Abstract: An assembly includes a plurality of vanes, a forward liner segment, and an aft liner segment. The forward liner segment and the aft liner segment are mounted to the plurality of vanes and each segment comprises an arc of less than 360° in length.

Abstract: A turbine engine includes a compressor section, a combustor section in fluid communication with the compressor section, a high pressure turbine in fluid communication with the combustor, a low pressure turbine in fluid communication with the high pressure turbine, and a mid turbine frame located axially between the high pressure turbine and the low pressure turbine. The mid turbine frame includes an outer frame case, an inner frame case, and a plurality of hollow spokes that distribute loads from the inner frame case to the outer frame case. The spokes are hollow to allow cooling airflow to be supplied through the spokes to the inner frame case.

Abstract: A radial position control assembly for a gas turbine engine stage includes a case structure. A supported structure is operatively supported by the case structure. The supported structure includes a hook providing an annular recess. A support ring is received in the recess. The supported structure and the support ring have different coefficients of thermal expansion. A sealing structure is adjacent to the supported structure. The support ring maintains the supported structure relative to the sealing structure at a clearance during thermal transients based upon a circumferential gap between adjacent supported structure and based upon a radial gap between the support ring and the supported structure.

Abstract: A disclosed vane assembly includes a vane section formed of a plurality of circumferentially spaced fixed vanes. The vanes extend radially outward from an inner platform and hooked into case. The inner platform includes a mount rail extending radially inwardly from the inner platform. An air seal is attached to the inner platform of the vane section and includes a ring extending circumferentially about the axis. The disclosed air seal includes a plurality of tabs that receive lugs disposed on the mount rail. A ring nut is secured to the air seal and engaged to the mount rail for securing the vane section to the air seal.

Abstract: A steam turbine of an embodiment includes: a nozzle box having a circular ring-shaped steam passage into which steam is led from a steam inlet pipe and having, on a downstream portion of the steam passage, a plurality of first-stage nozzles in a circumferential direction; and a second-stage nozzle side structure combined with the nozzle box and having a plurality of at least second-stage nozzles in a circumferential direction. Further, in the respective nozzle box and second-stage nozzle side structure, there are provided at least a pair of abutment surfaces for sealing which are not parallel to a turbine rotor axis and abutting each other. Furthermore, a seal member is provided in a part of a gap between the nozzle box and the second-stage nozzle side structure, the gap being formed by combining the nozzle box and the second-stage nozzle side structure.

Abstract: A method to design a turbine including: estimating rates of thermal radial expansion for each of a stator and a rotor corresponding to a period of operation of the turbine; estimating a clearance between the rotor and the stator based on the rates of thermal radial expansion, and determining a mass or surface area of the stator or rotor based on the clearance.

Abstract: A clearance control system for a rotary machine includes an outer casing including an outer casing main portion having a first radial thickness, wherein the outer casing is configured to expand at a first time rate of thermal expansion. Also included is an inner casing disposed between the outer casing and a rotary portion, the inner casing including an inner casing main portion having a second radial thickness that is less than the first radial thickness, wherein the inner casing is configured to expand at a second time rate of thermal expansion that is greater than the first time rate of thermal expansion of the outer casing. Further included is an inner casing leg configured to separate from an outer casing leg during expansion of the inner casing and configured to engage the outer casing leg during contraction of the inner casing.

Abstract: An exemplary turbomachine securing apparatus includes a coupling member that couples a first component to a second component within a turbomachine. The first component and the second component are both non-rotating components during operation of the turbomachine. The coupling member limiting relative circumferential movement between the first component and the second component, and permitting relative radial movement.

Abstract: A steam turbine 10 is comprised of a double-structured casing configured of an outer casing 21 and an inner casing 20, a turbine rotor 23 disposed through the inner casing and having a plurality of stages of moving blades 22 implanted, and a plurality of stages of stationary blades 25 disposed alternately with the moving blades 22 in the axial direction of the turbine rotor 23 in the inner casing 20. The steam turbine 10 is further provided with a discharge passage 30 which externally guides steam, which has flown in the inner casing and passed the final stage moving blades while performing expansion work, directly from the inner casing interior.

Abstract: A vane structure for a gas turbine engine includes a multiple of CMC airfoil sections integrated between a CMC outer ring and a metal alloy inner ring.

