Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a turbomachine comprising a compressor section, a combustion section, and a turbine section arranged in serial flow order. A fan defining a fan axis and comprising a plurality of fan blades is rotatable about the fan axis. A pitch change mechanism is operable with the plurality of fan blades to control a pitch of the plurality of fan blades. A counterweight is connected to each respective fan blade. A spring mechanism is operably associated with each fan blade of the plurality of fan blades to create a spring twisting moment on the respective fan blade that is counter to a centrifugal twisting moment of the respective fan blade.

Abstract: An airfoil assembly for a turbine engine defines an axial direction, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction, and includes a first airfoil defining a first end along the radial direction, a first hub disposed on the first end of the first airfoil and having a first extension member extending at least partially in the radial direction, and a second airfoil adjacent to the first airfoil, the second airfoil defining a first end along the radial direction, a second hub disposed on the first end of the second airfoil and comprising a second extension member extending at least partially in the radial direction, and a circumferential bias assembly operable with the first extension member, the second extension member, or both for exerting a circumferential force on the first extension member, the second extension member, or both.

Abstract: An airfoil assembly defines an axial direction, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction, and includes an airfoil and an outer band disposed on an outer end of the airfoil in the radial direction. The outer band includes an outer attachment structure configured to secure the outer band to an outer support structure on an outer side of the outer band.

Abstract: An airfoil assembly for a turbine engine defines an axial direction, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction, and includes a first airfoil defining a first end along the radial direction, a first hub disposed on the first end of the first airfoil and having a first extension member extending at least partially in the radial direction, and a second airfoil adjacent to the first airfoil, the second airfoil defining a first end along the radial direction, a second hub disposed on the first end of the second airfoil and comprising a second extension member extending at least partially in the radial direction, and a circumferential bias assembly operable with the first extension member, the second extension member, or both for exerting a circumferential force on the first extension member, the second extension member, or both.

Abstract: Fairing assemblies and methods for assembling gas turbine engine fairing assemblies are provided. For example, a fairing assembly comprises a plurality of fairings, an annular inner band defining a plurality of inner pockets, and an annular outer band defining a plurality of outer pockets. Each fairing has an inner end radially spaced apart from an outer end. Each inner pocket is shaped complementary to each fairing inner end and has forward and aft ends. Each outer pocket is shaped complementary to each fairing outer end and has forward and aft ends. The inner and outer bands are each a single piece structure. Each fairing inner end is received within one of the plurality of inner pockets, and each fairing outer end is received within one of the plurality of outer pockets. Some embodiments also comprise an inner ring positioned against the inner band to close the inner pockets.

Abstract: Fairing assemblies and methods for assembling gas turbine engine fairing assemblies are provided. For example, a fairing assembly comprises a plurality of fairings, an annular inner band defining a plurality of inner pockets, and an annular outer band defining a plurality of outer pockets. Each fairing has an inner end radially spaced apart from an outer end. Each inner pocket is shaped complementary to each fairing inner end and has forward and aft ends. Each outer pocket is shaped complementary to each fairing outer end and has forward and aft ends. The inner and outer bands are each a single piece structure. Each fairing inner end is received within one of the plurality of inner pockets, and each fairing outer end is received within one of the plurality of outer pockets. Some embodiments also comprise an inner ring positioned against the inner band to close the inner pockets.

Abstract: Combustor dome assemblies having combustor deflectors are provided. For example, a combustor dome assembly comprises a combustor dome defining an opening; a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) deflector positioned adjacent the combustor dome on an aft side of the assembly; a fuel-air mixer defining a groove about an outer perimeter thereof; and a seal plate including a key. The CMC deflector includes a cup extending forward through the opening in the combustor dome that defines one or more bayonets and a slot. The bayonets are received in the fuel-air mixer groove, and the seal plate key is received in the CMC deflector slot. In another embodiment, where the seal plate may be omitted, a spring is positioned between the fuel-air mixer and the CMC deflector to hold the CMC deflector in place with respect to the combustor dome. Methods of assembling combustor dome assemblies having CMC deflectors also are provided.

