Abstract: A scroll-wound metallic cushioning bushing in a bore in a ceramic part permits pin-type connection between the ceramic part and a surrounding metal structure while cushioning against vibration and differential thermal loading which may otherwise destroy the relatively brittle ceramic material. In one embodiment, a scroll-wound cushioning bushing is employed in a trip baffle in a flameholder of an afterburner diffuser section wherein the pins holding the trip step in place are surrounded by the ceramic material and thus protected from the extreme heat found in a flameholder. In another embodiment of the invention, a large ceramic part is supported on a plurality of pins each passing through a cushioned bushing assembly which permits not only radial relative motion of pins and ceramic part, but also permits limited axial displacement and twisting.

Abstract: A modular catalytic combustor for a gas turbine has a plurality of individual, non-metallic cylindrical catalyst beds, and a support structure for each of the individual catalyst beds. Each catalyst bed together with its support structure forms an individual catalyst module. Each support structure includes an outer cooled support cylinder, with the individual support cylinders of the various modules interconnected in spaced relationship with cooling air passageways between. There are means for supplying compressed air, such as from a gas turbine compressor, into the space surrounding the support cylinders. The outer cooled support cylinders are provided with apertures for entry of cooling and purge air from the surrounding space. Each of the catalyst beds has an integral, cylindrical, outer ceramic shell, and is positioned within a corresponding outer support cylinder. A sheet metal heat shield is interposed between and concentric with each of the outer support cylinders and the catalyst bed within.

Abstract: The walls of the liner of a gas turbine combustor are segmented and disposed axially and circumferentially to define a combustion chamber. The liner is formed by radially spaced walls preferably fabricated from a ceramic or other high temperature brittle material. The wall adjacent the hot combustion products is prestressed at room temperature and the juxtaposed wall is cooperatively shaped to define a supporting frame for the prestressed wall so as to minimize the overall stresses occasioned in the hostile environment to which the prestressed wall is subjected.

Abstract: A ceramic combustion chamber having air inlet ports and a double wall formation in the region of each inlet port. The two walls of the formation have a cavity between them which communicates with the inlet port. The double wall formation may be formed by an annular slot in the wall of the part. Alternatively, the double wall formation may be formed by two nested but spaced apart shells joined together at one end of the combustion chamber. The combustion chamber may be made by compressing ceramic powder in two steps to create a compact having an internal lost core or cores which are burned out, after which the ports are formed. Alternatively, the combustion chamber may be made by die casting ceramic powder around cores having the shape of the desired air inlet ports, after which the cores are burned out.

Abstract: An annular combustor for a jet turbine engine of generally rectangular cr-section having an axially-projecting aft exhaust outlet is lined by a plurality of circumferentially-extending heat-insulating liner segments, preferably ceramic, spaced from the metal shell of the combustor by spring-like spacers. The liner segments have offset tabs at their edges to slidably mate with each other and with retaining clips adjacent to the exhaust outlet, thereby being slidably secured to accept expansion of the metal shell without placing appreciable stress on the liner segments. Arcuate, generally planer liner segments along the forward and aft walls of the combustor are keyed in place by a radially-inward flanged liner segment along the outer perimetrical wall of the shell.

Abstract: A combustor for a gas turbine engine includes a metal engine block including a wall portion defining a housing for a combustor having ceramic liner components. A ceramic outlet duct is supported by a compliant seal on the metal block and a reaction chamber liner is stacked thereon and partly closed at one end by a ceramic bypass swirl plate which is spring loaded by a plurality of circumferentially spaced, spring loaded guide rods and wherein each of the guide rods has one end thereof directed exteriorly of a metal cover plate on the engine block to react against externally located biasing springs cooled by ambient air and wherein the rod spring support arrangement maintains the stacked ceramic components together so that a normal force is maintained on the seal between the outlet duct and the engine block under all operating conditions.