The present disclosure relates generally to gas turbine engines, and more specifically to rotor assemblies of gas turbine engines.
Gas turbine engines are used to power aircraft, watercraft, power generators, and the like. Gas turbine engines typically include an engine core having a compressor, a combustor, and a turbine. The compressor compresses air drawn into the engine and delivers high pressure air to the combustor. In the combustor, fuel is mixed with the high pressure air and is ignited. Products of the combustion reaction in the combustor are directed into the turbine where work is extracted to drive the compressor and, sometimes, an output shaft. Left-over products of the combustion are exhausted out of the turbine and may provide thrust in some applications.
Gas turbine engines also typically include a rotor assembly coupling the turbine with the compressor and/or a fan. Other rotor assemblies may be used for generators, motors, pumps, etc. Some gas turbine engine rotor assemblies are balanced to adjust a mass distribution of the high speed rotating components. Some rotor assembly designs must be wholly disassembled and reassembled for balancing or may be hard balanced by removing material. Such methods may be labor and time intensive.
The present disclosure may comprise one or more of the following features and combinations thereof.
According to a first aspect of the disclosed embodiments, a rotor assembly adapted for use in a gas turbine engine includes a first rotor arranged circumferentially about a central axis. The first rotor has a first rotor body that extends circumferentially about the central axis. A first band extends axially away from the first rotor body and extends at least partway circumferentially about the central axis. A plurality of first splines extend radially inward from the first band. The first band defines a plurality of threaded holes that are spaced circumferentially about the first band and extend radially through the first band. A second rotor is arranged circumferentially about the central axis and is located radially inward of the first rotor. The second rotor has a second rotor body that extends circumferentially about the central axis. A second band extends radially away from the second rotor body, toward the first band, and extends at least partway circumferentially about the central axis. A plurality of second splines extend radially away from the second band and engage with the plurality of first splines to couple the second rotor with the first rotor for rotation therewith. A balance weight is located in a space radially between the first band of the first component and the second band of the second component and configured to balance a weight distribution of the rotor assembly. The balance weight includes a weight body that extends circumferentially partway about the central axis. A set screw is radially moveable relative to the weight body into one of the plurality of threaded holes to interlock the balance weight with the first rotor and prevent circumferential and axial movement of the balance weight in relation to the first rotor and the second rotor.
In some embodiments of the first aspect, the weight body may be formed to define a screw hole that extends radially inward at least partway into the weight body and receives the set screw therein. The plurality of threaded holes may include a threaded countersink portion and a circular primary hole portion sized to receive a tool for rotating the set screw. The second rotor may include a lip that extends radially away from the second band. The lip may be spaced apart axially from the plurality of second splines to locate the balance weight axially between the plurality of second splines and the lip to block axial movement of the balance weight. The balance weight further may include a flange that extends axially away from the weight body beyond an edge of the lip to allow the flange to be accessed to allow repositioning of the balance weight circumferentially without removing the balance weight from the space. Each of the plurality of threaded holes may include a radially outer end and a radially inner end. A diameter of the radially inner end may be greater than a diameter of the radially outer end. A diameter of the set screw may be less than the diameter of the radially inner end and greater than the diameter of the radially outer end so that at least a portion of the set screw is locked in the radially inner end when the set screw is moved into the one of the plurality of bores.
According to a second aspect of the disclosed embodiments, a rotor assembly adapted for use in a gas turbine engine includes a first component arranged circumferentially about a central axis. The first component has a first rotor body and a first band that extends from the first rotor body at least partway circumferentially about the central axis. The first band is formed to define a hole extending through the first band. A second component is arranged circumferentially about the central axis and located adjacent the first component. The second component has a second rotor body and second band that extends from the second rotor body at least partway circumferentially about the central axis. A balance weight is located between the first component and the second component and configured to balance a weight distribution of the rotor assembly. The balance weight includes a weight body. A set screw is moveable relative to the weight body into the hole to interlock the balance weight with the first component.
In some embodiments of the second aspect, the set screw may be accessed with a tool extending through the hole to move the set screw relative to the weight body. The hole may include a radially outer end and a radially inner end. A diameter of the radially inner end may be greater than a diameter of the radially outer end. A diameter of the set screw may be less than the diameter of the radially inner end and greater than the diameter of the radially outer end. The hole may include a threaded countersink portion and a circular primary hole portion sized to receive a tool for rotating the set screw. At least a portion of the set screw may be positioned in a screw hole that extends at least partway into the weight body and receives the set screw therein. The second component may include a lip extending from the second band to prevent movement of the balance weight. The weight body may include a flange extending from weight body. The flange may include a sacrificial material configured to be at least partially removed to balance the weight distribution of the rotor assembly.
