Abstract: A rotary aerofoil blade is provided with closed cycle sodium cooling. The blade has a shank portion which contains a chamber which is in turn partially occupied by an air cooled core member. The core member serves to condense sodium vapor from the aerofoil portion of the blade. Gutter members within the chamber capture the condensed sodium as it is cenrifuged towards the aerofoil portion and direct it into a further chamber within the blade shank portion from when it flows into passages adjacent the external surface of the aerofoil portion. The high temperature of the aerofoil portion vaporizes the sodium which is then pumped by vapor pressure gradients back to cooled core member whereupon the cycle is repeated.

Abstract: Cooling passages are accurately formed along the faying surfaces of a pair of diffusion bonded members such as a pair of half sections used to fabricate an airfoil. A particularly advantageous application of the invention is the photoetching of cooling air grooves into the opposed surfaces of a diffusion bonding foil used to form a diffusion bond between the faying surfaces of a trailing edge portion of a turbine blade or turbine vane. Such grooves may be made extremely small and in high numbers to promote efficient cooling of the trailing edge portions of these airfoils.

Abstract: An annular member is attached coaxially to a disk of a turboshaft engine by ounting element comprising two separate sets of interengageable lugs, each set consisting of one ring of equi-angularly spaced lugs on the disk and another ring of equi-angularly spaced lugs on the annular member which is interengageable with the first ring by interleaving and overlapping the lugs of the two rings in bayonet fashion, the two sets of lugs being offset radially from each other and arranged so that they are interengageable simultaneously with each other. In addition the disk and the annular member are provided with substantially cylindrical coaxial surfaces which engage each other to ensure that the annular member is centered on the disk when the two sets of lugs are interengaged to attach the member to the disk.

Abstract: A rotor blade such as a turbine rotor blade for a jet engine. The airfoil blade portion of the rotor blade has a plurality of longitudinally extending coolant passageways preferably interconnected to define a serpentine coolant circuit. Passageways channeling coolant from the blade root to the blade tip are positioned in a first row proximate the pressure side of the airfoil blade while passageways channeling coolant from the blade tip to the blade root are positioned in a second row adjacent the first row and proximate the suction side of the airfoil blade to take advantage of the Coriolis force acting on the coolant in the passageways of the rotating blade to improve overall heat transfer effectiveness.

Abstract: A rotor blade such as a turbine rotor blade for a jet engine. The airfoil blade portion of the rotor blade has a plurality of longitudinally extending coolant passageways preferably interconnected to define a serpentine coolant circuit. Each passageway has a wedge shape including a base and an opposing tapered tip. For passageways channeling coolant from the blade root to the blade tip, the bases are positioned proximate the pressure side of the airfoil blade and the tapered tip is positioned proximate the suction side of the airfoil blade to take advantage of the Coriolis force acting on the coolant in the passageway of the rotating blade to improve overall heat transfer effectiveness.

Abstract: A cooled rotor aerofoil blade having a closed cycle cooling system containing sodium comprises an aerofoil cross-section portion and a root portion which are interconnected by a shank portion. The shank portion encloses two pairs of chambers one chamber of each pair being interconnected with the other chamber by a heat exchanger provided on the upstream face of the shank portion. The aerofoil cross-section portion encloses a plurality of length-wise extending passages which interconnect the two pairs of chambers within the shank portion with a further chamber provided within the tip of the aerofoil cross-section portion. A closed cycle cooling system is thus defined which contains sodium as the cooling medium.In operation, sodium contained within the passages of the aerofoil portion is vaporized, passes down the passage into the chambers and thence into the heat exchanger where it condenses.

Abstract: A rotor disk 18 and rotor blade 26 assembly is disclosed having a blade lock 66 which retains the rotor blade against axial movement in an axially extending blade retention slot 58. Various construction details are developed which shield the dead rim region D.sub.d and shift at least a portion of the loads associated with the locking device from the dead rim. In one detailed embodiment, a projection 68 from the live rim D.sub.1 of the disk 18 is adapted by slots 86 to receive blade locks 66.

