Abstract: A shroud support apparatus for a ceramic component of a gas turbine having: an outer shroud block having a coupling to a casing of the gas turbine; a spring mass damper attached to the outer shroud block and including a spring biased piston extending through said outer shroud block, wherein the spring mass damper applies a load to the ceramic component; and the ceramic component has a forward flange and an aft flange each attachable to the outer shroud block.

Abstract: A sealing arrangement that can be employed to maintain a seal in any suitable pressure vessel including but not limited to a gas turbine engine. The sealing arrangement is forg sealing a leakage gap between at least two relatively moveable parts that are adjacent to each other in a flow path between a region of high fluid pressure and a region of low fluid pressure. The sealing arrangement comprises at least two resilient sealing strips, each strip having a portion formed along at least part of its width to locate in a groove provided along adjacent faces of the relatively moveable parts. The remaining portion of each of the sealing strips has a substantially flat surface which, in operation, abuts a corresponding flat surface of an adjacent sealing strip, thereby forming a seal.

Abstract: A seal having a first seal mechanism adapted for insertion between a first structure and a second structure, wherein the first structure is in communication with a first medium and the second structure is in communication with a second medium. The seal also includes a second seal mechanism, which is pressuringly biasable against the first seal mechanism and against the second structure by the second medium. In certain embodiments, a system has a first structure in communication with a first medium and a second structure houses a seal assembly between the first and second structures. The seal assembly includes an interface seal disposed against the first structure and a flexible seal pressuringly biased against the second structure and the interface seal by a second medium.

Abstract: A method facilitates assembling a stator assembly for a turbine engine. The method comprises positioning a shroud fabricated from a ceramic matrix composite material adjacent a metallic stator block, and coupling the shroud to the stator block using a coupling arrangement such that a predetermined radial clearance is defined between the shroud and a rotor assembly coupled radially inward thereof.

Abstract: A preloaded spring assembly is provided in a recess in each shroud in axial opposition to an aft facing sealing surface of a turbine nozzle retaining ring. Each spring assembly includes a spring, preferably a bellows type spring, with a plate mounted on one side and a sealing surface on the side of the plate remote from the spring. The sealing surface may be an abradable coating or a honeycomb seal. The seal assembly is maintained preloaded by a wrap which upon reaching turbine operating temperature disintegrates, enabling the spring to load the sealing surface against the retaining ring surface to prevent or minimize air leakage from outside the nozzle retainer ring into the hot gas path.

Abstract: A sealing arrangement for a stator shroud segment is provided that includes a resilient seal to reduce air leakage and improve turbine engine efficiency. The stator shroud segment includes an outer shroud having a leading edge groove and a trailing edge groove, and a plurality of inner shrouds each having a leading edge hook and a trailing edge hook. The leading and trailing hooks of each of the inner shrouds are respectively engaged with the leading and trailing edge grooves of the outer shroud so as to connect the inner shrouds to the outer shroud. A resilient shaped seal is located on a leading edge hook of the inner shroud so as to be between the leading hook and a retaining ring that contributes to holding the inner shroud in place.

Abstract: An engine fan containment shroud including a containment structure composed of a composite material including a reinforcing fiber having an elongation to break of at least about 3.6%. The preferred fiber is a quartz fiber having an elongation to break of at least about 5%. Additionally or alternatively, the reinforcing fiber, in particular quartz fiber, has a hardness of at least about 4 on the Mohs scale, as measured on bulk material, which resists cutting by an impacting object. The composite material and specifically an epoxy/quartz fiber composite provides for weight reduction while providing fan blade containment without loss of structural integrity and with improved resistance to impact and puncture.

Abstract: A gas turbine, in particular a high pressure turbine for an airplane engine, the turbine comprising moving blades (10) with tips that are fitted with radially slidable stubs (26) for being pressed in operation by centrifugal forces against the inside surface of the casing (16) of the turbine in order to eliminate radial clearance between said surface and the tips of the blades (10).