Abstract: Airfoil assemblies for gas turbine engines are provided. For example, an airfoil assembly comprises an airfoil, an inner band defining an inner opening shaped complementary to an inner end of the airfoil, and an outer band defining an outer opening shaped complementary to an outer end of the airfoil. The airfoil inner end is received with the inner opening, and the airfoil outer end is received within the outer opening. A strut extends radially through an airfoil cavity. A first pad is defined at a first radial location within the cavity. A second pad is defined within the cavity at a second, different radial location. In some embodiments, the airfoil assembly inner band includes a first inner flange, through which the inner band is secured to a support structure, and the outer band includes a first outer flange, through which the outer band is secured to a support structure.

Abstract: A rotor blade for a gas turbine engine includes a structural member formed from a metallic material. The structural member, in turn, includes a base portion, a spar, and a tip cap, with the base portion at least partially forming a root of the rotor blade and a shank of the rotor blade. Furthermore, the structural member includes a fairing formed from a composite material. The fairing is, in turn, coupled to the structural member such that the fairing forms at least a portion of an airfoil of the rotor blade and a platform of the rotor blade. Additionally, the fairing including a first fairing panel and a second fairing panel in contact with the first fairing panel at a first split line and a second split line.

Abstract: Combustor dome assemblies having combustor deflectors are provided. For example, a combustor dome assembly comprises a combustor dome defining an opening; a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) deflector positioned adjacent the combustor dome on an aft side of the assembly; a fuel-air mixer defining a groove about an outer perimeter thereof; and a seal plate including a key. The CMC deflector includes a cup extending forward through the opening in the combustor dome that defines one or more bayonets and a slot. The bayonets are received in the fuel-air mixer groove, and the seal plate key is received in the CMC deflector slot. In another embodiment, where the seal plate may be omitted, a spring is positioned between the fuel-air mixer and the CMC deflector to hold the CMC deflector in place with respect to the combustor dome. Methods of assembling combustor dome assemblies having CMC deflectors also are provided.

Abstract: A rotor assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a shaft and first and second annular drum segments coupled to the shaft. Furthermore, the rotor assembly includes an annular flange positioned between the first and second annular drum segments along the axial centerline, with the annular flange coupled to the first and second annular outer drum segments. Additionally, the rotor assembly includes a blade having a shank section and an airfoil section. The shank section is, in turn, coupled to the annular flange such the airfoil section extends inward along the radial direction toward the axial centerline and into a hot gas path of the gas turbine engine.

Abstract: A shroud assembly for a gas turbine engine including a plurality of rotor blades. The shroud assembly includes a plurality of tip shrouds, a plurality of flanges, and a plurality of first compressible elements. Each of the plurality of tip shrouds includes an outer band. Further each of the plurality of tip shrouds is coupled to one of the plurality of rotor blades at a tip end. Each of the plurality of flanges extends radially outward from one of the plurality of tip shrouds. Each of the plurality of first compressible elements is coupled to at least one of the plurality of flanges or one of the plurality of tip shrouds and oriented in a first circumferential direction. Further, each of the plurality of first compressible elements is oriented toward an adjacent tip shroud such that the tip shrouds mechanically engage to form a circumferential shroud.

Abstract: Airfoil assemblies for gas turbine engines are provided. For example, an airfoil assembly comprises an airfoil, an inner band defining an inner opening shaped complementary to an inner end of the airfoil, and an outer band defining an outer opening shaped complementary to an outer end of the airfoil. The airfoil inner end is received with the inner opening, and the airfoil outer end is received within the outer opening. A strut extends radially through an airfoil cavity. A first pad is defined at a first radial location within the cavity. A second pad is defined within the cavity at a second, different radial location. In some embodiments, the airfoil assembly inner band includes a first inner flange, through which the inner band is secured to a support structure, and the outer band includes a first outer flange, through which the outer band is secured to a support structure.

