Abstract:
A particle separator (20) for a tip turbine engine (10) includes a generally conical inclined leading surface (24) leading to a maximum radius (25) and a tapered trailing surface (56) having a radius at all points therealong less than the maximum radius (25). The trailing surface (56) of the particle separator (20) is tapered and/or curved radially inwardly away from the maximum radius (25). Air flowing toward the core airflow inlet is first diverted radially outwardly by the inclined leading surface (24) of the particle separator (20) to the maximum radius (25) of the particle separator (20). The air then follows the trailing surface (56) radially inwardly to flow axially into the core airflow inlet. While the air can follow the contours of the particle separator (20) around the maximum radius (25) and into the core airflow inlet, any particles, such as dirt, will have more inertia and will pass radially outwardly of the core airflow inlet through the bypass fan.
Abstract:
A tip turbine engine provides an axial compressor rotor that is counter-rotated relative to a fan. A planetary gearset couples rotation of a fan to an axial compressor rotor, such that the axial compressor rotor is driven by rotation of the fan in a rotational direction opposite that of the fan. By counter-rotating the axial compressor rotor, a final stage of compressor vanes between the final stage of compressor blades and inlets to the hollow fan blades of the fan are eliminated. As a result, the length of the axial compressor and the overall length of the tip turbine engine are decreased.
Abstract:
Provided is an accessory gearbox for a gas turbine engine that contributes minimally to engine weight and complexity. An accessory gearbox comprises a stationary frame that is circumferentially disposed about a central longitudinal axis of the engine. The frame includes a forward-directed axial face and a rearward-directed axial face for fastening the frame to the engine. A central bore accepts a rotational driving means and an outermost rim circumscribes the outer diameter of the frame. A compartment is located between the bore and the rim. At least one primary accessory is mounted to a face and proximate the compartment, remotely engaging the driving means and able to be driven concurrently therewith.
Abstract:
A gearbox assembly (90) closely couples a fan-turbine rotor assembly (25) and an axial compressor rotor (46) to reduce the overall engine length and minimizes the number of engine bearings.
Abstract:
A non-rotating compartment along an engine centerline of a tip turbine engine is defined between an inner support housing, an outer support housing and an aft housing. The non-rotating compartment provides a space that may be utilized for a multitude of engine accessories and components including an engine lubricating fluid system.
Abstract:
A fan-turbine rotor assembly (24) includes a multitude of turbine blades (34) which each define a turbine blade passage which bleed air from a diffuser section (74) to provide for regenerative cooling. Regenerative cooling airflow is communicated from the radial core airflow passage (80) through the diffuser passages (144), through diffuser aspiration passages (146A, 146B) and into the turbine blade passages (150a). The regenerative cooling airflow exits from the turbine blade passage (150a) and transfers received thermal energy into an annular combustor (30). The received thermal energy is recovered at the highest temperature in the cycle.
Abstract:
A fan-turbine rotor hub includes an outer periphery scalloped by a multitude of elongated openings. Each elongated opening defines an inducer receipt section to receive an inducer section and a hollow fan blade section. An inducer exit from each inducer section is located adjacent a core airflow passage within each fan blade section to provide communication therebetween. A seal is located between an inner fan blade mount and a blade receipt section to minimize airflow leakage between the inducer exit and the core airflow passage.
Abstract:
A turbine engine has a first disk and a second disk, each extending radially from an inner aperture to an outer periphery. A coupling, transmits a torque and a longitudinal compressive force between the first and second disks. The coupling has first means for transmitting a majority of the torque and second means, radially outboard of the first means, for transmitting a majority of the force.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to an improved turbine structure for use in a gas turbine engine. The turbine structure includes a one-piece drum rotor and a plurality of turbine blades attached to the one-piece drum rotor. The one-piece drum rotor includes integrally formed, welded disks for supporting the plurality of turbine blades. A method for installing the turbine structure is also described.
Abstract:
A tip turbine engine provides an axial compressor rotor that is counter-rotated relative to a fan. A planetary gearset couples rotation of a fan to an axial compressor rotor, such that the axial compressor rotor is driven by rotation of the fan in a rotational direction opposite that of the fan. By counter-rotating the axial compressor rotor, a final stage of compressor vanes between the final stage of compressor blades and inlets to the hollow fan blades of the fan are eliminated. As a result, the length of the axial compressor and the overall length of the tip turbine engine are decreased.