Abstract: A heated rotor is provided to heat and circulate a substance comprising a shaft and at least one electrically heated rotor member supported on the shaft. The rotor member comprises an outer electrically conductive casing and at least one inner electrical conductor, electrically insulated from the casing. The or each inner conductor is electrically connected to the outer electrically conductive casing at an unsupported extremity of the rotor member. The shaft provides separate electrical connections to the or each inner conductor and the casing to enable an electric heating current to flow in the inner conductor between the or each unsupported blade extremity and the shaft.

Abstract: A blade heater (10) for an aircraft engine propulsor blade (14) has a foil pattern (18) which is comprised of a plurality of elements (25-56). The resistance of the elements (25-56) varies according to the distance between the elements (25-56) and the leading edge (12) of the blade (14).

Abstract: Metal darts are captured either in bonded assembly or in riveted assembly with composite airfoil skins. The darts have a thin fin extending rearward with a dam at its rear end forming a hot air duct on either side of the fin. As hot compressor bleed air is diverted down through the fin duct, heat is transferred forward to the dart leading edge. The fin may contain ripples or other perturbances to improve heat transfer if necessary. Sufficient heat should be transferred to inhibit ice buildup on the final coating that covers the entire airfoil and further provides FOD protection by having a metal leading edge.

Abstract: A space heater is mounted to a ceiling fan in close proximity to the housing of the fan motor. The housing is protected from heated air by an insulated, frusto-conical in configuration shield member. An elongate, flexible heating element is helically wound about the shield member. When the fan and heating element are operated at the same time, rotation of the fan blades causes the heated air to travel toward the ceiling at an angle determined by the frusto-conical configuration of the shield member. A cowling hides the heating elements from the view of occupants of an enclosed space within which the ceiling fan is mounted. The cowling is suitably apertured to allow air to circulate in contact with the heating element. Unheated air flows into the open lower end of the hollow shield member to cool the fan motor. A coupling member enables facile removal of the heater and further enables facile installation of a light kit when the heater is not is use.

Abstract: An array of skewed cooling air conduits are embedded within a ceramic turbine blade for cooling an upper blade surface by producing a cool air film thereon, and by removing heat through conduction. The conduits provide a large bonding surface area in the ceramic, and are recessed to prevent clogging by the ceramic and to prevent direct contact with the hot gas stream at the upper blade surface.

Abstract: A flowable medium, such as a liquid, a semi-liquid, or a liquid containing particulate matter, can be automatically dispensed in a premeasured amount or in a continuous stream. When the flowable medium is being dispensed in a premeasured amount, such amount is isolated from the remainder of the flowable medium during the dispensing operation so that it can be dispensed independently of any head pressure created by the remainder of the flowable medium. By using a temperature sensor in combination with a microcomputer system for the purpose of detecting large fluctuations in the temperature of the flowable medium, it is also possible to determine when the remainder of the flowable medium reaches a low level condition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for eliminating heat build-up caused by air friction on wings and other air foils, especially common in high-speed aircraft. As an aircraft is moving, a small portion of air in the airstream moving by the wing or other air foil is passed through an air intake valve on the wing, into a Venturi section and then into a chamber within the wing or frame where the air is compressed naturally. Each Venturi section consists of a converging and diverging nozzle which creates a substantial cooling effect when the high speed air passes through it and is compressed and released. The intake valve spins or flips when hit by the airstream so it alternately intakes and exhausts the air through the Venturi section, thereby causing a double cooling effect. A second embodiment uses valves, one on the leading edge for air intake and the second near the back of the lower surface of the wing for air exhaust.

Abstract: A propeller blade of fiber-reinforced plastic with a combined erosion, icing and lightning protection system has a metal shroud fitted to its leading edge, the shroud enclosing a cavity and accommodating a heating conductor at its interior. A ground line of the heating conductor is connected to ground and serves as a lightning conductor.

