Turbine shroud clearance control assembly

Abstract

The clearances between an array of high pressure turbine blades and its surrounding high pressure turbine shroud as well as the clearances between an array of low pressure turbine blades and its associated low pressure turbine shroud are carefully controlled by a support structure which provides for evenly controlled circumferential cooling of the shroud support structure. Radial loads on the shroud support structure are reduced by counterbalancing loads imposed on the support structure by the shroud with predetermined pressure loads controlled and set through a series of cooling air cavities. The high pressure turbine shroud and low pressure turbine shroud are formed as integral segments in a segmented shroud design. Forward and aft shroud hanger members interconnect the shroud with its support so as to facilitate assembly and disassembly of the shroud segments to and from their support structure.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.