Abstract: A method for assembling a gas turbine engine including a compressor and a combustor includes providing a heat exchanger assembly that includes at least one heat exchanger, and coupling the heat exchanger assembly to the gas turbine engine such that the heat exchanger is positioned substantially concentrically with respect to a gas turbine engine axis of rotation, and such that the heat exchanger is configured to channel compressor discharge air from the compressor discharge air to the combustor.

Abstract: A reinforced rotor disk assembly includes a rotor disk having a rim, hub, and web therebetween. The web includes at least one annular extension spaced radially inwardly of the rim. A plurality of rotor blades extend outwardly from the rim. And, a reinforcing ring is disposed radially around the extension for restraining radial outward growth thereof to react centrifugal load in the disk. The reinforcing ring preferably includes a plurality of circumferentially extending structural fibers in a corresponding matrix for carrying hoop loads therein.

Abstract: The invention is a cooling airflow modulation system for use on gas turbine engines. The system utilizes one or more circumferential manifolds for collecting and providing a source of high-pressure cooling air to hot turbine parts. The cooling air is directed to the manifolds through valved passageways that collect compressor discharge air and direct that air radially inwardly and axially downstream to manifold locations. Multiple passageways aand manifolds provide a means for maintaining pressure in the hot turbine parts while cooling airflow volume is being modulated through selected manifold and passageway combinations.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for maintaining minimum clearance between variable position airfoils and the wall forming the gas flow path in a gas turbine engine. A constant clearance is maintained between a radially facing contoured wall surface and a radially facing contoured end face on the airfoil. The contour of the wall surface and the end face may each be spherical.