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to a compressor system for a turbine engine that not only allows for larger compressor blade tip clearances as the engine passes through non-standard operating conditions, but also minimizes clearances during normal engine operation, thereby increasing efficiency of the compressor. The blade assembly can include an airfoil having a movable tip insert recessed within a pocket in the radially distal end of the airfoil. The tip insert can move radially outward from a predetermined recessed position to a predetermined extended position. An abutment surface can be provided within the pocket for engaging the tip insert and/or other associated components so as to limit the extension of the tip insert to the predetermined extended position such that the tip insert does not impinge on the stationary compressor structure and such that a spring operatively associated with the tip insert does not overextend its operational limits.

Abstract: The damper system includes a ceramic composite shroud in part defining the hot gas path of a turbine and a spring-biased piston and damper block which bears against the backside surface of the shroud to tune the vibratory response of the shroud relative to pressure pulses of the hot gas path in a manner to avoid near or resonant frequency response. The damper block has projections specifically located to bear against the shroud to dampen the frequency response of the shroud and provide a thermal insulating layer between the shroud and the damper block.

Abstract: A method for controlling fluid leakage between a first pressure region and a second pressure region within a gas turbine engine using a first sealing member and a second sealing member. The first sealing member is movably coupled to a portion of the gas turbine engine, and a space defined generally between a portion of the first sealing member and a portion of the second sealing member fluidly couples the first pressure region to the second pressure region. The method includes moving the first sealing member towards the second sealing member using fluid pressure within a portion of the engine, and, using the first and second sealing members, substantially controlling fluid leakage between the first pressure area and the second pressure area through the space generally without contacting the first sealing member with the second sealing member.

Abstract: A sealing system for reducing a gap between a tip of a shrouded turbine blade and a stationary shroud of a turbine engine. The sealing system includes one or more seal lands extending from a shrouded turbine blade toward a stationary shroud of a turbine engine. During operation of the turbine engine, the seal lands straighten and extend towards the stationary shroud of the turbine engine, thereby reducing the leakage of air past the shrouded turbine blades and increasing the efficiency of the turbine engine. The sealing system may also include one or more protrusions extending from the stationary shroud towards the tips of the shrouded turbine blades.

Abstract: Metal wire bundles are combined into brushes as a run-in coating for the axial-flow compressor stage of a gas turbine engine. The metal wire bundles are inserted into the basic material or are combined into brush segments that are inserted into corresponding recesses of the rotor housing.

Abstract: An air seal for use in a gas turbine engine provides improved durability, particularly at higher temperatures. The seal includes a seal substrate and an abradable seal layer on the substrate. The abradable seal layer is composed of a densified polyimide foam, preferably a thermomechanically densified foam. The seal is bonded to a stationary engine component such as a stator box or a case.

Abstract: The clearances between an array of turbine blades and its surrounding blade track may be controlled by an expansion control material system supporting the blade tracks. The blade track support hoop is placed in tension by the expansion control material placed therein and the expansion control material is placed in compression.

Abstract: A sealing arrangement for sealing around a turbine or compressor blade includes casing segments having sealing faces for abutting with opposing sealing faces of circumferentially adjacent casing segments along joints between the segments. The sealing faces on adjacent segments are forced into contact with each other by rotation of each casing segment about a mounting pin. To reduce radial leakage, a sealing plate is provided.

Abstract: At least one shroud segment, floating axially independently of adjacent turbine engine shroud assembly members, includes a segment body comprising a radially outer surface and a radially outwardly projecting segment support that includes an axial support wall surface therein. The assembly includes a shroud hanger in axial juxtaposition with the segment support, and at least one axial support projection from the shroud hanger into the segment support at the support wall surface. The support projection supports the shroud segment releasably at the support wall surface sufficiently to enable relative axial movement of the shroud segment on the support projection independently of the shroud hanger and adjacent engine members.

Abstract: The clearance between the tips of the rotor blades and the segmented shroud of a gas turbine engine is controlled by a passive clearance control that includes a support ring made from a low thermal expansion material supporting a retainer for the blade outer air seal that is slidable relative thereto so that the segments expand circumferentially and move radially to match the rate of change slope of the rotor during expansion and contraction for all engine operations. A leaf spring between the support ring and outer air seal biases the outer air seal in the radial direction and maintains the desired radial position during steady state operation of the gas turbine engine.

