Abstract: A turbine engine compressor design utilizing multiple component integration, thereby reducing the number of required engine components. In conventional compressor designs, a multiple component system makes it difficult to predict the structural behaviors due to thermal and mechanical loading during transient conditions. The compressor design of the present invention has three main parts: a forward bearing housing, a bell-mouth (heat shield) and a coupled impeller shroud/diffuser. Such a design achieves the design objectives of the present invention, including reducing weight, reducing cost, minimizing tolerance build up and improving aerodynamic performance by utilizing multiple component integration for multiple modes of engine operation.

Abstract: A nickel based superalloy composition comprising 16.0 to 20.0 weight % Co, 9.5 to 11.5 weight % Cr, 1.8 to 3.0 weight % Mo, 4.3 to 6.0 weight % W, 3.0 to 4.2 weight % Al, 3.0 to 4.4 weight % Ti, 1.0 to 2.0 weight % Ta, 0.5 to 1.5 weight % Nb, 0.01 to 0.05 weight % C, 0.01 to 0.04 weight % B, and 0.04 to 0.15 weight % Zr, balance Ni.

Abstract: A cooled shroud assembly includes an angled slot and a plurality of dilution jet openings. The shroud forward cavity is modified such that at least one recirculation zone is produced. The angled slot forces an axial change in momentum of the hot gas flow and increases radial and axial pressure variation attenuation. The cooled shroud assembly isolates the shroud structure and seals from the hot flow path and a cooling flow from the dilution jet openings dilutes the hot gas flow. A series of recirculation zones shields the shroud carrier and high pressure seals from the hot gas flow.

Abstract: A spun metal form used to manufacture a dual alloy turbine wheel. The spun metal form prevents braze alloy contamination of the hub/casting interface by relocating the braze joint away from the interface. The spun metal form allows for the re-working of components after failed vacuum brazing and increases the time to failure of dual alloy turbine wheels.

Abstract: Cooling air to the blades and disks of a gas turbine may be modulated to provide a variable turbine cooling flow. A bellows may be extended by providing a high pressure compressor discharge flow to an interior of the bellows. The bellows may be compressed when the interior of the bellows communicates with ambient pressure air. The extension/compression of the bellows moves an arm over orifices in a cooling air flow path. The pressure inside of the bellows is metered to move the arm over at least one orifice, thereby restricting cooling air flow when the engine is running at low power. The pressure inside of the bellows is metered to move the arm to uncover all of the slots to provide maximum cooling flow when the engine is running at high power. The resulting variable cooling flow system results in less need for cooling air at low powers, thus reducing engine fuel consumption.

Abstract: A method for selecting a setpoint for a turbofan engine having a fan speed and a core idle speed scheduling includes determining a weighting factor based upon a throttle lever position, the weighting factor being zero in an idle region and ranging from zero to one in a dead band region and applying the weighting factor to an output of a fan speed governor and to an output of a core speed governor to select the setpoint.

Abstract: A composite face seal has an annular seal rotor and an annular seal stator, both having a metal base portion and a radially extending flange. The flange has first and second axially facing surfaces. A first ceramic ring may be mounted to the first surface of the flange of either or both of the seal rotor and the seal stator by a first braze joint. A second ceramic ring may be mounted to the second surface of the flange of either or both of the seal rotor and the seal stator by a second braze joint. Each of the braze joints may include a molybdenum ring disposed between two braze rings or, for thicker seal assemblies, molybdenum and nickel rings disposed between braze rings.

Abstract: A device and method capable of measuring the optical rotary and linear position of items, that is reliable, accurate and capable of operating in harsh environments. The present invention utilizes optics to measure rotary and linear position. Unlike the prior art the present invention relies on the optical angle to determine position rather than an analog signal or intensity. Because of this, the present invention is capable of providing accurate results in high temperature, harsh and dirty environments. Further, the present invention reduces the need for time consuming and costly replacements at the sensing end.

Abstract: A hot air sealing arrangement for sealing between an inner surface of an exhaust duct conveying hot combustion products and an outer surface of a heat exchanger disposed within the exhaust duct includes an inner receiver attachable to the outer surface of the heat exchanger, an outer receiver attachable to the inner surface of the exhaust duct, and a seal having an outer bead engageable with the outer receiver for rotary movement therein and an inner bead engageable with the inner receiver for sliding movement therein. The seal further includes a connecting sheet between the outer bead and the inner bead.

Abstract: A multi-axial pivoting liner within the combustion system of a turbine engine allows the system to work with minimum thermal interference, especially during system operation at transient conditions, by allowing the liner to pivot and slide about its centerline and relative to the turbine scroll. The pivoting liner has the ability to control and minimize air leakage from part to part, for example, from the liner to the turbine scroll, during various operating conditions. Additionally, the liner provides for easy assembly with no flow path steps. Finally, the pivoting liner tolerates thermal and mechanical stresses and minimizes thermal wear.

