Abstract: A gas turbine engine including an outer case and an exhaust gas passage defined within the outer case for conducting an exhaust gas flow from a turbine section of the gas turbine engine. A cooling channel is associated with an outer surface of the outer case, the cooling channel having a channel inlet and a channel outlet. An air duct structure is provided and includes an inlet end in fluid communication with the channel outlet and includes an outlet end in fluid communication with an area of reduced pressure relative to the air duct structure inlet end. An exit cavity is located at the air duct structure outlet end, wherein the exit cavity effects a reduced pressure at the outlet end to draw air from the cooling channel into the air duct.

Abstract: An attachment system for attaching at least one exhaust diffuser downstream from a turbine assembly in a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The attachment system may include at least one attachment flange extending from a downstream edge and attached to a spring plate diffuser support structure and at least one attachment flange extending from side edges of the exhaust diffuser to couple sections of the exhaust diffuser together. The diffuser may also include a thermal barrier/cooling system for controlling a temperature of an outer case of the gas turbine engine. The thermal barrier/cooling system may form a flow path for an ambient air flow cooling.

Abstract: An integrated single-piece exhaust system (SPEX) with modular construction that facilitates design changes for enhanced aerodynamics, structural integrity or serviceability. The SPEX defines splined or curved exhaust path surfaces, such as a series of cylindrical and frusto-conical sections that mimic curves. The constructed sections may include: (i) a tail cone assembly fabricated from conical sections that taper downstream to a reduced diameter; or (ii) an area-ruled cross section axially aligned with one or more rows of turbine struts; or both features. Modular inner and outer diameter inlet lips enhance transitional flow between the last row blades and the SPEX, as well as enhance structural integrity. Modular strut collars have large radius profiles between the SPEX annular inner diameter and outer diameter flow surfaces, for enhanced airflow and constant thickness walls for uniform heat transfer and thermal expansion. Scalloped mounting flanges enhance structural integrity and longevity.

Abstract: An integrated single-piece exhaust system (SPEX) with modular construction that facilitates design changes for enhanced aerodynamics, structural integrity or serviceability. The SPEX defines splined or curved exhaust path surfaces, such as a series of cylindrical and frusto-conical sections that mimic curves. The constructed sections may include: (i) a tail cone assembly fabricated from conical sections that taper downstream to a reduced diameter; or (ii) an area-ruled cross section axially aligned with one or more rows of turbine struts; or both features. Modular inner and outer diameter inlet lips enhance transitional flow between the last row blades and the SPEX, as well as enhance structural integrity. Modular strut collars have large radius profiles between the SPEX annular inner diameter and outer diameter flow surfaces, for enhanced airflow and constant thickness walls for uniform heat transfer and thermal expansion. Scalloped mounting flanges enhance structural integrity and longevity.

Abstract: An integrated single-piece exhaust system (SPEX) with modular construction that facilitates design changes for enhanced aerodynamics, structural integrity or serviceability. The SPEX defines splined or curved exhaust path surfaces, such as a series of cylindrical and frusto-conical sections that mimic curves. The constructed sections may include: (i) a tail cone assembly fabricated from conical sections that taper downstream to a reduced diameter; or (ii) an area-ruled cross section axially aligned with one or more rows of turbine struts; or both features. Modular inner and outer diameter inlet lips enhance transitional flow between the last row blades and the SPEX, as well as enhance structural integrity. Modular strut collars have large radius profiles between the SPEX annular inner diameter and outer diameter flow surfaces, for enhanced airflow and constant thickness walls for uniform heat transfer and thermal expansion. Scalloped mounting flanges enhance structural integrity and longevity.

Abstract: An integrated single-piece exhaust system (SPEX) with modular construction that facilitates design changes for enhanced aerodynamics, structural integrity or serviceability. The SPEX defines splined or curved exhaust path surfaces, such as a series of cylindrical and frusto-conical sections that mimic curves. The constructed sections may include: (i) a tail cone assembly fabricated from conical sections that taper downstream to a reduced diameter; or (ii) an area-ruled cross section axially aligned with one or more rows of turbine struts; or both features. Modular inner and outer diameter inlet lips enhance transitional flow between the last row blades and the SPEX, as well as enhance structural integrity. Modular strut collars have large radius profiles between the SPEX annular inner diameter and outer diameter flow surfaces, for enhanced airflow and constant thickness walls for uniform heat transfer and thermal expansion. Scalloped mounting flanges enhance structural integrity and longevity.