Abstract: A fan assembly for use in association with an airborne vehicle, the fan assembly comprising a propeller assembly and a shroud. The propeller assembly is rotatably coupled to an output shaft of a motor. The propeller assembly includes at least two blades each having a first end proximate an output shaft of a motor and a second end distally spaced therefrom. The shroud extends circumferentially around the propeller assembly, and includes a groove along the lower surface thereof. In turn, the second end of the at least two blades extends at least partially into the groove.

Abstract: A turbine blade tip clearance control system has a rigid two part outer casing (42) which sandwiches a control ring (48) therebetween, and an air pressurised flexible inner casing (28) which carries shroud segments (22) within it. Struts (40) span the annular space between the casings (42, 28) and prevent flexing of casing (28) until blade tip clearance needs adjusting, whereupon, ring (48) is heated, along with the adjacent portion of outer casing (42) and expands, allowing casing (28) to flex outwards, thus lifting the shroud segments (22) away from the blade tips (24). Closure of the tip clearance is achieved by cooling ring (48), the resulting contraction thereof, via the struts (40), flexing the inner casing (28) and shroud segments (22) inwards, against the air pressure.

Abstract: A gap seal in a gas turbine for sealing off a cooling space, formed between a heat shield and a heat shield carrier, from a hot gas space of the gas turbine. A sealing body is retained in a movable manner on the heat shield, on the one hand, and on a blade carrier, on the other hand, adjacent to the heat shield carrier.

Abstract: In a gas turbine, blade ring cooling passages are provided inside a first blade ring and a second blade ring. The blade ring cooling passages are connected with each other through a communication pipe that is arranged in an axial direction of the blade ring. From outside of a wheel chamber, cooling air to cool down stationary blades is sent with pressure into an inside of the stationary blades that are installed on an inner wall of the blade rings. Thermal shields are provided on outer surfaces of the blade rings and communication pipes through gaps therebetween. In the gaps between the outer surfaces of the blade rings or the outer surfaces of the communication pipes and the thermal shields, partitions are installed to stagnate the cooling air to cool down the stationary blades.

Abstract: A turbine engine axial series of members, axially distinct at least radially outwardly, enables independent axial movement to close gaps therebetween, eliminating need for fluid seals. During engine operation, an axially forward first member surface is movable an axial movement distance to close any gap between the first member and a second member that floats axially independently of adjacent members and that is movable axially responsive to axial force from the first member. Axial movement of the second member toward a third member closes any gap therebetween, the axial length of the gap, prior to engine operation, being substantially no greater than the axial movement distance of the first member.

Abstract: A turbine engine shroud segment having a body including a circumferentially arcuate radially inner surface defining a circumferential arc and a radially outer surface is provided, at least at one axially spaced apart outer surface edge portion surface, with a surface depression extending circumferentially across the outer edge portion and including a planar seal surface. The planar seal surface is spaced apart radially outwardly from the circumferential arc defining a spaced apart chord of the arc. The planar seal surface is joined with the segment body radially outer surface through an arcuate transition surface. In a circumferential assembly of a plurality of the shroud segments into a turbine engine shroud assembly, at least one of the outer surface edge portions and its respective depression portion and fluid seal surface is distinct axially from an axially juxtaposed engine member by a separation therebetween.