Abstract: A flow inducing means 110 for use in an anti-icing system for a nose bullet 10 of a gas turbine engine of the type in which hot gas is caused to flow along the center of a rotating tube 7,62 towards the nose bullet 10 to heat it, and cooled air is centrifuged to the surface of the bore of the tube 7,62 and is displaced rearwardly along the tube. The tube 7,62 is open at its rear end, and the flow inducing means 110 is positioned adjacent the open end. The flow inducing means 110 comprises a plurality of radial vanes 111 which enters in a radially inwards direction and the vanes 111 are shaped and positioned to redirect the gas axially along the center of the tube 7. The flow inducer 110 may include a shroud 115 which has a circumferential inlet opening and an axial facing outlet 116. The shroud may serve as a flow separator which separates the incoming hot gas from the cooled gas exiting the tube.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for extending the thermal fatigue life and/or improving the performance of radial-flow turbine wheels in gas turbine engines by providing a thickened reinforcing pad on the wheel backface and cooling air passages in the surrounding case structure to direct high velocity cooling air onto the pad.

Abstract: The cooling-air ducting of the axial flow gas turbine runs in the area of the last blading stage (9+14) radially inwards of the heat-accumulation segments (23, 24) inside the outer boundary of the rotor (4) and through blade root channels (21) in the blade roots of the last moving blade ring (9) and finally through a cooling-air blade ring (28) fixed to the rotor into the diffuser into which the cooling-air flow enters with a velocity vector which essentially corresponds to the average velocity vector of the exhaust-gas flow entering into the diffuser. This avoids the flow losses which occur when the cooling-air flow passes out into the exhaust-gas flow in the area of the last stage or stages. At the same time, the temperature difference between the rotor circumference and the last rotor disk (4), likewise cooled by tapped air from the compressor, is in this way reduced, as a result of which the thermal stresses in the rotor are also reduced.

Abstract: A gas turbine rotor includes a disk (50) with axial dovetail slots (64) and air cooled blades (52) having mating, but shortened dovetails (66). The axial flow path (68) so formed is blocked at the far end and is in fluid communication with the blade cooling passages. Balance weights (70) fit within the openings in a manner which does not interfere with the cooling airflow.

Abstract: A boltless blade retainer for preventing forward axial movement of the rotor blades in a turbo machine relative to the rotor disk comprises an annular extension or hook formed on each dovetail post on the web of the rotor disk, an impeller or blade retainer formed with a flange which is carried against the web and dovetail posts and a retaining ring interposed between the hooks of the dovetail posts and the flange of the impeller. The retaining ring secures the impeller in a fixed axial position relative to the dovetail posts and rotor disk, and is positioned to engage the rotor blades carried in the axial slots between adjacent dovetail posts to prevent their movement in a forward axial direction.

Abstract: A segmented seal (36) is provided for sealing between two adjacent rotor disks (18, 20). The individual segments (36) includes sideplate members (42, 44) and integral hook members (50, 52) which engage the facing sides of the respective disks (18, 20). Strut members (60, 62) support the central portion (64) of the axially and circumferentially extending wall members (40) which collectively establish the radially inner gas boundary for an annular working fluid stream (30).

Abstract: A gas turbine rotor warming structure comprises a tubular member having an axially extending central through hole and a plurality of fine holes formed in a side wall thereof. The tubular member is inserted in central holes of rotor disks each having blades so as to form an annular gap between the inner surfaces of the central holes and the outer surface of the tubular member. The plurality of fine holes of the tubular member are formed so as to face the inner peripheral surface of the central holse of the rotor disks, so that gas extracted from a compressor is injected into the annular gap through the fine holes and impinges on the inner peripheral surfaces of the rotor disks, whereby inner peripheral portions of the rotor disks are warmed at the time of starting of the gas turbine. The extracted compressor gas which has warmed the inner peripheral portions of the rotor disks passes between the disks and cools the turbine blades.

Abstract: A rotor assembly for use in a rotodynamic machine comprises a rotor disc (10) with a plurality of blades (14) attached to its outer rim (12) and a seal plate (22) for substantially preventing the escape of blade cooling air. The rotor disc (10) is provided with a plurality of hooked restraining members (30) each including a radially inward directed abutment face (32) which in use restrain the seal plate from moving axially and from moving radially outward under centrifugal force by abutment with the seal plate. In this way the blades (14) are not subjected to additional loading by the seal plate (22).

