Abstract: A fuel/air mixing apparatus, such as a main swirler assembly (400) comprising a sleeve (410), provides for additional air entry around the perimeter of a bore (440) through which passes a fuel/air mixture. The additional air reduces or eliminates flashback during operation of a gas turbine comprising the assembly (400). In some embodiments, a plurality of gaps (464) exists between spaced apart tabs (462) along a downstream end (460) of the sleeve (410). During gas turbine operation, air flows through both a flashback annulus (411) and the gaps (464). In other embodiments, a plurality of holes are placed upstream and in line with the tabs (1004) to supplement the air flow through gaps (1006). In yet other embodiments, rows (1102) of holes (1104) are provided to supplement the airflow. Downstream ends (460,1218) may interface with a downstream-oriented lip (460) or with an upstream-oriented lip (1224). The interfacing may comprise a fit effective to damp vibration and to increase the natural frequency.

Abstract: A barrier structure (302) blocks exit of spring clip fragments (317) that may break off from a spring clip assembly disposed between a gas turbine engine combustor (300) and a transition piece component (360). The barrier structure (302) may additionally comprise an aspect (326) effective to restrict a spring clip's (310, 311) radially inward compression, thereby reducing or eliminating damage to the spring clip (310, 311) during shipping and handling. The barrier structure (302) additionally may comprise an aspect (330) to restrict access by a human hand to the free ends (318) of the spring clips (310, 311). This aspect (330) reduces or eliminates the undesired lifting of the compressor by grabbing the spring clips (310, 311) during combustor transport, installation or removal. Accordingly, barrier structure embodiments are provided that reduce stress on spring clips, and that prevent the exit of spring clips from a containment space partly formed by the barrier structure.