Abstract: A Brush Seal element 10 has a backing plate 11 designed to project into a gap 12 between a fixed sleeve 13 and a shaft 14 and a bristle array 15 comprising a pack of bristle layers which is held in the sleeve 13 by support 16. The bristle 15 and non-linear portion 17, 18, which define cavities 19 and 20 between the array 15 and the plate 10. These cavities can become filled with high pressure fluid so that there is a substantial pressure balance across the array 15.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine rotor blade containment assembly comprises a generally cylindrical, or frustoconical, stiff containment casing (54), a generally cylindrical, or frustoconical, flexible structure (62) arranged within and spaced radially from the stiff containment casing (54) by crushable structures (64, 66) at axially spaced positions on the flexible structure (62). A viscoelastic material (68) is arranged to fill the space (70) between the stiff containment casing (54), the flexible structure (62) and the crushable structures (64, 66). The viscoelastic material (68) provides local stiffening of the blade containment assembly in the region of a fan blade (34) impact and provides energy dissipation by viscoelastic damping of the flexing of the flexible structure (62) and plastic deformation in the crushing of the crushable structures (64, 66).

Abstract: A sealing assembly for disposition in a rotary machine is disposed between a rotary component and a stationary component of the rotary machine. The sealing assembly includes at least one sealing strip affixed to one of the rotary and stationary components. An abradable portion is disposed on another of the rotary and stationary components and is positioned radially opposite to the at least one sealing strip.

Abstract: A shroud assembly for a turbine portion of a gas turbine engine, the shroud assembly comprising an annular ceramic shroud ring, a plurality of arcuate shroud support segments, and a plurality of inwardly biased resilient members. The annular ceramic shroud ring is circumferentially disposed about radially extending blades of a turbine rotor and partially defines an annular hot gas passage of the turbine portion. The plurality of arcuate shroud support segments are radially disposed outwardly of the ceramic shroud ring and are contiguous therewith. The plurality of inwardly biased resilient members are each engaged between one of the shroud support segments and an outer annular turbine support case composed of a material having a different thermal expansion coefficient than the ceramic shroud ring. The resilient members maintain contact between the shroud support segments and the ceramic shroud ring.

Abstract: A gas turbine having a metallic outer shroud and a ceramic inner shroud. The ceramic inner shroud being secured to the outer shroud by hooks carried on the outer shroud. The hooks on the outer shroud being coated with TBC. A pin and spring system being provided to hold the ceramic inner shroud against the forward hook of the outer shroud. An anti-rotation pin being provided to trap the aft bend of the ceramic inner shroud against the aft hook of the outer shroud. The gas turbine further including a damping spring and pin system, disposed between a heat shield, within the outer shroud, and the ceramic inner shroud, to provide damping of the inner shroud.

Abstract: A suspension type heat-dissipation fan includes a frame rotatably supporting an air impeller therein. The frame has an air outlet and is formed with an inner rim defining an opening aligned with the air impeller. In addition, a ring is attached to the rim of the frame and has an inner periphery defining an air inlet of a size smaller than the diameter of the air impeller. This inventive fan increases the pressure of airflow into the air inlet, while enabling the air impeller to be placed into the frame through the opening before assembling the ring to the rim.

Abstract: A structural member comprises a main body formed from a cellular material. The structural member may be a casing for a rotary assembly e.g. a fan of a gas turbine engine. The main body may incorporate strengthening ribs and conduits and may have a random or graduated arrangement of different sized cells forming the cellular material. A recess may be defined on the radially inner face of the main body to receive an abradable material suitable for forming a seal with the blades of the fan.

Abstract: A seal is provided for controlling flow of a fluid in a fluid path in a rotary machine. The seal comprises a brush seal carrier having a front plate and a back plate disposed therein. A brush seal is disposed between the front plate and the back plate. In addition, a flexible member is disposed between the brush seal and the back plate for reducing stress in the brush seal.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a seal element (1) for sealing a gas-path leakage-gap (5) between spaced apart first and second components (2,3) of a turbo machinery (22), which first and second components (2,3) having opposing inner and outer surfaces (9, 10) situated outside the leakage-gap (5). The seal element (1) comprises a generally gas impervious sealing member (4) and a layer (6) comprising ceramic fibers. The layer (6) covers at least partially said sealing element (1) and defines a sealing surface (21) for contacting outside the gap (5) the outer surfaces (10) of the first and second components (2,3) of the turbo machinery (22).

