Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100209235 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR A STRUCTURAL OUTLET GUIDE VANE - In one aspect, a method for assembling an outlet guide vane is provided. The method includes providing an outlet guide vane frame having a first side and a second side. The outlet guide vane includes a radially inward flange coupled to a radially outward flange by a leading edge. A trailing edge is coupled to the radially inward flange and the radially outward flange aft of the leading edge. A cavity is defined between the radially inward flange, the radially outward flange, the leading edge, and the trailing edge. A first and a second mating surface circumscribe the cavity on the first and second sides respectively. The method further includes coupling a filler portion within the cavity wherein the filler portion includes a third side and a fourth side, coupling a first skin to the third side and the first mating surface, and coupling a second skin to the fourth side and the second mating surface, wherein at least one of the first skin and the second skin are fabricated from a composite material. | 08-19-2010 |
20110002774 | ACTIVE CLEARANCE CONTROL FOR A CENTRIFUGAL COMPRESSOR - Apparatus and method of operating a centrifugal compressor and active control system includes a centrifugal compressor with compressor blades mounted on an impeller, an annular cavity bounded in part by a shroud adjacent to the blades, and an active control system for controlling a clearance between the shroud and the blades by controlling a cavity pressure in the cavity. An electronic controller for controlling a control pressure valve for pressurizing using a source of compressor discharge pressure air and depressurizing the cavity respectively may open and close the valves using pulse width modulation. Pressure and clearance sensors positioned for measuring the cavity pressure the blade tip clearance respectively in signal supply communication with the electronic controller may be used. The shroud may be supported by radially spaced apart annular radially outer and inner supports connected to a casing by a bolted joint bounding the cavity. | 01-06-2011 |
20120156029 | LOW-DUCTILITY TURBINE SHROUD FLOWPATH AND MOUNTING ARRANGEMENT THEREFOR - A turbine flowpath apparatus is provided for a gas turbine engine having a centerline axis. The apparatus includes: an annular flowpath member of low-ductility material, the flowpath member having a flowpath surface and an opposed back surface, and having a cross-sectional shape comprising a generally cylindrical forward section and an aft section that extends aft and radially outward at a non-perpendicular, non-parallel angle to the centerline axis; an annular stationary structure surrounding the flowpath member; and an annular centering spring disposed between the stationary structure and the flowpath member, the centering spring urging the flowpath member towards a centered position within the stationary structure. | 06-21-2012 |