Abstract: A blade outer air seal system for a gas turbine engine includes a plurality of ring carriers made of a first material having a first coefficient of thermal expansion. A plurality of seal segments are carried, respectively, on the plurality of ring carriers. A ring member is carried in the plurality of ring carriers. The ring member is made of a second material that is different from the first material in composition. The second material has a second coefficient of thermal expansion such that the first coefficient of thermal expansion is 75-175% of the second coefficient of thermal expansion.

Abstract: A scroll structure of a rotary machine and a rotary machine is provided in which it is possible to achieve an improvement in reliability and functionality of a rotary machine such as a turbine and to achieve a reduction in size. Provided are a scroll main body that entirely covers an area surrounding an annular channel extending in a circular shape about a rotational axis in a rotating portion of a rotary machine and a cylindrical channel extending from the annular channel at the rotational axis side and extending towards the rotating portion; and a fitting portion that supports the scroll main body with respect to a support portion and a casing accommodating the scroll main body so as to enable expansion and contraction in a radial direction centered on the rotational axis, while restraining the scroll main body in the direction along the axial axis.

Abstract: A rotor blade tip clearance control apparatus for a gas turbine engine includes a plurality of circumferentially distributed segments which form an annular shroud surrounding the outer tips of a row of rotor blades. A mechanical arrangement is operatively connected to the segments. Actuation of the arrangement causes the segments to move in a radial direction thereby controlling a clearance between the segments and the outer tips. A case cooling system supplies cooling air to an engine case to which the segments are mounted. The cooling air regulates thermal expansion of the case and thereby also controls the clearance between the segments and the outer tips.

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 comprises a flow duct with coaxially arranged radially inner and outer endwalls, first and second sets of axially spaced rotor stages arranged between the inner and outer endwalls, and a plurality of variable endwall segments arranged along the inner endwall. The first set of rotor stages rotates in a first direction, and the second set rotates in a second direction. The first and second sets alternate in axial series along the flow duct, such that axially adjacent rotor stages rotate in different directions. The variable endwall segments are radially positionable, in order to regulate loading on the first and second sets of rotor stages by changing a cross-sectional flow area between the inner and outer endwalls.

Abstract: A means of attachment applicable to mating parts which have substantially different coefficients of thermal expansion is disclosed. The means of attachment substantially reduces the friction between the mating surfaces while still keeping the mating parts centered with respect to one another. The approach is based on radial recessed faces wherein the radial faces slide relative to each other. There may be three or more recessed/raised faces on each mating component, which when mated, maintain the alignment between the mating parts while allowing differential growth of the mating parts. This approach also the provides a much larger bearing surface for the attachment than a radial pin/slot approach, for example, and substantially eliminates areas of high stress concentration. It is thus a more robust design for components that undergo many thousands of thermal cycles.

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 turbine is provided and includes a turbine shell including shrouds at multiple stages thereof, and constraining elements, disposed at least at first through fourth substantially regularly spaced perimetrical locations around the turbine shell, which are configured to concentrically constrain the shrouds of the turbine shell.

Abstract: A vane for a gas turbine engine includes an airfoil portion, a platform, and a first flange. The airfoil portion has first and second ends spaced apart in a first direction, and the first end of the airfoil portion defines an unshrouded tip. The platform is integrally formed at the second end of the airfoil, and is configured to define a flowpath boundary segment. The first flange extends from the platform away from the airfoil portion. The first flange defines a first circumferential extension and an adjacent second circumferential extension, each defining forward and aft faces. The first and second circumferential extensions are offset in a second direction such that the forward face of the first circumferential extension is substantially aligned with the aft face of the second circumferential extension in the second direction.

Abstract: A method of assembling a heat exchanger in a gas turbine engine assembly is provided. The method includes providing a structural body including a wall having an elongated slot, providing a heat exchanger operably associated with a bracket, and providing a slip joint for coupling the bracket to the structural body. The slip joint includes a standoff, an elongated member, and a biasing member disposed about the elongated member. The standoff is inserted through the wall so that the biasing member imparts a predetermined biasing force between the bracket and the structural body. The slip joint allows relative sliding movement between the bracket and the structural body when a sliding force due to thermal expansion or contraction is greater than the biasing force.

Abstract: A section of a gas turbine engine includes a case structure having a first coefficient of thermal expansion. A continuous, ring-shaped liner has a second coefficient of thermal expansion that is substantially different than the first coefficient of thermal expansion. A flexible leaf member operatively connects the liner to the case structure. The leaf member is configured to accommodate diametrical change in the liner throughout various fan section operating temperatures.

