Abstract: A load reduction assembly includes an annular bearing cone configured to extend between a bearing assembly and a frame assembly and form a first load path therebetween. The load reduction assembly further includes an annular recoupler member configured to extend between the bearing assembly and the frame assembly and form a second load path therebetween. The second load path is parallel to the first load path. The recoupler member includes a shape memory alloy configured to change stiffness in response to a change in a stress condition, thereby regulating an imbalance condition of a rotor shaft coupled to the bearing assembly.

Abstract: A method of reducing loads in a rotor assembly during an imbalance condition, a shape memory alloy recoupler device, and a hybrid bearing support system are provided. The hybrid bearing support system includes a shaft extension fixedly coupled to a rotatable member at a radially inner end of the shaft extension, a radially outer end of the shaft extension fixedly coupled to a rotatable race of a bearing supporting the rotatable member, and a recoupler device formed of a shape memory alloy (SMA) material coupled in parallel with at least a portion of the shaft extension between the radially inner end and the radially outer end.

Abstract: A rotor support system for a gas turbine engine may generally include a bearing assembly and a load reduction member configured to be coupled between the bearing assembly and a support frame of the engine. The load reduction member may include a fuse portion configured to fail when a load transmitted through the load reduction member exceeds a predetermined load threshold. The system may also include a load recoupling member provided between the bearing assembly and the support frame. The load recoupling member may be formed from a super-elastic shape memory alloy that allows the load recoupling member to undergo recoverable deformation without failing when the fuse portion fails such that the load recoupling member maintains a mechanical connection between the bearing assembly and the support frame.

Abstract: A load reduction assembly includes an annular bearing cone configured to extend between a bearing assembly and a frame assembly and form a first load path therebetween. The load reduction assembly further includes an annular recoupler member configured to extend between the bearing assembly and the frame assembly and form a second load path therebetween. The second load path is parallel to the first load path. The recoupler member includes a shape memory alloy configured to change stiffness in response to a change in a stress condition, thereby regulating an imbalance condition of a rotor shaft coupled to the bearing assembly.

Abstract: Squeeze film damping systems and methods therefore are provided that include features for optimizing the damping response to vibrational loads experienced by a rotary component of a gas turbine engine. In one exemplary aspect, a damping system actively controls a dynamic sleeve to adjust the damping response. In particular, the dynamic sleeve is disposed within a chamber defined by a damper housing. The damping system controls the damper gap by translating the dynamic sleeve. When the dynamic sleeve is translated, a variable damper gap is varied, allowing for fluid to squeeze into or out of the damper gap, thereby adjusting the damping response to the vibration of the rotary component.

Abstract: A damper assembly includes a bearing assembly including a bearing outer race. A damper inner race is spaced from the bearing outer race and includes a plurality of circumferentially-spaced first openings. The damper assembly also includes a damper outer race spaced from damper inner race and a plurality of damper segments extending between the damper inner race and the damper outer race. Each damper segment includes a plurality of second openings.

Abstract: A support assembly for a load-bearing unit, a gas turbine engine including the support assembly, and a method of operation of the support assembly are provided. The support assembly includes a support element, a damper, and a variable stiffness member. The support element supports the load-bearing unit. The damper supports the support element and is configured to provide dampening of the load-bearing unit. The variable stiffness member is positioned between the damper and the load-bearing unit. The variable stiffness member is configured to provide a serial dampening of the load-bearing unit with the damper. The variable stiffness member includes a shape memory alloy.

Abstract: A controllable magneto-rheological device includes an annular cylinder formed by inner and outer walls connected at first and second opposing ends and forming an inner shaft configured to receive an operational component of an engine, generator or other device including one or more rotating structures. A magneto-rheological fluid is provided to fill a volume between the inner and outer walls of the annular cylinder. A plurality of electro-magnetic coils are positioned around the outer wall of the annular cylinder. One or more current controllers are coupled to the plurality of electro-magnetic coils for introducing a current through each of the electro-magnetic coils and corresponding magnetic flux through the magneto-rheological fluid. A level of current provided to each of the plurality of electro-magnetic coils directly affects the viscosity of the magneto-rheological fluid and thus the stiffness and damping levels of the controllable magneto-rheological device.

Abstract: A method of reducing loads in a rotor assembly during an imbalance condition, a shape memory alloy recoupler device, and a hybrid bearing support system are provided. The hybrid bearing support system includes a shaft extension fixedly coupled to a rotatable member at a radially inner end of the shaft extension, a radially outer end of said shaft extension fixedly coupled to a rotatable race of a bearing supporting the rotatable member, and a recoupler device formed of a shape memory alloy (SMA) material coupled in parallel with at least a portion of said shaft extension between the radially inner end and the radially outer end.

Abstract: A load reduction assembly includes an annular bearing cone configured to extend between a bearing assembly and a frame assembly and form a first load path therebetween. The load reduction assembly further includes an annular recoupler member configured to extend between the bearing assembly and the frame assembly and form a second load path therebetween. The second load path is parallel to the first load path. The recoupler member includes a shape memory alloy configured to change stiffness in response to a change in a stress condition, thereby regulating an imbalance condition of a rotor shaft coupled to the bearing assembly.

Abstract: A rotor support system for a gas turbine engine may generally include a bearing assembly and a load reduction member configured to be coupled between the bearing assembly and a support frame of the engine. The load reduction member may include a fuse portion configured to fail when a load transmitted through the load reduction member exceeds a predetermined load threshold. The system may also include a load recoupling member provided between the bearing assembly and the support frame. The load recoupling member may be formed from a super-elastic shape memory alloy that allows the load recoupling member to undergo recoverable deformation without failing when the fuse portion fails such that the load recoupling member maintains a mechanical connection between the bearing assembly and the support frame.