Abstract:
A support structure for a low NOx industrial gas turbine engine fuel nozzle includes a pressure vessel (38) which forms an interior cavity (50) such that the exterior of the pressure vessel is exposed to the high pressure and temperature of the compressor outlet while the interior cavity of the pressure vessel is exposed to ambient conditions. The fuel lines (46, 44) to the nozzle run through the interior cavity of the pressure vessel, isolated from the high temperatures and pressures at the compressor outlet. The pressure vessel housing and the ambient air within the housing acts as natural insulators which prevent the fuel lines from becoming too hot and choking. The support structure (60) also facilitates maintenance of the combustor section of the engine since the low NOx fuel nozzle and the annular combustor assembly of the engine are easily accessible for maintenance.
Abstract:
A self-scavenging, hybrid lubrication subsystem for a main transmission gearbox includes a sump that is fabricated as an integral structural extension of the gearbox so that the dynamic fluid level of the lubricating medium in the sump is a predetermined distance above the bottom (18) of the gearbox. The radial discontinuity between the cylindrical (22) and throat segments (26) in combination define a nozzle inlet (28) that is operative to direct outflow of the lubricating medium collected in the bottom of the gearbox to another sump with higher fluid level by means of a nozzle (60). The interaction between the peripheral surface of the rotating annular planetary carrier plate and the structurally-modified side wall of the gearbox exerts a viscous pumping action on the lubricating medium in the flow channels causing the lubricating medium to flow therethrough and being transported through the nozzle (60) to a higher level.
Abstract:
A turn coordination inhibit system (150) inhibits a rotary winged aircraft control system from operating in an automatic turn coordination mode when a pilot desired to perform a sideslip maneuver, e.g., a flat turn. When automatic turn coordination is not engaged (132, 212, 215), e.g., the aircraft is not in a coordinated turn, and either aircraft bank angle (119) exceeds an inhibit threshold magnitude (210) or a pilot yaw command provided by a pilot sidearm controller (155) exceeds a minimum threshold value (243), e.g., the sidearm controller is out of detent in the yaw axis, automatic turn coordination is inhibited (152). Automatic turn coordination remains inhibited until both aircraft bank angle falls below a reset threshold magnitude (230) and the sidearm controller is back in the detent position for the yaw axis (243).
Abstract:
Woven fiber ballistic fabric (22) of multiple layers surrounds an isogrid support structure (20). A cuff portion (38) has shorter warp threads than the major portion (3) and also is impregnated with epoxy resin. A diameter restrains the fabric from aft movement during a blade ejection event.
Abstract:
A seal support for a brush seal used between a turbine nozzle assembly and a rotor assembly includes a cover plate portion and a support arm. Various construction details are developed that provide a lightweight support for a brush seal and a windage cover. In a particular embodiment, the seal support includes a cover plate portion having circumferentially continuous surfaces to reduce windage losses and a support arm extending inward over a brush seal. In the installed condition, the seal support is positioned to engage the turbine nozzle assembly in an interference fit to dampen the seal support. In another particular embodiment, the support arm has scalloped corners that mate with corners of adjacent seal supports to define an opening. The opening is located to permit cooling fluid to flow through a metering hole and into a cavity to purge the cavity of gas path fluid.
Abstract:
The presence of particular faults in a machine is determined (58) using constraint suspension and a Qualitative Physics model of the machine. Received machine signals can be propagated (69) through the model and the implicants of values assigned to variables can be determined and other variables can be restricted (187) according to the union of the implicants. The user can be prompted to perform a machine test procedure (72) that causes a machine configuration change. Test performance time can be a factor in choosing (286) the optimum test for the user to perform. The Qualitative Physics model (310) of the machine can be constructed using graphical user interface (302) allowing selection and interconnection of machine components (306) for the model such that the user can define a landmark domain to provide definitions of qualitative value spaces of variables of the model. Generic test templates can also be used in developing the model.
Abstract:
A hollow air cooled airfoil blade (10) castable with a single pull core and having internal trip strips (28) at the leading edge. Parallel ribs (16, 18) extend from the pressure side (12) of the blade to the suction side (14). A parting line (32) passes through the most forward point (34) of the airfoil, this being located on the suction side of the leading edge (36).
Abstract:
A solid state laser having an elliptical chamber (22), a solid state laser rod (10), a flashtube (12) for optically pumping the rod (10), external mirrors (24, 26) providing an optical cavity, the flashlamp (12) being energized by a pulse generator (14) which generates electrical pulses across the flashlamp (12), is provided with cold burst pumping of the flashlamp (12) by a burst (120) of a predetermined number of pulses, e.g., 40 pulses, each having a predetermined pulse width, e.g., .650 msec, and the burst lasting a predetermined length of time, e.g., 200 msec, not to exceed 1/16 to 1/12 of the thermal time constant of the solid state laser rod (10). Cold burst pumping provides a substantially constant thermal rod profile which reduces divergence of the output beam (36) and increases beam brightness, thereby improving the productivity and precision of solid state lasers.
Abstract:
A premix liquid fuel nozzle has longitudinal air entrance slots (24) into a cylindrical chamber (20). A centerbody (42) produces an axially increasing flow area toward the chamber outlet (32). Liquid fuel is atomized in a specified location (58) adjacent the conical centerbody (42). This area has a high axial shear velocity producing thorough vaporization and uniform mixing before combustion.