Abstract: Within such machines as gas turbine engines it is desirable to provide close association between rotating assemblies and a rotor path arrangement to reduce leakage. However, such arrangements of rotor assemblies and rotor path arrangements are subject to thermal cycling and differentials between the respective parts can lead to rub associations. In order to allow closer thermal responses between the respective rotor path arrangement and rotor assembly, a flexible assembly is provided for a liner. A face surface is presented upon a backer plate or floating ring such that the thermal response can be tuned to the reciprocal similar effects under the same conditions of the rotor assembly. In such circumstances, closer gap control can be achieved. Furthermore, rather than requiring an entire integral casing to be overhauled, generally only the face surfaces and/or the flexible assembly will require remedial action.

Abstract: A spline seal for a hot gas path component is provided. The spline seal may include a first metal layer and a second metal layer. The first metal layer may have a first volumetric thermal expansion coefficient. The second metal layer may be disposed adjacent the first metal layer and have a second volumetric thermal expansion coefficient. The second volumetric thermal expansion coefficient may be higher than the first volumetric thermal expansion coefficient. When the spline seal is exposed to a heat source, the first and second metal layers may deform to provide a seal between the hot gas path component and an adjacent hot gas path component.

Abstract: A retaining seal assembly for use in a gas turbine engine is provided. The retaining seal assembly comprises an outer retaining ring coupled to an aft end of a gas turbine engine combustor. A turbine nozzle is coupled to the outer retaining ring and comprises an outer band. The outer band comprises a leading edge and an opposing trailing edge that defines a slot. A retention seal comprises a first end positioned within the slot, a generally opposing second end that contacts the outer retaining ring, and a body extending between the first end and the second end. The body further comprises an insertion portion positioned within a passage formed in the outer band. The retention seal is fabricated from a resilient material and is configured to facilitate coupling the turbine nozzle to the outer retaining ring.

Abstract: A turbine engine is disclosed. A blade ring is surrounded by a housing wall, the housing wall being configured as an outer ring, and delimits therewith a gap, the gap being adjustable by deformation of the outer ring. The outer ring is concentrically surrounded by an adjusting element, opposite faces of the outer ring and the adjusting element having the contour of a truncated cone, and rolling bodies being positioned between the outer ring and the adjusting element, the rolling bodies being put at an oblique angle in relation to the axial direction in the radial direction and in the peripheral direction, making it possible for the adjusting element to be rotated in relation to the outer ring while simultaneously adjusting the gap.

Abstract: A thermally actuated shutdown seal for a rotating shaft having a narrow annular fluid flow path surrounding the shaft. The seal surrounds the shaft with the annulus therebetween during normal operation and constricts against the shaft when the shaft slows or stops rotating. The annulus is maintained open during normal operation by a spacer interposed between opposing ends of a split ring. When the shaft stops rotating, the temperature of the annulus rises, which actuates removal of the spacer from the split ring constricting the split ring against the shaft blocking the annulus. The blocked annulus causes a pressure differential across the seal which urges a polymer seal ring, downstream of the split ring against the shaft which seals the annulus. In one embodiment, the spacer is formed of a meltable material. In a second embodiment, the spacer is removed from the split ring by a thermally responsive actuator.

Abstract: An inner shell for a rotating machine including at least one segment; and at least one complementary segment in operable communication with the at least one segment, the segments forming a support structure for a shroud ring; wherein the at least one segment and the at least one complementary segment are individually moved to change a set of dimensions defined by the at least one segment and the at least one complementary segment. A method for controlling a dimension of the shroud ring in a rotating machine is also disclosed.

Abstract: A turbine is provided and includes a turbine shell including shrouds at multiple stages thereof, and constraining elements, disposed at least at first through fourth substantially regularly spaced perimetrical locations around the turbine shell, which are configured to concentrically constrain the shrouds of the turbine shell.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes a turbine engine that includes a rotor including multiple blades. The turbine engine also includes a shroud disposed about the blades. The shroud includes multiple segments engaged with one another via mating teeth. The mating teeth are oriented in an axial direction along a longitudinal axis of the turbine engine.

Abstract: A plug for an inspection hole of a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The plug may have a stem including a first shaft, wherein a first seal is located circumferentially about the first shaft. The plug may have a swivel seal including a second seal spaced from a ball by a second shaft, and the swivel seal may be rotatably connected to the stem by the ball. The ball and the second seal may be fixed to the second shaft.

Abstract: A service tube apparatus for a gas turbine engine includes a service tube assembly having: (a) an elongated, hollow service tube; and (b) a service tube baffle surrounding the service tube which is pierced with a plurality of impingement cooling holes.