Abstract: A method of forming a composite component. The method includes laying up a plurality of composite plies to form a composite ply core. Another step of the method includes partially processing the composite ply core to form a green state core. The method further includes machining a cooling cavity on an exterior surface of the green state core. Additionally, the method includes inserting a filler material within the cooling cavity. A further step includes wrapping composite plies around the green state core and filler material to secure the filler material and form an outer enclosure. In one step, the method includes processing the green state core and outer enclosure to form the composite component.

Abstract: Composite components having structurally reinforced contact interfaces are provided. In one example, the component can include an inner laminate formed of one or more inner plies having reinforcement fibers oriented along a reference direction within a matrix material. The component can also include an interface laminated positioned on the inner laminate along at least a portion of a contact surface of the component. The interface laminate is formed of one or more interface plies having reinforcement fibers oriented along a direction offset from the reference direction within a matrix material. Methods for fabricating such components are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for mechanically connecting components are provided. The apparatus includes a mechanical connecting joint that includes a first joint member formed of a material having a first coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) value, the first joint member comprising a first sidewall, a second opposite sidewall, and a body extending therebetween. The mechanical connecting joint further includes a second joint member formed of a material having a second CTE value, the second CTE being less than the first CTE. The second joint member includes a first leg facing the first sidewall, a second leg facing the second sidewall, and a connecting member extending between the first leg and the second leg. A first gap is formed between the first joint member and the first leg and a second gap is formed between the first joint member and the second leg.

Abstract: Rotor assemblies and methods for manufacturing airfoils for rotor assemblies are provided. For example, a rotor assembly comprises a rotary structure extending circumferentially about an axial centerline of a gas turbine engine and an airfoil having a root and a tip. The root is coupled to the rotary structure and has a bulbous shape. The airfoil is formed from a plurality of composite plies, a portion of which defines at the root first and second end surfaces, which are in contact with the rotary structure and together define a chisel-shaped end of the root. In another embodiment, a rotor assembly comprises an outer rotor extending circumferentially about an axial centerline of a gas turbine engine and a composite outer rotor blade having a root and a tip. The blade root is coupled to the outer rotor and extends inward along a radial direction toward the axial centerline.

Abstract: A component for a gas turbine engine including a core and an outer enclosure. The core includes an exterior surface extending along a length between a first end and a second end and at least partially defines a cooling cavity on the exterior surface extending from the first end along at least a portion of the length. The cooling cavity is fluidly coupled to an air supply at the first end. The outer enclosure includes an outer surface. The outer enclosure is positioned outside the core and extends from the first end of the core along at least a portion of the length of the core and at least partially defines the cooling cavity.

Abstract: Airfoil assemblies for gas turbine engines are provided. For example, an airfoil assembly comprises an airfoil, an inner band defining an inner opening shaped complementary to an inner end of the airfoil, and an outer band defining an outer opening shaped complementary to an outer end of the airfoil. The airfoil inner end is received with the inner opening, and the airfoil outer end is received within the outer opening. A strut extends radially through an airfoil cavity. A first pad is defined at a first radial location within the cavity. A second pad is defined within the cavity at a second, different radial location. In some embodiments, the airfoil assembly inner band includes a first inner flange, through which the inner band is secured to a support structure, and the outer band includes a first outer flange, through which the outer band is secured to a support structure.

Abstract: Combustor dome assemblies having combustor deflectors are provided. For example, a combustor dome assembly comprises a combustor dome defining an opening; a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) deflector positioned adjacent the combustor dome on an aft side of the assembly; a fuel-air mixer defining a groove about an outer perimeter thereof; and a seal plate including a key. The CMC deflector includes a cup extending forward through the opening in the combustor dome that defines one or more bayonets and a slot. The bayonets are received in the fuel-air mixer groove, and the seal plate key is received in the CMC deflector slot. In another embodiment, where the seal plate may be omitted, a spring is positioned between the fuel-air mixer and the CMC deflector to hold the CMC deflector in place with respect to the combustor dome. Methods of assembling combustor dome assemblies having CMC deflectors also are provided.