Abstract: Apparatus for heating or cooling ambient air in the form of a temperature controlling propeller having a plurality of blades arranged around a rotatable hub, the blades carrying cells containing a heat retaining material. The cells are mounted in openings provided in the blades and retained therein. A thermometer may be mounted on the hub to monitor air temperature. The propeller is heated or chilled prior to mounting on a driven shaft. When the propeller is rotated by the shaft, it simultaneously circulates and heats or cools the surrounding air as desired.

Abstract: A gas turbine jet propulsion unit of multi-shaft-double-flow construction in which a front compressor or fan supplies compressed air into a secondary channel arranged coaxially to the propulsion unit axis and formed between outer and inner wall structures, from which a secondary air component is taken and blown out against the turbine housing structures for purposes of turbine component cooling; the secondary air channel extends essentially over the entire propulsion unit length or at least up to the area near the turbine housing structure while the secondary air component is taken off from the secondary flow by way of openings in the inner wall structure which are arranged in direct proximity of the respective turbine housing structure.

Abstract: A spiral groove machined in the end face of a turbine rotor disc accelerates boundary layer fluid flow from the interior of the turbine rotor to the compression chamber. This flow cools the rotor disc and vanes. A transverse axial passageway may be provided beneath the vane roots. Radial extensions from this transverse passageway act to divert cool air through the rotor vanes. Abradable rings may be provided to the stator assemblies adjacent the spiral grooves which act to minimize wear between the sharp edges of the spiral grooves and the stator assemblies.

Abstract: The performance of a TOBI for a gas turbine engine is improved by providing bypass apertures in the housing of said TOBI for directing a stream of air into the seal sealing the TOBI compartment and bypassing the nozzles of the TOBI to reduce the size of the plume of the TOBI cooling air.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine cooling system has cooling air cooling in order, the first stage disk (50) and blades (22), the second stage vanes (24), and the second stage air seal (82). Air passes to the second stage vane from the rotor through a reaction nozzle (62) effecting a reaction stage adding energy to the rotor and cooling the air.

Abstract: A turbine rotor with air cooled blades has a turbine disk and a continuous hoop circumferential turbine rim bonded thereto. The rim has a plurality of circumferential rings extending toward the disk and forming circumferential chambers therebetween.Near the outer edge of the turbine rim are transversely extending openings. The rim is wire cut from these openings from the outer periphery forming segmented blade platforms, allowing the thermal expansion of the platform to occur. Tubes within the openings convey cooling air to the circumferential chambers, from which it passes to the blade interiors and through cooling openings in the platforms.

Abstract: The hollow shaft of a high pressure compressor is provided in a conically tapering section downstream of the last rotor disc on its inner surface with a vane-like rib arrangement for conveying a stream of cooling air from the vicinity of the axis of the shaft into the outer peripheral regions of the last rotor disc. The stream then passes through corresponding circumferentially distributed axial holes in the rotor disc. In this way, better cooling of the last compressor stages which have been heated by the main stream of air in the compressor and a reduction in the stresses in the structural parts can be obtained.

Abstract: A device for automatically controlling the rate of flow of turbine ventilation air in a turbo-machine comprises two superimposed ceramic rings which are split and are each fixed at a single point to a metal support so that differential expansion of the support and the two rings in response to the operating conditions of the turbo-machine causes the registry of peripherally disposed slots in the ceramic rings to vary and thereby control the rate of ventilation air flow therethrough in accordance with the turbo-machine operating conditions.

Abstract: The conical section of the hollow shaft of a high pressure compressor behind the last rotor disc is surrounded by an annular protective shield. The shield serves to protect the hollow shaft and the last rotor disc from the main stream of hot compressed air leaving the compressor. Between the hollow shaft and the heat shield a stream of cooling air is furthermore conducted from the vicinity of the axis to the outer region of the last rotor disc. The stream of air then passes through corresponding circumferentially distributed axial holes in the last rotor disc.

Abstract: A propeller blade is insulated to withstand the high temperature exhaust of a gas turbine engine. The blade has a spar, a skin covering the spar and forming a contour of the blade, and an insulating layer disposed between the spar and the skin along the portion of the blade operating within the high temperature exhaust of an engine.

