Abstract: A low axial stiffnesss thrust bearing is disclosed. The thrust bearing includes a housing having a generally cylindrical space formed therein and a generally cylindrical thrust collar located coaxially within the space. The axial length of the cylindrical space is sufficiently greater than the axial length of the thrust collar to permit the thrust collar to move axially within the cylindrical space over a predetermined distance and to insure that first and second fluid chambers are formed on opposite sides of the thrust collar when the thrust collar is located centrally within the cylindrical space. A fluid circuit supplies fluid under pressure to the first and second chambers in such a manner that the fluid attempts to maintain the thrust collar at a predetermined axial location within the space even when external thrust forces are placed on the thrust collar.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing precisely controlled micro-indexing of rotational elements utilizes a bidirectionally controllable linear force actuator in combination with a self-locking linkage mechanism to frictionally grip and to impart a pure turning moment to the rotational element. The method and apparatus disclosed are especially advantageous for use with large rotational elements, such as the rotors of gas turbines. The indexing method inserts a minimal amount of stored energy into a system thereby virtually eliminating overshoot. In a preferred embodiment comprised of a pair of symmetrical indexing sections, the desired micro-indexing is accomplished while imposing no additional loading on the rotational element.

Abstract: A modular catalytic combustor for a gas turbine has a plurality of individual, non-metallic cylindrical catalyst beds, and a support structure for each of the individual catalyst beds. Each catalyst bed together with its support structure forms an individual catalyst module. Each support structure includes an outer cooled support cylinder, with the individual support cylinders of the various modules interconnected in spaced relationship with cooling air passageways between. There are means for supplying compressed air, such as from a gas turbine compressor, into the space surrounding the support cylinders. The outer cooled support cylinders are provided with apertures for entry of cooling and purge air from the surrounding space. Each of the catalyst beds has an integral, cylindrical, outer ceramic shell, and is positioned within a corresponding outer support cylinder. A sheet metal heat shield is interposed between and concentric with each of the outer support cylinders and the catalyst bed within.

Abstract: A structural support system for the aft end of advanced design combustion transition duct members of specially configured to withstand high temperature gradients and mechanical loads developed in heavy-duty cannular gas turbine combustion systems. A composite element support system is provided for each transition duct member wherein one end of a cylindrical base element is contoured for and welded to the outer wall of its associated transition duct member, while its other end carries a hinge joint of special design to interconnect the transition duct member to a desired mounting member. The circular footprint of the cylindrical base element on the transition duct member wall is configured to minimize thermal and mechanical stresses especially in the weld joint region, while the hinge joint allows relative movement of the connected parts about a desired axis. Additionally, a hinge joint through bolt is torqued to a predetermined value to dampen out unwanted mechanical vibrations.

Abstract: A gas turbine combustor arrangement involves two combustion chambers separated by a necked down throat portion with provision for fuel introduction into each of the chambers. Initially, fuel is introduced into the first chamber and ignited. Thereafter, fuel is introduced into the second chamber until the total fuel flow to the combustor is at the desired rate. Burning in the first chamber is then extinguished by shifting fuel flow to the second chamber and after burning termination, the fuel distribution is reversed until a low emission operation is realized. Apparatus for carrying out the foregoing method and a high load ingition system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A liner assembly for a combustor used in connection with a gas turbine is disclosed. The liner assembly comprises a double-wall structure including an outer structural shell and a separate throat insert coupled to and situated in the shell. The throat insert has a reduced throat section which divides the outer shell into upstream and downstream chambers. The upstream end of the throat insert is flexibly coupled in a stationary position to the outer shell by integral fingers and the downstream end is flexibly coupled to the outer shell, preferably by an air seal incorporating a plurality of flexible fingers located at the downstream end of the throat insert.

Abstract: A stationary gas turbine combustor having a fuel nozzle and a combustion chamber receiving the fuel nozzle also contains a pressure wave interference element fixed within the interior of the combustor and disposed in the path of the variable pressure waves to modify the intensity of the pressure waves and the location of their nodes.

Abstract: A gas turbine control for ameliorating the adverse affects of cyclic load applications to both single-shaft and two-shaft gas turbines is disclosed. During cyclic load conditions, air flow is governed to control the output of the gas turbine while fuel flow is controlled to hold the firing or exhaust temperatures substantially constant.

Abstract: A method of creating a controlled interior surface configuration of passages within a substrate, particularly cooling passages of nozzles or buckets of a gas turbine, involves the hot isostatic pressing of a leachable passage insert whose surface carries the female image of the desired interior surface configuration inside the substrate followed by leaching of the insert from the substrate.

Abstract: An improved cooling system for a gas turbine is disclosed. A plurality of V-shaped notch weirs are utilized to meter a coolant liquid from a pool of coolant into a plurality of platform and airfoil coolant channels formed in the buckets of the turbine. The V-shaped notch weirs are formed in a separately machined cylindrical insert and serve to desensitize the flow of coolant into the individual platform and airfoil coolant channels to design tolerances and non-uniform flow distribution.

Abstract: A method of fabricating complex, composite components for water-cooled, high temperature gas turbines is provided. The method utilizes hot isostatic pressure with molten glass as a pressure transmitting medium. Metal tubing and cladding are bonded to a component core under conditions such that the ends of the tubing extend above the molten glass whereby the pressure inside and outside of the tubing is maintained at equilibrium to prevent collapsing thereof during the application of hot isostatic pressure.