Abstract: An adjustable transition duct support system for a transition duct that channels hot gases from a combustor exit to a gas turbine inlet of a turbine engine. The adjustable transition duct support system includes an adjustable forward transition flexible support assembly in contact with a transition duct body, whereby the forward transition flexible support assembly may be formed from a base extending toward the transition duct body and first and second side support arms extending from the base to the transition duct body. The first and second side support arms may be formed from a plurality of flex plates spaced from each other with spacers that provide rigidity in circumferential and radial directions and flexibility in an axial direction. The number of flex plates used may be varied to accommodate different turbine engines. The adjustable transition duct support system may have natural frequencies for circumferential and radial modes above two engine orders.

Abstract: An integrated single-piece exhaust system (SPEX) with modular construction that facilitates design changes for enhanced aerodynamics, structural integrity or serviceability. The SPEX defines splined or curved exhaust path surfaces, such as a series of cylindrical and frusto-conical sections that mimic curves. The constructed sections may include: (i) a tail cone assembly fabricated from conical sections that taper downstream to a reduced diameter; or (ii) an area-ruled cross section axially aligned with one or more rows of turbine struts; or both features. Modular inner and outer diameter inlet lips enhance transitional flow between the last row blades and the SPEX, as well as enhance structural integrity. Modular strut collars have large radius profiles between the SPEX annular inner diameter and outer diameter flow surfaces, for enhanced airflow and constant thickness walls for uniform heat transfer and thermal expansion. Scalloped mounting flanges enhance structural integrity and longevity.

Abstract: An integrated single-piece exhaust system (SPEX) with modular construction that facilitates design changes for enhanced aerodynamics, structural integrity or serviceability. The SPEX defines splined or curved exhaust path surfaces, such as a series of cylindrical and frusto-conical sections that mimic curves. The constructed sections may include: (i) a tail cone assembly fabricated from conical sections that taper downstream to a reduced diameter; or (ii) an area-ruled cross section axially aligned with one or more rows of turbine struts; or both features. Modular inner and outer diameter inlet lips enhance transitional flow between the last row blades and the SPEX, as well as enhance structural integrity. Modular strut collars have large radius profiles between the SPEX annular inner diameter and outer diameter flow surfaces, for enhanced airflow and constant thickness walls for uniform heat transfer and thermal expansion. Scalloped mounting flanges enhance structural integrity and longevity.

Abstract: An integrated single-piece exhaust system (SPEX) with modular construction that facilitates design changes for enhanced aerodynamics, structural integrity or serviceability. The SPEX defines splined or curved exhaust path surfaces, such as a series of cylindrical and frusto-conical sections that mimic curves. The constructed sections may include: (i) a tail cone assembly fabricated from conical sections that taper downstream to a reduced diameter; or (ii) an area-ruled cross section axially aligned with one or more rows of turbine struts; or both features. Modular inner and outer diameter inlet lips enhance transitional flow between the last row blades and the SPEX, as well as enhance structural integrity. Modular strut collars have large radius profiles between the SPEX annular inner diameter and outer diameter flow surfaces, for enhanced airflow and constant thickness walls for uniform heat transfer and thermal expansion. Scalloped mounting flanges enhance structural integrity and longevity.

Abstract: An integrated single-piece exhaust system (SPEX) with modular construction that facilitates design changes for enhanced aerodynamics, structural integrity or serviceability. The SPEX defines splined or curved exhaust path surfaces, such as a series of cylindrical and frusto-conical sections that mimic curves. The constructed sections may include: (i) a tail cone assembly fabricated from conical sections that taper downstream to a reduced diameter; or (ii) an area-ruled cross section axially aligned with one or more rows of turbine struts; or both features. Modular inner and outer diameter inlet lips enhance transitional flow between the last row blades and the SPEX, as well as enhance structural integrity. Modular strut collars have large radius profiles between the SPEX annular inner diameter and outer diameter flow surfaces, for enhanced airflow and constant thickness walls for uniform heat transfer and thermal expansion. Scalloped mounting flanges enhance structural integrity and longevity.

Abstract: An adjustable transition duct support system for a transition duct that channels hot gases from a combustor exit to a gas turbine inlet of a turbine engine. The adjustable transition duct support system includes an adjustable forward transition flexible support assembly in contact with a transition duct body, whereby the forward transition flexible support assembly may be formed from a base extending toward the transition duct body and first and second side support arms extending from the base to the transition duct body. The first and second side support arms may be formed from a plurality of flex plates spaced from each other with spacers that provide rigidity in circumferential and radial directions and flexibility in an axial direction. The number of flex plates used may be varied to accommodate different turbine engines. The adjustable transition duct support system may have natural frequencies for circumferential and radial modes above two engine orders.

