the heater rod to the housing.

Abstract: A Bolted Flanged Connection (BFC) includes “negative creep” bolts with cores manufactured from Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) and “negative creep” gasket manufactured from the same SMA. The gasket is shape-memorized to the “swelling”, and bolt cores are shape-memorized to the compression. Temperature interval of reverse martensitic phase transformation of SMA is close to operational temperature interval of the assembly. The constrained shape recovery of the gasket and bolt cores is combined with inverse flexion flange design that constitutes original type of BFC with feature to inhibit flange rotation and creep of bolts and gasket under conditions of a variety of operational temperatures and internal pressures.

Abstract: A thermal coupling includes a first structure having a first coefficient of thermal expansion; a second structure having a second coefficient of thermal expansion lower than the first coefficient of thermal expansion; a plurality of thermal expansion fingers provided in the first structure; a plurality of thermal expansion flanges extending from the plurality of thermal expansion fingers, respectively; and a flange extending from the second structure and attached to the plurality of thermal expansion flanges.

Abstract: A fastening system has at least one peripheral spring and at least one peripherally expandable bushing, with the peripheral spring being at least partially enclosed within the peripherally expandable bushing. The peripheral spring and peripherally expandable bushing each contain axial openings for receiving an elongated fastening member to secure two dissimilar structures together. The peripheral spring can be a spring bushing. The spring bushing can comprise a series of radially outwardly bowed ribs joined at one end by a fixed hoop. The axial spring can be a spring washer. The peripherally expandable bushing can be a split bushing.

Abstract: An optical assembly comprises a connecting body (1) consisting of at least a first and a second part (3, 4), the body (1) being connected to an assembly means (2) of a ceramic material wherein the assembly means (2) consists of at least a first and a second part (17, 18) separated by a gap (19).

Abstract: The present invention provides a gravity gradiometer for measuring components of the gravity gradient tensor. The gravity gradiometer comprises at least one sensor mass for movement in response to a gravity gradient. The gravity gradiometer also comprises a pivotal coupling enabling the movement of the at least one sensor mass about an axis. Further, the gravity gradiometer comprises a plurality of capacitors. Each capacitor has first and second capacitor elements positioned opposite each other so that a gap is defined between respective first and second capacitor elements. The capacitors are arranged so that movement of the at least one sensor mass results in a change in the gap between respective first and second capacitor elements. At least one of the capacitor elements has at least two separate capacitor portions arranged so that separate voltages can be applied to the capacitor portions.

Abstract: A shrink-fit coupling includes a discontinuous ring between a ceramic stub shaft of a turbine rotor and an inner diameter r2 of a metallic shaft which typically supports a compressor rotor. If the materials for the ceramic stub shaft and the discontinuous ring are pre-determined and the radius of the ceramic stub shaft is also given, then the inner radius r2 of the shaft should be chosen by the equation: r2=(CTE1?CTE2)/(CTE3?CTE2) r1.

Abstract: A thermally compensated mounting flange 10 useful for mechanically attaching equipment to a device which can be operated at a relatively high temperature is disclosed, such as an actuator 32 to operate valve 12. The mounting flange 10 and valve 12 can be made of different materials with unequal thermal expansion coefficients. The mounting flange 10 has a flange portion 14 and one or more legs 16A,16B extending from the flange portion 14 to a distal end mechanically secured to the valve 12. At least one pin 36 can be disposed through an attachment bore 22,24,26 in a leg 16A,16B and into or through the body of valve 12. An open-ended slot 30 is formed from the distal end and terminates at an aperture 28 spaced from a periphery of a leg 16A,16B. Aperture 28 can conveniently serve as a sight hole for inspection of the top of valve 12.

Abstract: A casing of a hydraulic machine such as a gas turbine is formed as a horizontally split type flangeless casing. The flangeless casing consists of an upper casing and a lower casing joined together at joint faces and fastened by fastening bolts. The fastening bolt has a screw thread which engages the threaded hole on the joint face of the lower casing. A bolt hole having an internal screw thread and through which the fastening bolt passes is provided in the upper casing. A sleeve having an external screw thread is fitted into the bolt hole of the upper casing by engaging the external screw of the sleeve with the internal sleeve of the bolt hole. An enlarged diameter portion is formed on a shaft of the fastening bolt at the portion where the enlarged diameter portion abuts an upper end face of the sleeve when the fastening bolt is screwed into the threaded hole in the lower casing.

Abstract: A first flange and a second flange are superposed and fastened with a bolt and a nut in a fastening operation, to implement a fastening structure used at temperature lower than atmospheric temperature for the fastening operation. Assuming that the first flange has a thickness L1 and a coefficient of linear expansion ?1, the second flange has a thickness L2 and a coefficient of linear expansion ?2, superposed first flange and second flange have a thickness L, and the bolt has a coefficient of linear expansion ?, a relation of L·??L1·?1+L2·?2 is satisfied, i.e. heat shrinkage of the bolt is not smaller than the total heat shrinkage of the first and second flanges. Thus, impairment of sealing property due to heat shrinkage is avoided at a flange junction used at low temperature.

Abstract: A fastener assembly for attaching components of dissimilar material includes a fastener, a spacer, and a mechanism for tightening the assembly. The spacer compensates for differences in thermal expansion rates between the non-metal component and the metal component while providing a tight attachment therebetween. An opening formed within the metal component is an elongated slot that accommodates the body portion of the fastener passing therethrough with the spacer and allows relative movement between the non-metal component and the metal component.

Abstract: A device for holding measurement instruments (2), in particular interferometers, is formed from a plurality of structure elements (4, 5, 6, 7) connected to one another and made from at least one material. The at least one material has a very low coefficient of thermal expansion ?. The structure elements (4) on which the measurement instruments (2) are arranged are secured between at least two structure side parts (5) in such a way that the thermal expansions of the structure side parts (5) and of the connections (3) have no effect in the measurement direction of the measurement instruments (2).