Abstract: A turbine static structure having reduced leakage air is disclosed. A static structure turbine support ring having few segments is disclosed in which the segments have improved thermal expansion capability with reduced air leakage. A plurality of radially extending slots are placed in the segments to reduce stiffness. In order to minimize air leakage through the support ring, generally circumferential slots are placed in the ring and connect with the generally radially extending slots. Positioned in each of the generally radially extending slots and generally circumferential slots, and in contact with each other, are two sheet metal plates. The plates are staked to the support ring structure so as to provide a seal member, yet compensate for thermal growth.

Abstract: A nickel-based alloy suitable for casting gas turbine components having a lower density and basic heat treating process while achieving improved strength is disclosed. Multiple embodiments of the alloy are disclosed capable of providing both directionally-solidified and equiaxed castings. Also disclosed is a method of making a cast and heat treated article utilizing the improved nickel-base alloy.

Abstract: Embodiments for a compressor stator vane assembly in a gas turbine engine are disclosed. In an embodiment of the present invention a stator vane assembly is provided having a plurality of vanes each with an attachment and channels machined into the forward and aft walls of the attachment. A forward hook ring segment is pressfit into the channel in the forward wall of the attachment and an aft hook ring is pressfit into the channel in the aft wall of the attachment. The hook ring segments join a plurality of vanes together so as to provide a uniform engagement of mounting slots in the compressor case. Such an arrangement increases the contact area between the hook rings and the compressor case such that damping of individual vane vibrations are improved and operating stresses are reduced.

Abstract: Embodiments for a compressor stator vane assembly in a gas turbine engine are disclosed. In an embodiment of the present invention a stator vane assembly is provided having a plurality of vanes each with an attachment and channels machined into the forward and aft walls of the attachment. A forward hook ring segment is pressfit into the channel in the forward wall of the attachment and an aft hook ring is pressfit into the channel in the aft wall of the attachment. The hook ring segments join a plurality of vanes together so as to provide a uniform engagement of mounting slots in the compressor case. Such an arrangement increases the contact area between the hook rings and the compressor case such that damping of individual vane vibrations are improved and operating stresses are reduced.

Abstract: An inlet bleed heat and power augmentation system utilizing a bi-directional and common piping arrangement is disclosed. The piping arrangement includes a plurality of feed tubes arranged to communicate either steam to a compressor discharge plenum or compressed air from the compressor discharge plenum. Various embodiments of the invention are discussed including operation methods.

Abstract: A turbine static structure having reduced leakage air is disclosed. A static structure turbine support ring having few segments is disclosed in which the segments have improved thermal expansion capability with reduced air leakage. A plurality of radially extending slots are placed in the segments to reduce stiffness. In order to minimize air leakage through the support ring, generally circumferential slots are placed in the ring and connect with the generally radially extending slots. Positioned in each of the generally radially extending slots and generally circumferential slots, and in contact with each other, are two sheet metal plates. The plates are staked to the support ring structure so as to provide a seal member, yet compensate for thermal growth.

Abstract: An effusion cooled transition duct for transferring hot gases from a combustor to a turbine is disclosed. The transition duct includes a panel assembly with a generally cylindrical inlet end and a generally rectangular exit end with an increased first and second radius of curvature, a generally cylindrical inlet sleeve, and a generally rectangular end frame. Cooling of the transition duct is accomplished by a plurality of holes angled towards the end frame of the transition duct and drilled at an acute angle relative to the outer wall of the transition duct. Effusion cooling geometry, including coverage area, hole size, and surface angle will be optimized in the transition duct to tailor the temperature levels and gradients in order to minimize thermally induced stresses. The combination of the increase in radii of curvature of the panel assembly with the effusion cooling holes reduces component stresses and increases component life.