Abstract: A gas-turbine burner having a plurality of main swirl generators which each have an inlet flow opening formed by the main swirl generator edge is provided. In order to achieve a uniform flow of combustion air through the main swirl generator, the gas-turbine burner has an inlet-flow guide means with a flow guide surface which runs from one of the inlet-flow openings to an adjacent inlet-flow opening, to which the main swirl generator edges which form the inlet-flow openings are connected, and the flow guide surface widens from there radially upwards. The main swirl generators are central-symmetrically arranged around a pilot burner and the flow guide surface runs radially outside the main swirl generators.

Abstract: A method for casting a collar (44, 46) for a heat shield (36) of a strut (32) in a gas turbine exhaust section (20). A casting geometry (60, 70) is defined with extra wall thickness (56, 68) in an area of wall curvature (53, 54), which provides a flow path beyond a final geometry of the collar to facilitate a flow of molten metal in the mold (63, 64). The extra thickness is removed after casting, leaving the collar in its final geometry, which may have uniform wall thickness (T, T2). The extra thickness in the casting geometry may be provided by increased radius (R3) in the wall curvature and/or by casting feed portals (66, 68) that span the wall curvature between a tubular portion (50) and a flange (52) of the collar.

Abstract: Manufacture of an arcuate diffuser shell (38A/38B) assembled from an axially forward portion (38A) and an axially aft portion (38B), the two portions welded to respective sides of an arcuate flange (58A) via two respective pairs of circumferential welds (70A/70B and 72A/72B or 80/84 and 82/86 or 80/88 and 82/90). Each pair of welds comprises first and second welds on opposed surfaces (58, 74) of the shell. The first and second welds compensate each other with respect to welding process shrinkage, eliminating weld warping (68) of the shell. The first and second welds may have equal cross sectional areas or equal masses over a circumferential span of the flange.

Abstract: Manufacture of a gas turbine exhaust diffuser shell (40A/40B) to achieve a final cross-sectional shell geometry by forming an opening (76) in the shell to receive a strut shield collar (46); forming a compensating outward bowing (78) of the shell around the opening that departs from a desired final shell geometry in an amount and shape that compensates for a welding shrinkage when welding the collar in the opening; and welding the collar in the opening. This produces the desired shell geometry after the welding. The collar may be welded proximate an edge (74) of the diffuser shell, such as along an intersection of an axial plane with the diffuser shell. A multi-bolt flange (68) may be welded to or otherwise formed along this edge for assembling an annular exhaust diffuser duct (38A-B, 40A/B) in an exhaust section (20) of a gas turbine engine.

Abstract: A thermal barrier/cooling system for controlling a temperature of an outer case of a gas turbine engine. The thermal barrier/cooling system includes an internal insulating layer supported on an inner case surface, the internal insulating layer extending circumferentially along the inner case surface and providing a thermal resistance to radiated energy from structure located radially inwardly from the outer case. The thermal barrier/cooling system further includes a convective cooling channel defined by a panel structure located in radially spaced relation to an outer case surface of the outer case and extending around the circumference of the outer case surface. The convective cooling channel forms a flow path for an ambient air flow cooling the outer case surface.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine including an outer case and an exhaust gas passage defined within the outer case for conducting an exhaust gas flow from a turbine section of the gas turbine engine. A cooling channel is associated with an outer surface of the outer case, the cooling channel having a channel inlet and a channel outlet. An air duct structure is provided and includes an inlet end in fluid communication with the channel outlet and includes an outlet end in fluid communication with an area of reduced pressure relative to the air duct structure inlet end. An exit cavity is located at the air duct structure outlet end, wherein the exit cavity effects a reduced pressure at the outlet end to draw air from the cooling channel into the air duct.

Abstract: A flange connection for an exhaust section of a gas turbine engine. The flange connection includes a stub flange attached to an exhaust manifold. The stub flange has a first axial face for engagement with the axial face of a cylinder flange extending radially from an exhaust cylinder. A plate structure attached to the cylinder flange is configured to provide axial retention of the stub flange to the axial face of the cylinder flange. The plate structure includes a resilient beam portion extending radially inwardly and engaging a second axial face of the stub flange. The stub flange is retained between the cylinder flange and the beam portion of the plate structure in an interference fit to provide three degrees of freedom of the stub flange relative to the exhaust cylinder.

Abstract: A gas turbine includes a casing, a first diaphragm assembly, a second diaphragm assembly, and first energy absorbing apparatus. The casing has a radially outer surface and a radially inner surface including an annular slot extending circumferentially therein. The first diaphragm assembly includes a first inner structure, a first outer structure and a plurality of airfoils extending between the first inner and outer structures. The second diaphragm assembly includes a second inner structure, a second outer structure and a plurality of airfoils extending between the second inner and outer structures. The first energy absorbing apparatus engages a first end portion of the first outer structure so as to absorb at least portions of unsteady aerodynamic loads and steady rotational loads generated by the first diaphragm assembly.