Abstract: A metal vane core or strut (64) is formed integrally with an outer backing plate (40). An inner backing plate (38) is formed separately. A spring (74) with holes (75) is installed in a peripheral spring chamber (76) on the strut. Inner and outer CMC shroud covers (46, 48) are formed, cured, then attached to facing surfaces of the inner and outer backing plates (38, 40). A CMC vane airfoil (22) is formed, cured, and slid over the strut (64). The spring (74) urges continuous contact between the strut (64) and airfoil (66), eliminating vibrations while allowing differential expansion. The inner end (88) of the strut is fastened to the inner backing plate (38). A cooling channel (68) in the strut is connected by holes (69) along the leading edge of the strut to peripheral cooling paths (70, 71) around the strut. Coolant flows through and around the strut, including through the spring holes.

Abstract: A ceramic matrix composite wall structure (20A) constructed of interlocking layers (22A, 24A) of woven material with integral cooling channels (28A, 32A). The CMC layer closest to the hot gas path (41) contains internal cooling tubes (26A, 30A) protruding into a ceramic insulating layer (40A). This construction provides a cooled CMC lamellate wall structure with an interlocking truss core.

Abstract: A structure for use in high temperature applications is provided. The structure may include an inner ceramic matrix composite (CMC) material (12). At least a portion of this CMC material includes waves that define a first wavy surface (140 and an opposed second wavy surface (16). A ceramic insulation material (18) may be bonded with the first wavy surface and includes a distal surface (20) for exposure to a high temperature environment. A core material (22) is bonded with at least a portion of the second wavy surface. One or more cooling channels (24) are disposed in the core material. An outer CMC material (26) may be joined to a portion of the inner CMC material. The core material is a material different than a matrix material of the inner CMC material.

Abstract: A ceramic matrix composite wall structure (20A) constructed of interlocking layers (22A, 24A) of woven material with integral cooling channels (28A, 32A). The CMC layer closest to the hot gas path (41) contains internal cooling tubes (26A, 30A) protruding into a ceramic insulating layer (40A). This construction provides a cooled CMC lamellate wall structure with an interlocking truss core.

Abstract: A configuration of seals disposed around and between a plurality of ring segments (10) arrayed annularly about the periphery of moving blades in a gas turbine engine. The seals function to retain coolant in the plenum (18) within each of the ring segments (10). The seals are disposed atop a substrate (16A), which forms the top of the plenum (18). The first seal (25) is made of a piece of sheet material and seals the gap between adjacent ring segments. This seal has an edge (25A) thereof creased for mating with a similar seal on an adjacent ring segment. A second seal (27), which is also made of sheet material, seals the ends of the plenum (18) of the ring segments (10). Lastly, a third seal (29), which is also made of a piece of sheet material, seals the sides of the second seal (27).

Abstract: A ceramic ring segment for a turbine engine that may be used as a replacement for one or more metal components. The ceramic ring segment may be formed from a plurality of ceramic plates, such as ceramic matrix composite plates, that are joined together using a strengthening mechanism to reinforce the ceramic plates while permitting the resulting ceramic article to be used as a replacement for components for turbine systems that are typically metal, thereby taking advantage of the properties provided by ceramic materials. The strengthening mechanism may include a bolt or a plurality of bolts designed to prevent delamination of the ceramic plates when in use by keeping the ceramic plates in compression.

Abstract: A ceramic ring segment for a turbine engine that may be used as a replacement for one or more metal components. The ceramic ring segment may be formed from a plurality of ceramic plates, such as ceramic matrix composite plates, that are joined together using a strengthening mechanism to reinforce the ceramic plates while permitting the resulting ceramic article to be used as a replacement for components for turbine systems that are typically metal, thereby taking advantage of the properties provided by ceramic materials. The strengthening mechanism may include a bolt or a plurality of bolts designed to prevent delamination of the ceramic plates when in use by keeping the ceramic plates in compression.

Abstract: A CMC wall (20F) may be attached to a metal wall (22F) by a plurality of bolts (28A, 28B, 28C) passing through respective holes (24A, 24B, 24C) in the CMC wall (20F) and holes in the metal wall (22F), clamping the walls (20F, 22F) together with a force that allows sliding thermal expansion but does not allow vibrational shifting. Distal ones of the holes (24A, 24B) in the CMC wall (20F) or in the metal wall (22F) are elongated toward a central one of the bolts (24C) or at alternate angles to guide differential thermal expansion (20T) of the CMC wall (20F) versus the metal wall (22F) between desired cold and hot geometries. A second CMC wall (20R) may be mounted similarly to a second metal wall (22R) by pins (39A, 39B, 39C) that allow expansion of the CMC component (201) in a direction normal to the walls (20F, 20R).

Abstract: A ceramic ring segment for a turbine engine that may be used as a replacement for one or more metal components. The ceramic ring segment may be formed from a plurality of ceramic plates, such as ceramic matrix composite plates, that are joined together using a strengthening mechanism to reinforce the ceramic plates while permitting the resulting ceramic article to be used as a replacement for components for turbine systems that are typically metal, thereby taking advantage of the properties provided by ceramic materials. The strengthening mechanism may include a ceramic matrix composite overwrap or plurality of overwraps designed to help prevent delamination of the ceramic plates when the ceramic article is in use by placing the plates in compression.