According to a third aspect of the disclosed embodiments, a method includes arranging a first component of a rotor assembly of a gas turbine engine circumferentially about a central axis. The first component has a first band that extends at least partway circumferentially about the central axis and a plurality of holes spaced circumferentially about the first band and extending radially through the first band. The method also includes arranging a second component of the rotor assembly circumferentially about the central axis. The second component has a second band that extends at least partway circumferentially about the central axis. The method also includes determining a balance offset of the rotor assembly of the gas turbine engine. The method also includes providing a balance weight including a weight body that extends circumferentially partway about the central axis and a set screw that is moveable relative to the weight body into one of the plurality of holes. The method also includes locating the balance weight between the first component and the second component at a selected first circumferential position based on the balance offset of the rotor assembly. The method also includes moving the set screw relative to the weight body into the one of the plurality of holes to interlock the balance weight with the first component and prevent circumferential movement of the balance weight in relation to the first component and the second component.
In some embodiments of the third aspect, the method may also include extending a tool through the one of the plurality of holes to access the set screw and move the set screw relative to the weight body. The method may also include moving the set screw radially outward to lock the set screw in a threaded countersink portion of the one of the plurality of holes. The method may also include positioning the weight body forward of a lip that extends radially outward from the second band of the second component to prevent aft movement of the balance weight. The method may also include removing at least a portion of sacrificial material from a flange extending axially away from the weight body to balance the weight distribution of the rotor assembly.
These and other features of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description of the illustrative embodiments.
For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to a number of illustrative embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same.
An illustrative aerospace gas turbine engine 10 includes a fan 12, a compressor 14, a combustor 16 located downstream of the compressor 14, and a turbine 18 located downstream of the combustor 16, as shown in
Sections of the gas turbine engine 10, such as the fan 12, compressor 14, and turbine 18, include rotor assemblies 20 that rotate about the central axis 11. Rotor assemblies 20 may include, for example, bladed wheel assemblies. The rotor assemblies 20 may be balanced during manufacture and/or assembly. Conventional rotor balancing may include removing mass from a component or adding mass via layer deposition sometimes referred to as “hard” balancing because the balance is not reversible. Such hard balancing may be useful for single components.
However, multiple components may be assembled together, balanced, used or inspected, disassembled, and then reassembled with the same components or at least some of the same components. If hard balancing is used to balance the assembled components, it becomes difficult to maintain the weight balance once the assembly is disassembled and reassembled. As an example, understanding that many of the components are annular in shape, one component may be rotated about its axis relative to another component at the reassembly stage relative to its prior assembly orientation causing the prior hard balance to no longer provide a balanced assembly of the two components.
The present disclosure provides embodiments of rotor assemblies 20 having a balance weight that interlocks with a component of the rotor to allow the balance weight to be moved circumferentially on the rotor assembly 20, made with a desired weight, and/or machined to a desired weight during the balancing process, etc. to allow for improved tolerances and easier balancing of the rotor assembly 20. As a result, the assemblies of the present disclosure may be assembled, balanced a first time, disassembled, reassembled, and balanced a second time by moving, replacing, and/or machining the balance weight(s).
Referring to
The first component 102 includes a first rotor body 160 that extends circumferentially about the central axis 11. A first band 108 extends axially away from the first rotor body 160 and extends at least partway circumferentially about the central axis 11. The first band 108 is defined by an inner radial surface 130 of the first component 102. A plurality of first splines 110 extend radially inward from the first band 108. In the illustrative embodiment, the first splines 110 extend radially inward toward the central axis 11. The plurality of first splines 110 extend radially inward from the first band 108 toward the second component 104. The plurality of first splines 110 are formed on the first component 102 circumferentially entirely about the central axis 11. The illustrative first component 102 further includes optional seals 109 that extend radially outward from the first band 108 toward an optional component 103 that is stationary relative to the axis 11.
