Rotor disc assembly with abrasive insert
AssigneeSiemens Energy, Inc.
InventorsHubertus E. Paprotna, David B. Allen, Oran L. Bertsch
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Aspects of the invention are directed to a system for improving engine performance by reducing vane tip clearances in the compressor section of a turbine engine. According to aspects of the invention, an abrasive material can be attached to a rotor disc. Thus, if a vane tip contacts the rotor disc during engine operation, the vane tip is worn away by the abrasive material. The system can reduce the risk of substantial component damage resulting from a vane tip rubbing event. The abrasive material can be provided in the form of an insert that can be removably attached to the rotor disc. Thus, the insert can be readily removed and replaced when necessary.
Claims16
A rotor disc assembly comprising:
- a turbine engine rotor disc;
- the disc having an outer peripheral surface;
- an insert positioned in a substantially axially extending slot, wherein the slot forms an opening in the outer peripheral surface of the disc, said slot having at least one open end, and said insert and slot being configured to achieve circumferential restraint of the insert;
- and an abrasive material positioned on an outer surface of the insert that faces radially outward such that the abrasive material forms a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the rotor disc.
A vane tip clearance system comprising:
- a rotating disc having an outer peripheral surface, the disc having a slot therein, the slot opening to the outer peripheral surface of the disc, said slot having at least one open end, and said insert and slot being configured to achieve circumferential restraint of the insert;
- an insert with a base and an abrasive material attached to the base, wherein the insert is retainably received in the slot such that the abrasive material is at least flush with the outer peripheral surface of the disc;
- wherein the insert extends substantially axially along the rotor disc;
- an elongated vane having a tip at one end, the tip being proximate a portion of the disc, whereby the abrasive material can engage and abrade the tip;
- and wherein the base includes a transverse protrusion and the slot is contoured to substantially matingly engage the protrusion, whereby the insert is restrained in at least one of the axial upstream direction and the axial downstream direction.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.