Abstract: A gas turbine with axially mutually displaceable guide parts that compensates for differing amounts of thermal expansion, comprising guide parts which can be displaced with respect to one another in the axial direction and enclose a funnel-like gas duct from outside. In order to optimize a rotor blade tip gap, at least one of the funnel-like guide parts under control by means of a motor can be displaced. As a result of the axial displacement, because of the funnel-like shape of the guide parts, the width of the rotor blade tip gap is changed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a gas turbine shroud structure comprising: a shroud support component 12 attached to an inner surface of a gas turbine casing 3; a shroud segment 14 divided in a peripheral direction and supported by the inner surface of the shroud support component; and a heat-resistant restricting spring 18 held between the shroud segment and shroud support component to urge the shroud segment inwards in a radial direction. The shroud segment 14 is formed of a ceramic composite material, and includes a coating layer 15 having heat insulation and impact absorption effect on an inner surface of the segment.

Abstract: A fan assembly for use in association with an airborne vehicle, the fan assembly comprising a propeller assembly and a shroud. The propeller assembly is rotatably coupled to an output shaft of a motor. The propeller assembly includes at least two blades each having a first end proximate an output shaft of a motor and a second end distally spaced therefrom. The shroud extends circumferentially around the propeller assembly, and includes a groove along the lower surface thereof. In turn, the second end of the at least two blades extends at least partially into the groove.

Abstract: A turbine nozzle assembly for a gas turbine engine, including: a plurality of segments joined together to form an outer band; a plurality of segments joined together to form an inner band; at least one airfoil positioned between the outer and inner bands; a leaf seal attached to each inner band segment by at least one pin member; and, a leaf seal attached to each outer band segment by at least one pin member. Each of the inner band segments includes a protrusion extending from a surface thereof so as to provide balanced support to the corresponding leaf seal in conjunction with the pin members. Each of the inner band segments further includes a first portion having a flange extending therefrom, a second portion opposite the first portion, a first end, and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the surface extends between the first and second ends and the first and second portions.

Abstract: A gas turbine having a metallic outer shroud and a ceramic inner shroud. The ceramic inner shroud being secured to the outer shroud by hooks carried on the outer shroud. The hooks on the outer shroud being coated with TBC. A pin and spring system being provided to hold the ceramic inner shroud against the forward hook of the outer shroud. An anti-rotation pin being provided to trap the aft bend of the ceramic inner shroud against the aft hook of the outer shroud. The gas turbine further including a damping spring and pin system, disposed between a heat shield, within the outer shroud, and the ceramic inner shroud, to provide damping of the inner shroud.

Abstract: An axially loaded floating brush seal useful in a stationary gas turbine engine having a first rotary compressor component having a rotor having a radial surface, a second non-rotary component having an end ending near the radial surface with the floating brush seal being positioned between the first and the second components to substantially reduce the flow of air between the first and second components. A method for controlling the flow of cooling air into a chamber in the second component using the rotary brush seal is also disclosed.

Abstract: The knife edge air seal ring of a gas turbine is modified to receive a replacement or second seal ring portion having a wire brush seal. The replacement or wire brush air seal ring is mounted with the existing knife edge air seal mounting ring at a location so that the existing mounting ring may be used, while providing adequate strength and structural support for installation of the second, wire brush seal ring. The replacement seal ring may be provided with knife edge seals as well, if desired.

Abstract: The knife edge air seal ring of a gas turbine is modified to receive a replacement or second seal ring portion having a wire brush seal. The replacement or wire brush air seal ring is mounted with the existing knife edge air seal mounting ring at a location so that the existing mounting ring may be used, while providing adequate strength and structural support for installation of the second, wire brush seal ring. The replacement seal ring may be provided with knife edge seals as well, if desired.

Abstract: A transition piece seal assembly includes a transition piece seal support having a first flange for supporting a transition piece seal, and a second flange adapted for mounting in an adjacent nozzle; and at least one spring seal element having a mounting flange adapted to engage the second flange of the transition piece seal support, and a flex portion having a free edge adapted to engage a forward face of the nozzle.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in one embodiment, an annular turbine seal for disposition in a turbine between a rotatable component having an axis of rotation and a turbine housing about the same axis of rotation. The turbine seal has a plurality of arcuate seal carrier segments that have an abradable portion secured to the seal carrier segments. In addition, at least one spring is disposed on the seal carrier segment to exert a force and maintain the seal carrier segment adjacent to the rotatable component.