The first band 108 further defines a plurality of threaded holes 162 that are spaced circumferentially about the first band 108 and extend radially through the first band 108. In the illustrative embodiment, the plurality of threaded holes 162 are spaced equally about the central axis 11. Each of the plurality of threaded holes 162 includes a threaded countersink portion 164 and a circular primary hole portion 166. The primary hole portion 166 is sized to receive a tool 176 to access the balance weight 106. The treaded countersink portion 164 is disposed at a radially inner end 168 of the hole 162 and the primary hole portion 166 is disposed at a radially outer end 170 of the hole 162. The treaded countersink portion 164 has a diameter 172 and the primary hole portion 166 has a diameter 174. In the illustrative embodiment, the diameter 172 of the threaded countersink portion 164 is greater than the diameter 174 of the primary hole portion 166.
The second component 104 includes a second rotor body 180 extending circumferentially about the central axis 11. A second band 112 extends radially and axially away from the second rotor body 180, toward the first band 108, and at least partway circumferentially about the central axis 11. The second band 112 is defined by an outer radial surface 134 of the second component 104 as shown in
The balance weight 106 is located in a space radially between the first band 108 of the first component 102 and the second band 112 of the second component 104 and configured to balance a weight distribution of the rotor assembly 100. Referring to
The weight body 116 includes an inner radial surface 150 and an outer radial surface 152. The inner radial surface 150 is continuous such that the balance weight 106 is configured to slide axially along the second band 102 of the second component 104 and into position between the first component 102 and the second component 104. The weight body 116 is an arcuate shape with the outer radial surface 152 matching an arc formed by the first component 102 and the inner radial surface 150 matching an arc formed by the second band 112 of the second component 104. The weight body 116 is formed to define one or more threaded screw holes 190 that extends radially inward from an opening 192 in the outer radial surface 152 at least partway into the weight body 116.
A threaded set screw 194 is radially moveable in each threaded screw hole 190 relative to the weight body 116 into one of the plurality of threaded holes 162 to interlock the balance weight 106 with the first component 102 and prevent circumferential and axial movement of the balance weight 106 in relation to the first component 102 and the second component 104, as illustrated in
The set screw 194 is accessed with the tool 176 to rotate the set screw 194 and move the set screw 194 between a recessed position shown in
The weight body 116 engages the shoulder 132 and the second band 112 of the second component 104 as suggested in
The balance weight 106 is discrete and rigid, as suggested in
In the illustrative embodiment, a gap G1 is formed radially between the first band 108 of the first component 102 and the second band 112 of the second component 104. In some embodiments, the gap G1 extends circumferentially entirely about the central axis 11. A size of the gap G1 allows the balance weight 106 to be removed and separated from the first component 102 and the second component 104 while the first component 102 and the second component 104 are interlocked via the plurality of first splines 110 and the plurality of second splines 114 (The component 103 may be omitted in some embodiments and/or the assembly of the first component 102 and the second component 104 may be removed away from the component 103 without separating the first component 102 from the second component 104). Because of the size of the gap G1, the balance weight 106 may be removed from the rotor assembly 100 without disassembling the first component 102 from the second component 104. In some embodiments, the gap G1 is greater in size than a radial height of the entire balance weight 106. In some embodiments, the gap G1 is sized so that the balance weight 106, in one or more orientations, may be removed and separated from the first component 102 and the second component 104 without separating the splines of the first component 102 and the second component 104.
The balance weight 106 may be moved to a different circumferential location. The balance weight 106 may be altered through the removal or addition of material and positioned back between the first component 102 and the second component 104. Additionally, a different balance weight may be inserted between the first component 102 and the second component 104 instead of or in addition to the balance weight 106. The different balance weight may have different size dimensions and/or be made of a different material to change a weight of the balance weight compared to the prior balance weight.
Rotor assemblies may have an adjustment to the mass distribution of the assembly in order to balance and maintain an even weight distribution across the rotational axis. An uneven weight distribution of rotating components may cause unbalance such that the rotational center of the rotor assembly is out of alignment. Unbalance may impact the vibration and effectiveness of the rotor assembly.
Conventional methods, for example, hard corrections to the rotor assembly, such as machining away and removing extra material of a component, may be used to adjust the mass distribution of the rotor assembly. Such a technique results in a permanent modification to the rotor assembly. Other rotor assemblies may add components to a flange of the rotor assembly via fasteners.
In the illustrative embodiment, the balance weight 106 is used to balance the weight distribution of the rotor assembly 100. The set screws 194 of the balance weight 106 interlock with a pair of the plurality of threaded holes 162 of the first component 102 to maintain the position of the balance weight 106 in relation to the first component 102 and the second component 104. Additionally, due to the gap G1 formed by the first band 108 of the first component 102 and the second band 112 of the second component 104, the balance weight 106 may be separated from the first component 102 and the second component 104 while the first component 102 and the second component 104 remain interlocked via the plurality of first splines 110 and the plurality of second splines 114, such that disassembling the first component 102 and the second component 104 is not necessary.