Abstract: The rim seal is positioned in an annular space between blades and a non-rotating adjacent structure in a gas turbine engine. The rim seal is connectable to the non-rotating structure and is made of an abradable material.

Abstract: A vane assembly for a gas turbine engine comprising a number of radial loading elements disposed between lugs of the vane ring and the vane support, such as to generate a radial load force against the vane ring. The radial load force prevents unwanted relative movement between the vane ring and the vane support during operation of the gas turbine engine.

Abstract: An inspection port plug device is provided for sealing three or more oppositely placed inspection ports in a multi-chambered gas turbine engine. An embodiment of the inspection port plug device includes a cap and at least two shafts coupled end-to-end. A first shaft includes a first end coupled to the cap and a second end having a first sealing plug, wherein the first sealing plug includes a recess. A second shaft includes a third end coupled to the first sealing plug within the recess and a fourth end having a second sealing plug. The first shaft and the second shaft also include a first biasing mechanism and a second biasing mechanism, respectively, for maintaining the seals at the first and second sealing plugs when the inspection port plug device is installed.

Abstract: Apparatus for channeling combustion gases to a turbine in a gas turbine engine. The engine has a compressor for providing compressed air, a combustor for combusting fuel with the compressed air to provide combustion gases, and a radial inflow turbine having an inlet configured to receive the combustion gases. The turbine is rotatable about an axis for expanding the combustion gases to produce work. The apparatus includes a subassembly of plurality of nozzle guide vanes fixed between a pair of spaced apart, ring-shaped sidewalls. A pair of spaced apart supports is configured to position the subassembly therebetween, concentric with the axis, and adjacent the turbine inlet. The apparatus further includes a plurality of bolt assemblies extending axially through the pair of supports, apertures in the sidewalls, and holes in the guide vanes.

Abstract: A process for casting a turbine engine component is provided. The process comprises the steps of placing a refractory core assembly comprising two intersecting plates in a die, encapsulating the refractory core assembly in a wax pattern having the form of the turbine engine component, forming a ceramic shell mold about the wax pattern, removing the wax pattern, and pouring molten material into the ceramic shell mold to form the turbine engine component.

Abstract: A seal assembly (60) for sealing first and second static parts (40A, 40B) with opposed slots (44A, 44B) together forming a pocket (46). The seal assembly (60) comprises a floor strip (70) positioned adjacent the pocket's floor (48) and a ceiling strip (80) positioned adjacent the pocket's ceiling (50). A connection (90) of the strips' central portions (72, 82) provides a flat hinge between cooperating hinge portions (76, 86). A first set of the hinge portions (76A-86A) converge for insertion into the first slot (44A) and a second set of hinge portions (76B-96B) converge for insertion into the second slot (44B). After such slot insertion and pocket installation, the converged hinge portions (76A-86A, 76B-86B) resiliently diverge within the pocket to seat the floor strip's end portions (74A, 74B) against the pocket's floor (48) and to seat the ceiling strip's end portions (84A, 84B) against the pocket's ceiling (50).

Abstract: The interturbine duct (ITD) directs hot combustion gases from a high pressure turbine stage outlet to a low pressure turbine stage inlet in a gas turbine engine. The ITD comprises an outer wall and a heat resistant non-metallic resilient annular seal provided around an end of the outer wall that is adjacent to the high pressure turbine stage outlet.

Abstract: A turbine is provided and includes a turbine shell including shrouds at multiple stages thereof, and constraining elements, disposed at least at first through fourth substantially regularly spaced perimetrical locations around the turbine shell, which are configured to concentrically constrain the shrouds of the turbine shell.

Abstract: A turbine airfoil, such as a rotor blade or a stator vane, for a gas turbine engine, the airfoil formed as a shell and spar construction with a plurality of hook shaped struts each mounted within channels extending in a spanwise direction of the spar and the shell to allow for relative motion between the spar and shell in the airfoil chordwise direction while also fanning a seal between adjacent cooling channels. The struts provide the seal as well as prevent bulging of the shell from the spar due to the cooling air pressure. The hook struts have a hooked shaped end and a rounded shaped end in order to insert the struts into the spar.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement (10) for a multivane segment (12) of ceramic matrix composite (CMC) composition positioned between outer and inner metallic rings (14, 16). Selected ones of the vanes (18a) of the multivane segment surround internal struts (24) joining the outer and inner rings. Spring members (26, 28) accommodate differential thermal growth between the multivane segment and the outer and inner rings, and a compliant material (30) seals against gas leakage around the segments.

