Abstract: A flexible damper (24) for turbine blades (10) includes a plurality of segments (32) positioned together in a substantially linear pattern, each segment (32) having a first side (46), a second side (48), a top side (50), a bottom side (52), a length (56), a width (54), and a thickness (58).

Abstract: A flexible damper (24) for turbine blades (10) includes a plurality of segments (32) positioned together in a substantially linear pattern, each segment (32) having a first side (46), a second side (48), a top side (50), a bottom side (52), a length (56), a width (54), and a thickness (58).

Abstract: Composite metallic-ceramic construction blades for gas turbine engine compressor or turbine sections. A ceramic splice component, such as a squealer or other blade tip, or leading edge, mechanically interlocks with a metallic blade body, including a superalloy blade body. Respective interlocking mechanical joint portions of the ceramic splice component and metallic blade body are subsequently held in an interlocked position by a separately applied and independent metallic retainer member. Methods for manufacture of such composite blades are also useful for repair or retrofitting of non-composite, metallic blades.

Abstract: Methods for manufacture of composite construction blades (30) for gas turbine engine compressor or turbine sections. A splice component (42), such as a squealer or other blade tip (40), or leading edge (184), or repair splice mechanically interlocks with a metallic blade body (38), including a superalloy blade body. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4 the respective interlocking mechanical joints ramped, opposed surfaces (44, 46, and 56) are subsequently held in an interlocked position by a separately formed and applied, independent metallic retainer member (50). The retainer member (50) is external the mechanical joint portion ramped, opposed surfaces (44, 46 and 56) and is formed by a sequential-layer material addition, additive manufacturing method. The methods are also useful for repair or retrofitting of non-composite, metallic blades end caps, leading edges, or other damaged structure.

Abstract: There are provided systems and processes for attaching a non-metal component comprising a ceramic matrix composite material, such as a transition duct, to a metal component, such as a mating flange of an individual exit piece for a gas turbine. The systems and processes accommodate the differences in the thermal expansion rate of the components, as well as provide connection structures which avoids interlaminar shear of the ceramic matrix composite material by loading the ceramic matrix composite material in compression and eliminating bending forces on the ceramic matrix composite material.

Abstract: A removably attachable snubber assembly for turbine blades includes a turbine blade airfoil including a trailing edge and a leading edge joined by a pressure side and a suction side to provide an outer surface extending in a radial direction to a tip. At least one snubber attachment platform is integrally formed onto the outer surface of the turbine blade airfoil. The at least one snubber attachment platform includes an interlocking mechanism. A snubber is removably attachable to the at least one snubber attachment platform, the snubber including a first end, a second end, a trailing edge, a leading edge, a snubber length, and a snubber width. The snubber also includes a removable attachment mechanism on at least one of the first end and the second end that connects with the interlocking mechanism on the at least one snubber attachment platform.

Abstract: A method of making an aero-derivative gas turbine engine (100) is provided. A combustor outer casing (68) is removed from an existing aero gas turbine engine (60). An annular combustor (84) is removed from the existing aero gas turbine engine. A first row of turbine vanes (38) is removed from the existing aero gas turbine engine. A can annular combustor assembly (122) is installed within the existing aero gas turbine engine. The can annular combustor assembly is configured to accelerate and orient combustion gasses directly onto a first row of turbine blades of the existing aero gas turbine engine. A can annular combustor assembly outer casing (108) is installed to produce the aero-derivative gas turbine engine (100). The can annular combustor assembly is installed within an axial span (85) of the existing aero gas turbine engine vacated by the annular combustor and the first row of turbine vanes.

Abstract: A method of making an aero-derivative gas turbine engine (100) is provided. A combustor outer casing (68) is removed from an existing aero gas turbine engine (60). An annular combustor (84) is removed from the existing aero gas turbine engine. A first row of turbine vanes (38) is removed from the existing aero gas turbine engine. A can annular combustor assembly (122) is installed within the existing aero gas turbine engine. The can annular combustor assembly is configured to accelerate and orient combustion gasses directly onto a first row of turbine blades of the existing aero gas turbine engine. A can annular combustor assembly outer casing (108) is installed to produce the aero-derivative gas turbine engine (100). The can annular combustor assembly is installed within an axial span (85) of the existing aero gas turbine engine vacated by the annular combustor and the first row of turbine vanes.