The ability to separate and remove the balance weight 106 from the rotor assembly 100 without disassembling the other components 102, 104 enables the balance weight 106 to be altered and/or moved to a different circumferential location to balance the rotor assembly 100. Multiple balance weights 106 may be included in the rotor assembly 100 depending on the balance requirements of the rotor assembly 100. The balance weights 106 may be placed at different circumferential locations within the rotor assembly 100. Each balance weight 106 may be identical, or each balance weight 106 may be different.
A method of assembling the rotor assembly 100 of the gas turbine engine 10 may include several steps. The method includes arranging the first component 102 of the rotor assembly 100 circumferentially about the central axis 11. The first component 102 includes the first band 108 and the plurality of first splines 110 that extend radially from the first band 108. The method further includes arranging the second component 104 of the rotor assembly 100 circumferentially about the central axis 11. The second component 104 includes the second band 112 and the plurality of second splines 114 that extend radially from the second band 112. The method further includes interlocking the plurality of first splines 110 of the first component 102 with the plurality of second splines 114 of the second component 104. The method includes determining a balance offset of the rotor assembly 100 of the gas turbine engine 10.
The method further includes providing the balance weight 106 including the weight body 116 and the set screws 194. The method includes locating the balance weight 106 between the first component 102 and the second component 104 at a selected first circumferential position based on the balance offset of the rotor assembly 100. The method further includes interlocking each of the set screws 194 of the balance weight 106 with one of the plurality of threaded holes 162. The method further includes extending the tool 176 through the one of the plurality of holes 162 to access the set screw 194 and move the set screw 194 relative to the weight body into the one of the plurality of holes 162 to interlock the balance weight 106 with the first component 102 and prevent circumferential movement of the balance weight 106 in relation to the first component 102 and the second component 104. In the illustrative embodiment, the set screw 194 is moved radially outward to lock the set screw 194 in the threaded countersink portion 164 of the one of the plurality of holes 162.
The method may further include separating completely the balance weight 106 from the first component 102 and the second component 104 without separating the interlocked plurality of first splines 110 and the plurality of second splines 114. The method may further include, after the separating step, at least one of (i) locating the balance weight 106 between the first component 102 and the second component 104 at a selected second circumferential position different from the first circumferential position, (ii) removing or adding material to the balance weight 106 and thereafter locating the balance weight 106 between the first component 102 and the second component 104, and (iii) providing a second balance weight different from the first balance weight 106 and locating the second balance weight between the first component 102 and the second component 104.
Referring to
The rotor assembly 200 includes a first component 202, a second component 204, and a balance weight 206 as shown in
The first component 202 includes a first rotor body 260 that extends circumferentially about the central axis 11. A first band 208 extends axially away from the first rotor body 260 and extends at least partway circumferentially about the central axis 11. The first band 208 defines an inner radial surface 230 of the first component 202. A plurality of first splines 210 extend radially inward from the first band 208. In the illustrative embodiment, the first splines 210 extend radially inward toward the central axis 11. The plurality of first splines 210 extend radially inward from the first band 208 toward the second component 204. The plurality of first splines 210 are formed on the first component 202 circumferentially entirely about the central axis 11.
The first band 208 further defines a plurality of threaded holes 262 that are spaced circumferentially about the first band 208 and extend radially through the first band 208 as shown in
The second component 204 includes a second rotor body 280 extending circumferentially about the central axis 11. A second band 212 extends radially away from the second rotor body 280, toward the first band 208, and at least partway circumferentially about the central axis 11. The second band 212 defines an outer radial surface 234 of the second component 204. A shoulder 232 of the second band 212 extends radially outward. A plurality of second splines 214 extend radially away from the second band 212 and radially outward from the shoulder 232. The plurality of second splines 214 extend radially from the second component 204 to interlock with the plurality of first splines 210 of the first component 202 so that torque is transferred between the second component 204 and the first component 202 during rotation of the rotor assembly 200. The second component 204 further includes a lip 236 that extends radially outward away from the second band 212. The lip 236 is spaced apart axially from the plurality of second splines 214 to locate the balance weight 206 axially between the plurality of second splines 214 and the lip 236 to block axial movement of the balance weight 206.