Abstract: A metal vane core or strut (64) is formed integrally with an outer backing plate (40). An inner backing plate (38) is formed separately. A spring (74) with holes (75) is installed in a peripheral spring chamber (76) on the strut. Inner and outer CMC shroud covers (46, 48) are formed, cured, then attached to facing surfaces of the inner and outer backing plates (38, 40). A CMC vane airfoil (22) is formed, cured, and slid over the strut (64). The spring (74) urges continuous contact between the strut (64) and airfoil (66), eliminating vibrations while allowing differential expansion. The inner end (88) of the strut is fastened to the inner backing plate (38). A cooling channel (68) in the strut is connected by holes (69) along the leading edge of the strut to peripheral cooling paths (70, 71) around the strut. Coolant flows through and around the strut, including through the spring holes.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention are directed to a gas turbine component such as a ring seal segment or combustor heat shield having a base and a plurality of walls defining a volume. The base and the walls are independently formed and are formed from ceramic matrix composite plates. The base and walls can have interconnection structures that allow for assembly. The base and walls can be coated or otherwise wrapped for connection. Locking mechanisms, such as self locking lugs, can be used for assembly.

Abstract: A structure for use in high temperature applications is provided. The structure may include an inner ceramic matrix composite (CMC) material (12). At least a portion of this CMC material includes waves that define a first wavy surface (140 and an opposed second wavy surface (16). A ceramic insulation material (18) may be bonded with the first wavy surface and includes a distal surface (20) for exposure to a high temperature environment. A core material (22) is bonded with at least a portion of the second wavy surface. One or more cooling channels (24) are disposed in the core material. An outer CMC material (26) may be joined to a portion of the inner CMC material. The core material is a material different than a matrix material of the inner CMC material.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a refractory component such as a turbine shroud ring segment (32) with a ceramic core (42) onto a combustion turbine engine structure (34). The ring segment has a ceramic matrix composite skin (40), and optionally, a thermal insulation layer (46). A pin (60) is inserted through a bore (48) in the core and through an attachment bar (54) with ends received in wells (50) in the core. The attachment bar may be attached to a backing member, or tophat (64), by a biasing device (76) that urges the refractory component snugly against the backing member to eliminate vibration. The backing member and refractory component have mating surfaces that may include angled sides (52S, 70). The backing member is attached to the engine structure. Turbine shroud ring segments can be attached by this apparatus to a surrounding structure to form a shroud ring.

Abstract: A configuration of seals disposed around and between a plurality of ring segments (10) arrayed annularly about the periphery of moving blades in a gas turbine engine. The seals function to retain coolant in the plenum (18) within each of the ring segments (10). The seals are disposed atop a substrate (16A), which forms the top of the plenum (18). The first seal (25) is made of a piece of sheet material and seals the gap between adjacent ring segments. This seal has an edge (25A) thereof creased for mating with a similar seal on an adjacent ring segment. A second seal (27), which is also made of sheet material, seals the ends of the plenum (18) of the ring segments (10). Lastly, a third seal (29), which is also made of a piece of sheet material, seals the sides of the second seal (27).

Abstract: An insulated CMC structure (20A) formed of a CMC layer (22A), a thermal insulation layer (24A) applied to a front surface (30A) of the CMC layer (22A), and cooling channels (28A) formed along the interface (26A) between the CMC layer and the thermal insulation layer, thus directly cooling the thermally critical area of the interface. Embodiments include cooling channels in direct contact with both layers (FIG. 1); cooling channels in one layer and tangent to the other layer (FIGS. 4, 5 and 9); cooling channels in the CMC layer with an intervening wall (36D, 36E) that bulges into the thermal insulation layer for improved bonding thereof (FIGS. 6, 7); and cooling channels formed in ceramic tubes (38F of FIG. 8).

Abstract: A CMC wall (20F) may be attached to a metal wall (22F) by a plurality of bolts (28A, 28B, 28C) passing through respective holes (24A, 24B, 24C) in the CMC wall (20F) and holes in the metal wall (22F), clamping the walls (20F, 22F) together with a force that allows sliding thermal expansion but does not allow vibrational shifting. Distal ones of the holes (24A, 24B) in the CMC wall (20F) or in the metal wall (22F) are elongated toward a central one of the bolts (24C) or at alternate angles to guide differential thermal expansion (20T) of the CMC wall (20F) versus the metal wall (22F) between desired cold and hot geometries. A second CMC wall (20R) may be mounted similarly to a second metal wall (22R) by pins (39A, 39B, 39C) that allow expansion of the CMC component (201) in a direction normal to the walls (20F, 20R).

Abstract: A ceramic ring segment for a turbine engine that may be used as a replacement for one or more metal components. The ceramic ring segment may be formed from a plurality of ceramic plates, such as ceramic matrix composite plates, that are joined together using a strengthening mechanism to reinforce the ceramic plates while permitting the resulting ceramic article to be used as a replacement for components for turbine systems that are typically metal, thereby taking advantage of the properties provided by ceramic materials. The strengthening mechanism may include a ceramic matrix composite overwrap or plurality of overwraps designed to help prevent delamination of the ceramic plates when the ceramic article is in use by placing the plates in compression.