Abstract: A method and an Adaptive Knowledge Management is provided. The Adaptive Knowledge Management System is used for assisting a user with decision making by providing real-time, on-line automated recommendations for actions in a monitored vehicle troubleshooting, performance trend monitoring, health management and preemptive maintenance domain diagnostics and prognostics. The system creates a Structured Knowledge Repository, constructed from models, historical data, and heuristics for organizing a model domain knowledge. It uses a plurality of Analytical and Machine Learning tools for capturing knowledge from data sources and populating cells of the Structured Knowledge Repository. A Mixed-Initiative Planning module is used for interpreting operation goals for the monitored vehicle and utilizing the Structure Knowledge Repository for developing recommendations for user decision making.

Abstract: A rectifier hub and associated cooling method provide increased cooling efficiency for rotating rectifier diodes in a dry cavity generator. The rectifier hub has an inner and an outer circumferential surface and includes at least one pair of flow passages, and at least one flow channel. Each pair of flow passages extends between the hub inner and outer circumferential surfaces, and each flow channel is formed in the hub outer circumferential surface and couples the pair of flow passages in fluid communication with one another. This configuration allows a cooling medium to flow directly across the rectifier hub and cool the rectifier diodes mounted within drive cavities formed in the hub.

Abstract: A nickel base super alloy composition wherein the ratio of molybdenum to tungsten or to the sum of tungsten and rhenium, Mo W ? ? ? o ? ? ? r , Mo W + Re Is in the range of about 0.25 to about 0.5 weight percent.

Abstract: A component comprises a silicon-based substrate; and a protective coating for the substrate. The protective coating includes tantalum oxide (Ta2O5) and an additive for suppressing transformation from beta Ta2O5 to alpha Ta2O5.

Abstract: A method and a system is provided, useable in electrical control sensors for shaft speed signal frequency change rate tests, detecting intermittent or “in-range”failures. The method estimates a short-term variance of the measured signal or signal rate of change, using the equation: Var[x]=E[x2]?E2[x], where E[x2] is an estimated average of the squared measured signal or rate of change over the short term, and E2[x] is a squared estimated average of the measured signal or rate of change over the short term. The estimated variance is compared with a predefined variance limit for a predefined amount of time, and if the estimated variance exceeds the predefined variance limit for the predefined amount of time, the measured signal is deemed invalid. A latching counter is used for timing, and its time out rate is preferably proportional to the time period the measured input is true. The step for estimating a short-term variance of the measured signal uses several filters performing averaging function.

Abstract: The complex mechanical gear trains and lubrication systems of conventional engine configurations are eliminated by using combinations of hydrodynamic air foil bearings, hydrodynamic solid geometry carbon seals/bearings, magnetic bearings, and electrical starter/generators that can also act as bearings to support the high speed shafts of gas turbine engines. The various bearing types and the starter/generators are arranged in such a way as to share peak loads experienced by the engine shaft during maximum aircraft maneuvers. This results in a minimal bearing and engine size.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling combustor liner carbon formation is provided. The apparatus includes a dome subassembly that is removeably affixed to a modular outer panel subassembly and a modular inner panel subassembly. Each panel subassembly includes panels that are removeably affixed to one another.

Abstract: A transient fault detection system and method is provided that facilitates improved fault detection performance in transient conditions. The transient fault detection system provides the ability to detect symptoms of engine faults that occur in transient conditions. The transient fault detection system includes a Hidden Markov Model detector that receives sensor data during transient conditions and determines if a fault has occurred during the transient conditions. Detected faults can then be passed to a diagnostic, system where they can be passed as appropriate to maintenance personnel.

Abstract: A nickel based superalloy composition comprising about 16.5 to about 20.5 weight % Co, about 9.5 to about 12.5 weight % Cr, about 1.8 to about 3.2 weight % Mo, about 4.25 to about 6.0 weight % W, about 3.0 to about 4.2 weight % Al, about 3.0 to about 4.4 weight % Ti, about 1.0 to about 2.0 weight % Ta, about 0.6 to about 1.8 weight % Nb, about 0.01 to about 0.08 weight % C, about 0.01 to about 0.06 weight % B, and about 0.04 to about 0.15 weight % Zr, balance Ni.

Abstract: A component comprises a silicon-based substrate; and a protective coating for the substrate. The protective coating includes tantalum oxide (Ta2O5) and an additive for suppressing transformation from beta Ta2O5 to alpha Ta2O5.