The balance weight 206 is located in a space radially between the first band 208 of the first component 202 and the second band 212 of the second component 204 and configured to balance a weight distribution of the rotor assembly 200. Referring to
A flange 238 extends axially away from the weight body 216 as shown in
A threaded set screw 294 is radially moveable in the threaded screw hole 290 relative to the weight body 216 into one of the plurality of threaded holes 262 to interlock the balance weight 206 with the first component 202 and prevent circumferential and axial movement of the balance weight 206 in relation to the first component 202 and the second component 204, as illustrated in
The set screw 294 is accessed with the tool 176 to rotate the set screw 294 and move the set screw 294 between a recessed position shown in
The weight body 216 engages the shoulder 232 and the second band 212 of the second component 204. The inner radial surface 250 of the weight body 216 engages the second band 212 of the second component 204 while the set screw 294 is received by one of the plurality of holes 262. A first axial face 254 of the weight body 216 abuts the shoulder 232 of the second component 204. The flange 238 of the weight body 216 extends beyond an edge of the lip 236 to allow the flange 238 to be accessed to allow repositioning of the balance weight 206 circumferentially without removing the balance weight 206 from the space radially between the first component 202 and the second component 204. In some embodiments, at least a portion of sacrificial material 242 of the flange 238 is removable to balance the weight distribution of the rotor assembly 200.
The interlocking between the set screw 294 and one of the plurality of holes 262 maintains the circumferential position of the balance weight 206, as shown in
The balance weight 206 is discrete and rigid as suggested in
The balance weight 206 may be moved to a different circumferential location. The balance weight 206 may be altered through the removal of the sacrificial material 242. Additionally, a different balance weight may be inserted between the first component 202 and the second component 204 instead of or in addition to the balance weight 206. Any portion of the balance weight 206 may have material removed such as the flange 238, faces 250, 252, 254, etc.
In the illustrative embodiment, the balance weight 206 is used to balance the weight distribution of the rotor assembly 200. The set screws 294 of the balance weight 206 interlock with a pair of the plurality of threaded holes 262 of the first component 202 to maintain the position of the balance weight 206 in relation to the first component 202 and the second component 204. Additionally, the flange 138 of the balance weight 206 allows circumferential movement of the balance weight 206 while the first component 202 and the second component 204 remain interlocked via the plurality of first splines 210 and the plurality of second splines 214, such that disassembling the first component 202 and the second component 204 is not necessary. The ability to alter or move the balance weight 206 without disassembling the other components 202, 204 enables the balance weight 206 to be altered and/or moved to a different circumferential location to balance the rotor assembly 200.
Multiple balance weights 206 may be included in the rotor assembly 200 depending on the balance requirements of the rotor assembly 200. The balance weights 206 may be placed at different circumferential locations within the rotor assembly 200. Each balance weight 206 may be identical, or each balance weight 206 may be different.
A method of assembling the rotor assembly 200 of the gas turbine engine 10 may include several steps. The method includes arranging the first component 202 of the rotor assembly 200 circumferentially about the central axis 11. The first component 202 includes the first band 208 and the plurality of first splines 210 that extend radially from the first band 208. The method further includes arranging the second component 204 of the rotor assembly 200 circumferentially about the central axis 11. The second component 204 includes the second band 212 and the plurality of second splines 214 that extend radially from the second band 212. The method further includes interlocking the plurality of first splines 210 of the first component 202 with the plurality of second splines 214 of the second component 204. The method includes determining a balance offset of the rotor assembly 200 of the gas turbine engine 10.
The method further includes providing the balance weight 206 including the weight body 216 and the set screws 294. The method includes locating the balance weight 206 between the first component 202 and the second component 204 at a selected first circumferential position based on the balance offset of the rotor assembly 100. The weight body 216 is positioned forward of the lip 236 that extends radially outward from the second band 212 of the second component 204 to prevent aft movement of the balance weight 206. The method further includes interlocking each of the set screws 294 of the balance weight 206 with one of the plurality of threaded holes 262.
The method further includes extending the tool 176 through the one of the plurality of holes 262 to access the set screw 294 and move the set screw 294 relative to the weight body into the one of the plurality of holes 262 to interlock the balance weight 206 with the first component 202 and prevent circumferential movement of the balance weight 206 in relation to the first component 202 and the second component 204. In the illustrative embodiment, the set screw 294 is moved radially outward to lock the set screw 294 in the threaded countersink portion 264 of the one of the plurality of holes 262.
