Abstract: A stator vane assembly is provided, particularly for the first row of stationary vanes of a gas turbine, utilizing ceramic vanes. Each individual vane assembly consists of an airfoil vane with a separate end cap at each end for supporting the vane in position. Each vane has an airfoil portion with a tenon portion at each end thereof having a curved surface for engagement in a recess in the adjacent end cap which has a similarly curved surface. The tenons have a different cross-sectional configuration that the airfoil portions of the vane such that the area of contact between the tenons and the end caps is greater than the cross-sectional area of the airfoil portion and is preferably substantially coextensive with the surface of the recess in the end cap. The tenons terminate short of the leading and trailing edges of the airfoil portion so that the tenons are not coextensive with the airfoil in either direction.

Abstract: A stator vane assembly is provided, particularly for the first row of stationary vanes of a gas turbine, utilizing ceramic vanes. Each individual vane assembly consists of an airfoil vane with a separate end cap at each end for supporting the vane in position. In accordance with the invention, the engaging surfaces of the vane and of each adjacent end cap are curved surfaces of compound curvature forming engaging pivot and seat surfaces, the major and minor radii of the pivot surface being less than the corresponding major and minor radii of the seat surface, and the curvature of the pivot surface being such that thermal ratcheting of the vane with respect to the end caps is prevented.