Abstract: A turbine assembly having an outer casing (36), an inner structural ring (38), and an annular gas path (42) defined between outer and inner flow path walls (44, 46) for conducting a gas flow through the turbine assembly. A plurality of structural struts (52) are spaced apart in a circumferential direction, each strut (52) including a strut body (52a) extending in a radial direction for supporting the inner structural ring (38) to the outer casing (36). A first strut end (64) at a radially outer end of the strut body (52a) is detachably attached to the outer casing (36) with a first fastener structure (68) engaging the outer casing (36), and a second strut end (66) at a radially inner end of the strut body (52a) is detachably attached to the inner structural ring (38) with a second fastener structure (70) engaging the inner structural ring (38).

Abstract: A transition duct system (10) for delivering hot-temperature gases from a plurality of combustors in a combustion turbine engine is provided. The system includes an exit piece (16) for each combustor. The exit piece may include an arcuate connecting segment (36). An arcuate ceramic liner (60) may be inwardly disposed onto a metal outer shell (38) along the arcuate connecting segment of the exit piece. Structural arrangements are provided to securely attach the ceramic liner in the presence of substantial flow path pressurization. Cost-effective serviceability of the transition duct systems is realizable since the liner can be readily removed and replaced as needed.

Abstract: A transition duct system for routing a gas flow in a combustion turbine engine is provided. The transition duct system includes one or more converging flow joint inserts forming a trailing edge at an intersection between adjacent transition ducts. The converging flow joint insert may be contained within a converging flow joint insert receiver and may be disconnected from the transition duct bodies by which the converging flow joint insert is positioned. Being disconnected eliminates stress formation within the converging flow joint insert, thereby enhancing the life of the insert. The converging flow joint insert may be removable such that the insert can be replaced once worn beyond design limits.

Abstract: A turbine airfoil is provided with at least one insert positioned in a cavity in an airfoil interior. The insert extends along a span-wise extent of the turbine airfoil and includes first and second opposite faces. A first near-wall cooling channel is defined between the first face and a pressure sidewall of an airfoil outer wall. A second near-wall cooling channel is defined between the second face and a suction sidewall of the airfoil outer wall. The insert is configured to occupy an inactive volume in the airfoil interior so as to displace a coolant flow in the cavity toward the first and second near-wall cooling channels. A locating feature engages the insert with the outer wall for supporting the insert in position. The locating feature is configured to control flow of the coolant through the first or second near-wall cooling channel.

Abstract: A turbine airfoil is provided with at least one insert positioned in a cavity in an airfoil interior. The insert extends along a span-wise extent of the turbine airfoil and includes first and second opposite faces. A first near-wall cooling channel is defined between the first face and a pressure sidewall of an airfoil outer wall. A second near-wall cooling channel is defined between the second face and a suction sidewall of the airfoil outer wall. The insert is configured to occupy an inactive volume in the airfoil interior so as to displace a coolant flow in the cavity toward the first and second near-wall cooling channels. A locating feature engages the insert with the outer wall for supporting the insert in position. The locating feature is configured to control flow of the coolant through the first or second near-wall cooling channel.

Abstract: A transition duct system (10) for delivering hot-temperature gases from a plurality of combustors in a combustion turbine engine is provided. The system includes an exit piece (16) for each combustor. The exit piece may include an arcuate connecting segment (36). An arcuate ceramic liner (60) may be inwardly disposed onto a metal outer shell (38) along the arcuate connecting segment of the exit piece. Structural arrangements are provided to securely attach the ceramic liner in the presence of substantial flow path pressurization. Cost-effective serviceability of the transition duct systems is realizable since the liner can be readily removed and replaced as needed.

