Combustor dome assembly of a gas turbine engine having a free floating swirler

A combustor dome assembly for a gas turbine engine having a longitudinal centerline axis extending therethrough, comprising:

• (a) an annular dome plate having an inner portion, an outer portion, a forward surface and a plurality of circumferentially spaced openings formed therein, wherein a radial section is defined between each adjacent opening;
• (b) an annular outer cowl connected to said outer portion of said dome plate;
• (c) an annular inner cowl connected to said inner portion of said dome plate;
• (d) a swirler located between said forward surface of said dome plate and said inner arid outer cowls in substantial alignment with each of said openings in said dome plate, said swirler including a forward portion and an aft portion, wherein each said swirler is retained in a manner so as to be movable in a radial and axial direction;
• and
• (e) a deflector plate connected to and positioned within each opening in said dome plate, each said swirler aft portion including a lip which limits radial movement of each said swirler by engaging said deflector plate.