Abstract: A turbine plant compressor disc is formed from two halves which are welded together near the rim and define an internal cavity in which a centripetal accelerator is mounted for inducing cooling air to flow from the compressor through inclined passages in the rim on the downstream side of the blades carried by the rim, through the cavity of the disc, and towards the turbine to be cooled in the vicinity of the turbine shaft. The centripetal accelerator is composed of sectors which are removably mounted in the cavity of the disc, the sectors forming a perforated ring disposed in the central bore of the disc and each sector having a flat web extending radially outwards in the inner cavity of the disc to form radial centripetal channels communicating with the air passages in the rim.

Abstract: A fan, such as a ceiling fan, for heating and circulating air in an enviroment includes a plurality of fan blades rotatable by an electric motor. The blades are each provided with an open interior space defining an air flow passage transversely through the thickness of the blade in which is mounted an electric resistance heating element. Louvers having a plurality vanes are provided on the opposite sides of each fan blade over the open interior space thereof for deflecting air, upon rotation of the fan blade, through the open interior space over the heating element therein and to direct the heated air to the enviroment. The vanes of the louvers on the opposite sides of the blade are oppositely angled. Operation of the heating fan may be controlled by a thermostat responsive to the temperature of the enviroment.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for delivering cooling fluid flow to the internal blade cooling passages in a gas turbine engine, wherein cooling flow is injected into a radial side face of the hub of the turbine wheel and is ported therefrom through internal passages in the hub to the blade internal cooling passages.

Abstract: A blade root sockets provided in the discs of a turbine rotor have passages for cooling air which are arranged to be variably blocked by closure means carried by the upstream and downstream ends of the labyrinth carriers disposed between the discs. The labyrinth carriers are of the pin-like type and are able to expand and contract in response to the temperature of the gas flow passing through the turbine, moving the closure means to open or close the passages. The positions of the closure means adjacent the passages are determined by the relative dimensions and the thermal expansion coefficients of the discs and the labyrinth carriers, and may be chosen to provide full cooling air flow during engine acceleration, a reduced flow during stable operation, and a very restricted flow to the first disc only during deceleration.

Abstract: A turbine rotor disk assembly for an axial flow gas turbine engine includes a rotor disk (18) and a faceplate (22) axially engaged therewith by rotationally engaged securing means such as a pair of corresponding hooked members (42, 44). Disengagement of the faceplate (22) and the rotor disk (18) is prevented by the cooperation of an axially projecting tab (58), integral with the turbine blade, (20) and a corresponding faceplate recess (60).

Abstract: A propeller hub supports a plurality of adjustable pitch propeller blades which are rotated on corresponding radial axes by a hydraulic actuating system supported by the hub. The hub and pitch changing system are enclosed by a spinner assembly including a substantially flat circular bulkhead member having a core molded between skins of resin impregnated high modulus fiber material. The bulkhead member supports a spinner dome of molded resin impregnated high modulus fiber material, and concentric slip rings are supported by a member connected to the rearward face of the bulkhead member. Terminal posts extend from the slip rings through the bulkhead member to receive conductor wires for supplying electrical current to de-icing heating elements mounted on the blades. A fairing is bonded to the spinner dome for each blade to provide for optimum aerodynamic flow around the base portion of each blade, and each fairing is formed by a molded resin skin material covering a rigid foam core.

Abstract: Components of a rotor assembly which is capable of long term reliable operation in an axial flow gas turbine engine environment are disclosed. Various construction details enabling good low cycle fatigue life by reducing stress concentrations in the rotor disk are disclosed. Rotor disk and blade features are combined to provide a seal land on the rotor assembly without the need of disk sideplates.

Abstract: The blade has an aerofoil body 10 having a leading edge surface 11 which is cooled by air passing through a helical first passage 12 having first portions passing close to said leading edge surface and alternating with second portions passing through a more nearly central part of the blade section remote from said leading edge. A spanwise but straight second passage 15 extends through the blade in a position within the helical passage and closer to the second than the first portions thereof. Heat abstracted from the leading edge by air flow in said first portions is transferred by the flow to the second portions and from there through the blade material to the flow in the straight passage.

