Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a diffuser for a gas turbine engine having a compressor providing compressed airflow thereto is disclosed having an outer wall and an inner wall, with a plurality of circumferential splitter vanes disposed therebetween to define a plurality of channels for diffusing airflow therethrough. The splitter vanes have an aft end and a leading edge, with the aft end being thicker and tapering in size to the leading edge. The splitter vanes also have a relatively thick bluff base region in order to better spread the airflow radially.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering high pressure cooling air to the turbine rotor blades of a turbo machine comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced, forward bleed openings formed in the combustor inner casing or inner wall of the combustor inner passage of the turbo machine which are effective to reduce separation of the air flow directed through the combustor inner passage and thus reduce turbulence and pressure losses therein.

Abstract: A method of diffusing airflow includes diffusing first and second airflow portions at first and second diffusion rates, respectively, which are unequal for improving pressure recovery. An exemplary diffuser for practicing the invention includes first and second channels separated by a splitter for separately diffusing first and second airflow portions, respectively. The first and second channels have first and second area ratios, respectively, which are unequal for obtaining increased pressure recovery. In the preferred embodiment, the first and second area ratios are preselected for obtaining substantially symmetrical airflow streamlines over a leading edge of the splitter.

Abstract: An improved fuel delivery system for the combustor of a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The improvement comprises a combustor support pin, a fuel atomizer, and a tube for delivering fuel to the atomizer. The combustor support pin provides axial support for the combustor and includes a duct therethrough. The fuel delivery tube is removably located within the duct.

Abstract: A carbureting device for the combustor of a gas turbine comprises an annular spin chamber which is defined by a generally annular housing having a closed forward end, an exhaust tube which is partially disposed within the spin chamber, and a flange disposed around the exhaust tube. A swirling air entrance is disposed between the annular housing and the flange and a fuel entrance is disposed along the annular housing spaced axially forward of the swirling air entrance. In one embodiment of the invention the exhaust tube is a venturi. In another embodiment a fairing is disposed outside and aft of the spin chamber and is sized and disposed about and extending at least to the end of the venturi, thereby forming a passageway between the fairing and the venturi. A second air swirling means is disposed in the passageway formed by the fairing and the venturi.

Abstract: A combustor having an annular first stage, a generally cylindrically-shaped second stage, and an annular conduit communicably connecting the first and second stages. The conduit has a relatively small annular height and a large number of quench holes in the walls thereof such that quench air injected into the conduit through the quench holes will mix rapidly with, or quench, the combustion gases flowing through the conduit. The rapid quenching reduces the amount of NO.sub.x produced in the combustor.

Abstract: A swirler for a gas turbine engine combustor is disclosed for simultaneously controlling combustor flow rate, swirl angle, residence time and fuel-air ratio to provide three regimes of operation. A first regime is provided in which fuel-air ratio is less than stoichiometric, NOx is produced at one level, and combustor flow rate is high. In a second regime, fuel-air ratio is nearly stoichiometric, NOx production is less than that of the first regime, and combustor flow rate is low. In a third regime, used for example at lightoff, fuel-air ratio is greater than stoichiometric and the combustor flow rate is less than in either of the other regimes.