Abstract: A turbomachine for moving air includes a shroud 12 disposed about an axis A. The shroud 12 has a pair of opposing faces 14 and 16 defining a gap 18 therebetween. The opposing faces are disposed generally transversely with respect to the axis. A rotor assembly 13 is mounted for rotation about the axis. The rotor assembly has a plurality of blades 22 with tips of the blades being coupled to an annular band 30. At least a portion 32 of the annular band is disposed in the gap 18. Seal structure 36 extends from each opposing face of the shroud and into the gap to reduce swirl and minimize air leakage across the gap.

Abstract: A heat shield of a turbo machine is provided with a microstructure. In a preferred embodiment, the microstructure element comprises a plateau, which is arranged on a rib in such a way that the structure has a “T”-shaped cross section. The ribs are preferably embodied as plates set on edge on the heat shield and are aligned with their surface perpendicular to the circumferential direction (U) of the turbo machine. This results in low bending dimensional rigidity in the circumferential direction. In this way, it is possible to accommodate scraping of a component involved in relative motion in the circumferential direction without plastic deformation. Moreover this arrangement gives the maximum possible resistance to a leakage flow. When used at high temperatures, it is furthermore advantageous to provide ways to enable a coolant to be supplied to the microstructure.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in one embodiment, an annular turbine seal for disposition in a turbine between a rotatable component having an axis of rotation and a turbine housing about the same axis of rotation. The turbine seal has a plurality of arcuate seal carrier segments that have an abradable portion secured to the seal carrier segments. In addition, at least one spring is disposed on the seal carrier segment to exert a force and maintain the seal carrier segment adjacent to the rotatable component.

Abstract: Certain transient events such as hard landings, high g-rate turns, thermal conditions, and high turbulence may cause rubbing events inside the gas turbine that result from the flexure of the engine shafts. In order to prevent permanent damage to the engine or operational interference, brush seals are used such that the tips of the stator blades and the tips of the respective opposing annular brush seals, and the tips of the rotor blades and the tips of the respective opposing annular brush seals define substantial radial clearances that provide gaps that remain open under all regular and normal operating conditions of the gas engine.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a seal element (1) for sealing a gas-path leakage-gap (5) between spaced apart first and second components (2, 3) of a turbo machinery (22), which first and second components (2, 3) having opposing inner and outer surfaces (9, 10) situated outside the leakage-gap (5). The seal element (1) comprises a generally gas impervious sealing member (4) and a layer (6) comprising ceramic fibres. The layer (6) covers at least partially said sealing element (1) and defines a sealing surface (21) for contacting outside the gap (5) the outer surfaces (10) of the first and second components (2, 3) of the turbo machinery (22).

Abstract: A turbomachine for moving air includes a shroud 12 disposed about an axis A. The shroud 12 has a pair of opposing faces 14 and 16 defining a gap 18 therebetween. The opposing faces are disposed generally transversely with respect to the axis. A rotor assembly 13 is mounted for rotation about the axis. The rotor assembly has a plurality of blades 22 with tips of the blades being coupled to an annular band 30. At least a portion 32 of the annular band is disposed in the gap 18. Seal structure 36 extends from each opposing face of the shroud and into the gap to reduce swirl and minimize air leakage across the gap.

Abstract: A turbomachine for moving air comprising includes a shroud disposed about a longitudinal axis and a rotor assembly mounted for rotation about the longitudinal axis. The rotor assembly has a plurality of blades and tips of the blades are coupled to an annular band. The annular band is disposed with respect to the shroud so as to define a gap extending continuously between an outer surface of the annular band and an inner surface of the shroud. A seal structure extends from the inner surface of the shroud and into the gap. The seal structure has a density sufficient to reduce swirl in recirculating airflow and to minimize air leakage across the gap.