Abstract: An arrangement for supplying coolant flow to turbine blades in a gas turbine engine is disclosed which utilizes a preswirl assembly to impart a tangential velocity to the coolant flow substantially greater than the tangential velocity of the rotor at the point at which the air is supplied to the rotor. The overswirled air is injected radially inwardly into an internal passage contained in the rotor, and the coolant flow continues to be an overswirled condition within the internal passageway. The amount of overswirl imparted to the coolant flow is such that the tangential velocity of the coolant flow is greater than the tangential velocity of the blades at the location on the blades the coolant flow is supplied to the blades for blade cooling, thereby resulting in substantially improved efficiency in the cooling system.

Abstract: A multifunctional labyrinth seal support disk for a turbojet engine rotor is disclosed which also serves to axially lock the rotor blades onto the rotor wheel. A radial support disk has a generally conical, labyrinth seal means extending from the disk in an upstream direction and a conical collar extending from the disk in a downstream direction. The collar has a generally annular bearing surface which bears against an upstream side of the rotor blade roots. Several blade-retaining teeth extend from the collar in a downstream direction and are dimensioned so as to fit within axial grooves between the blade root and the rotor blade wheel. Radially extending spurs bear against the downstream portion of the rotor blade root to axially lock the rotor blade onto the disk. An attaching ring is interposed between the blade retaining teeth and the rotor blade wheel so as to axially lock the multifunctional disk with respect to the rotor blade wheel.

Abstract: Cooling air from turbine nozzle vanes of a hot gas turbine engine is collected from the vanes by an air connector. A conduit connects to the connector and terminates adjacent a turbine wheel so that air flows through the vanes and through the conduit to be emitted from the end thereof in a jet stream directed against the turbine wheel. A vaned swirl nozzle is inserted in the conduit and adjacent a turbine wheel to impart a turning impetus to the air flow stream being emitted from the nipple. The emitted air stream is then directed tangentially against or adjacent the turbine wheel in the direction of rotation thereof.

Abstract: The cover plates defining windage covers adjacent the broached rim of the turbine disk has the dual function of insulating the disk rim by defining a gap between the rim and turbine blades for receiving cooler air and insulating the disk from the gas path resulting in a cooler disk.

Abstract: The invention comprises a retrofit turbine blade cooling apparatus for replacing non-cooled turbine blades in presently existing combustion turbines. The cooling apparatus comprises a turbine blade structured for fluid cooling and a sealing apparatus structured to cooperate with a root portion of the turbine blade and a subadjacent portion of a turbine disc to force cooling fluid into the turbine blade. Use of the cooling apparatus requires no modification or disassembly of the rotor assembly.

Abstract: A rotor including a disc requiring cooling, a drum, a cover surrounding the drum so as to provide an annular space, a radial cooling air supply line, and a deflection cascade in the supply line, which cascade deflects the cooling medium in the rotational direction of the rotor and accelerates the cooling medium to the peripheral velocity of the disc.

Abstract: The cavity between the first stage and second stage turbines of a gas turbine power plant is sealed by a rotating seal characterized by an I-beam section annular member spanning therebetween to transmit the axial load through the upper rim and the radial load through the lower rim of the annular member. A hammer head eccentrically mounted on the edge of the upper rim locks in the first stage rear side plate and a gap between the lower rim and second stage turbine pressure balances the I-section.

Abstract: A variable pitch propeller is provided with a blade cuff, with a radially inner portion of the cuff formed in closely surrounding relation to the cylindrical shank of the blade, and with a nose portion of the cuff extending radially outwardly and smoothly flaring to the full cordwise dimension of the cuff, through the conventional blade opening in a spinner. The arrangement eliminates regions for ice entrapment or build-up, and permits a heater boot to be applied to the leading edge down to or even into the blade opening.

Abstract: A seal means 66 for a blade attachment slot of a rotor assembly 12 is disclosed. Various construction details which adapt the rotor assembly to block the leakage of cooling air from the blade attachment slot 40 as the cooling air is flowed to a rotor blade 22 are developed. In one embodiment, the seal means has a seal plate 68 and baffles 70,72 integral with the seal plate which define a cooling air chamber for receiving cooling air from a passage way 38 in a rotor disk 20. The seal plate extends axially and laterally to block the leakage of cooling air in the radial direction. Baffles extend radially from the plate for blocking the leakage of cooling air in the axial direction.