Abstract: An example exit guide vane for a gas turbine engine is mounted adjacent to a diffuser case defining an air flow path. A thrust balance seal is attached to the diffuser and the exit guide vane is mounted adjacent the diffuser case for guiding air flow into the air flow path. The exit guide vane is mounted adjacent to the diffuser without interfering with the air flow path or restricting thermal expansion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mixer assembly including a mixer and a plurality of scoops attached around a circumference of the mixer element via a combination of sliding brackets and fixed brackets. The sliding brackets provide attachment and allow relative movement between the plurality of scoops and the mixer element while the fixed brackets provide only attachment between the mixer element and the plurality of scoops. The first sliding bracket includes a first flange that is fixedly mounted to the mixer element and a second flange that is biased against a surface of the scoop. A second sliding bracket is fixedly mounted to the mixer element and adjustably mounted to the scoop. The second sliding bracket includes an attachment hole and the scoop includes an adjustment slot. A fastener assembly including a spacer is received within the adjustment hole and the adjustment slot to allow relative movement between the mixer element and the scoop.

Abstract: A rotor blade tip clearance control apparatus for a gas turbine engine includes a plurality of circumferentially distributed segments which form an annular shroud surrounding the outer tips of a row of rotor blades. A mechanical arrangement is operatively connected to the segments. Actuation of the arrangement causes the segments to move in a radial direction thereby controlling a clearance between the segments and the outer tips. A case cooling system supplies cooling air to an engine case to which the segments are mounted. The cooling air regulates thermal expansion of the case and thereby also controls the clearance between the segments and the outer tips.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a turbine against leakage of a working fluid comprising at least one radially displaceable sealing ring, coaxially disposed about a rotating member of the turbine from a stationary member of the turbine, which sealing ring undergoes radial displacements that are coupled to radial displacements of the rotating member, such that a design radial clearance is substantially maintained without damage to the apparatus.

Abstract: Vanes are generally hollow with a passage through which service pipes extend. These service pipes must be connected such that they can allow for thermal expansion and contraction but also anti rotation features are needed in order to prevent damage when a supply coupling is connected through a pipe end. This anti-rotation feature is generally provided between a top hat and a pipe end through flanges. In order to allow reduced spacing between the top of the vane and a casing the flanges are arranged to allow at least recessing of a first flange into a passage opening profile whereby those flanges inter-engage with second flanges at a surface interface to prevent rotation.

Abstract: An inner mounting ring (20) for gas turbine flow path components such as shroud ring segments (24). The inner ring (20) may be mounted to an outer ring (22) on radially slidable mounts (26, 28) that maintain the two rings (20, 22) in coaxial relationship, but allows them to thermally expand at different rates. This allows matching of the radial expansion rate of the inner ring (20) to that of the turbine blade tips (32), thus providing reduced clearance (33) between the turbine blade tips (32) and the inner surface of the shroud ring segments (24) under all engine operating conditions. The inner ring (20) may be made of a material with a lower coefficient of thermal expansion than that of the outer ring (22).

Abstract: A method for assembling a gas turbine engine includes coupling a first structure within the gas turbine engine, wherein the first structure includes a plurality of sockets extending from a radially outer surface of the first structure, and coupling a second structure to the first structure by inserting a radial pin through the second structure and into each respective socket such that the first structure is aligned axially, circumferentially, and with respect to an engine centerline axis extending through the gas turbine engine, where the position of the pins relative to the second structure is adjustable.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine thermal control apparatus includes at least one annular spray tube having spray holes oriented to impinge thermal control air onto a fillet between an outer casing and a forward thermal control ring and, in a more particular embodiment, into a center of the fillet. The apparatus may include an annular segmented stator shroud attached to the outer casing and circumscribing radial outer blade tips of turbine blades of a turbine rotor. A thermal air distribution manifold encircling a portion of the outer casing includes an annular supply tube connected in fluid supply relationship to plenums of header assemblies. The annular spray tube is connected to at least one of the plenums and may be elongated radially inwardly and axially. Baffles attached to radially outwardly facing surfaces of the panels may be contoured to form exhaust passages having exhaust passage inlets and outlets between the baffles and the panels.

Abstract: The gastight sealing device associated with a functional clearance existing between two sectors of a turbomachine includes an annular plate wound up on itself over at least one turn, covering functional clearance.