Abstract: A transition duct system (10) for delivering hot-temperature gases from a plurality of combustors in a combustion turbine engine is provided. The system includes an exit piece (16) for each combustor. The exit piece may include a straight path segment (26) for receiving a gas flow from a respective combustor. A straight ceramic liner (40) may be inwardly disposed onto a metal outer shell (38) along the straight path segment of the exit piece. Structural arrangements are provided to securely attach the ceramic liner in the presence of substantial flow path pressurization. Cost-effective serviceability of the transition duct systems is realizable since the liner can be readily removed and replaced as needed.

Abstract: A turbine assembly having an outer casing (36), an inner structural ring (38), and an annular gas path (42) defined between outer and inner flow path walls (44, 46) for conducting a gas flow through the turbine assembly. A plurality of structural struts (52) are spaced apart in a circumferential direction, each strut (52) including a strut body (52a) extending in a radial direction for supporting the inner structural ring (38) to the outer casing (36). A first strut end (64) at a radially outer end of the strut body (52a) is detachably attached to the outer casing (36) with a first fastener structure (68) engaging the outer casing (36), and a second strut end (66) at a radially inner end of the strut body (52a) is detachably attached to the inner structural ring (38) with a second fastener structure (70) engaging the inner structural ring (38).

Abstract: A transition duct system for routing a gas flow from a combustor to the first stage of a turbine section in a combustion turbine engine, wherein the transition duct system includes one or more converging flow joint inserts forming a trailing edge at an intersection between adjacent transition ducts is disclosed. The transition duct system may include a transition duct having an internal passage extending between an inlet to an outlet and may expel gases into the first stage turbine with a tangential component. The converging flow joint insert may be contained within a converging flow joint insert receiver and disconnected from the transition duct bodies by which the converging flow joint insert is positioned. Being disconnected eliminates stress formation within the converging flow joint insert, thereby enhancing the life of the insert. The converging flow joint insert may be removable such that the insert can be replaced once worn beyond design limits.

Abstract: A transition duct system (10) for delivering hot-temperature gases from a plurality of combustors in a combustion turbine engine is provided. The system includes an exit piece (16) for each combustor. The exit piece may include a straight path segment (26) and an arcuate connecting segment (36). A respective straight metal liner (92) and an arcuate metal liner (94) may be each inwardly disposed onto a metal outer shell (38) along the straight path segment and the arcuate connecting segment (36) of the exit piece. Structural arrangements are provided to securely attach the respective liners in the presence of substantial flow path pressurization. Cost-effective serviceability of the transition duct systems is realizable since the liners can be readily removed and replaced as needed.

Abstract: A removably attachable snubber assembly for turbine blades includes a turbine blade airfoil including a trailing edge and a leading edge joined by a pressure side and a suction side to provide an outer surface extending in a radial direction to a tip. At least one snubber attachment platform is integrally formed onto the outer surface of the turbine blade airfoil. The at least one snubber attachment platform includes an interlocking mechanism. A snubber is removably attachable to the at least one snubber attachment platform, the snubber including a first end, a second end, a trailing edge, a leading edge, a snubber length, and a snubber width. The snubber also includes a removable attachment mechanism on at least one of the first end and the second end that connects with the interlocking mechanism on the at least one snubber attachment platform.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine ducting arrangement (10), including: an annular chamber (14) configured to receive a plurality of discrete flows of combustion gases originating in respective can combustors and to deliver the discrete flows to a turbine inlet annulus, wherein the annular chamber includes an inner diameter (52) and an outer diameter (60); an outer diameter mounting arrangement (34) configured to permit relative radial movement and to prevent relative axial and circumferential movement between the outer diameter and a turbine vane carrier (20); and an inner diameter mounting arrangement (36) including a bracket (64) secured to the turbine vane carrier, wherein the bracket is configured to permit the inner diameter to move radially with the outer diameter and prevent axial deflection of the inner diameter with respect to the outer diameter.