The method may further include moving the balance weight 206 circumferentially without separating the interlocked plurality of first splines 210 and the plurality of second splines 214. The method may further include removing at least a portion of sacrificial material 242 from the flange 238 extending axially away from the weight body 216 to balance the weight distribution of the rotor assembly 200.
The method may further include, at least one of (i) locating the balance weight 206 between the first component 202 and the second component 204 at a selected second circumferential position different from the first circumferential position, (ii) removing or adding material to the balance weight 206 and thereafter locating the balance weight 206 between the first component 202 and the second component 204, and (iii) providing a second balance weight different from the first balance weight 206 and locating the second balance weight between the first component 202 and the second component 204.
Referring to
The rotor assembly 300 of the present disclosure includes a first component 302, a second component 304, and a balance weight 306. In the illustrative embodiment, the first component 302 is a first rotor and the second component 304 is a second rotor that are arranged adjacent a third component 303. The first component 302 is arranged circumferentially about the central axis 11. The second component 304 is arranged circumferentially about the central axis 11 and is located radially inward of the first component 302. The balance weight 306 is located radially between the first component 302 and the second component 304 and is configured to balance a weight distribution of the rotor assembly 300. The first component 302 may be a bladed rotor assembly and the second component 304 may be a rotor shaft or a disk coupling the first component 302 to a rotor shaft. Likewise, the first component 302 may be a rotor shaft or a disk and the second component 304 may be a bladed rotor assembly.
The first component 302 includes a first rotor body 360 that extends circumferentially about the central axis 11. A first band 308 extends axially away from the first rotor body 360 and extends at least partway circumferentially about the central axis 11. The first band 308 defines an inner radial surface 330 of the first component 302. A plurality of first splines 310 extend radially inward from the first band 308. In the illustrative embodiment, the first splines 310 extend radially inward toward the central axis 11. The plurality of first splines 310 extend radially inward from the first band 308 toward the second component 304. The plurality of first splines 310 are formed on the first component 302 circumferentially entirely about the central axis 11. A discrete first tab 358 extends axially aft away from the first band 308.
The second component 304 includes a second rotor body 380 extending circumferentially about the central axis 11. A second band 312 extends radially away from the second rotor body 380, toward the first band 308, and at least partway circumferentially about the central axis 11. The second band 312 defines an outer radial surface 334 of the second component 304. A shoulder 332 of the second band 312 extends radially outward. A plurality of second splines 314 extend radially away from the second band 312 and radially outward from the shoulder 332. The plurality of second splines 314 extend radially from the second component 304 to interlock with the plurality of first splines 310 of the first component 302 so that torque is transferred between the second component 304 and the first component 302 during rotation of the rotor assembly 300. The second component 304 further includes a lip 336 that extends radially outward away from the second band 312. The lip 336 is spaced apart axially from the plurality of second splines 314 to locate the balance weight 306 axially between the plurality of second splines 314 and the lip 336 to block axial movement of the balance weight 306.
The balance weight 306 is located in a space radially between the first band 308 of the first component 302 and the second band 312 of the second component 304 and configured to balance a weight distribution of the rotor assembly 300. Referring to
The balance weight 306 is formed to define a groove 370 that receives the first tab 358 of the first component 302 to block circumferential movement of the balance weight 306 relative to the first component 302 and the second component 304. The balance weight 306 has an axial width about equal to the axial distance that the first tab 358 extends away from the first band 308. The outer radial surface 352 of the balance weight 306 is about flush with the outer radial surface 364 of the tab 358 as shown in
In some embodiments, the balance weight 306 extends circumferentially 180 degrees about the central axis 11. In some embodiments, a discrete second tab extends axially aft away from the first band 312 and a second balance weight engages the discrete second tab. In some embodiments, the second balance weight extends circumferentially 180 degrees about the central axis 11 so that the balance weight 306 and the second balance weight abut one another to extend circumferentially 360 degrees about the central axis 11.
The weight body 316 engages the shoulder 332 and the second band 312 of the second component 304. The inner radial surface 350 of the weight body 316 engages the second band 312 of the second component 304. A first axial face 354 of the weight body 316 abuts the shoulder 332 of the second component 304. The interlocking between the tab 358 and the groove 370 maintains the circumferential position of the balance weight 306, as shown in
The balance weight 306 is discrete and rigid as suggested in
The balance weight 306 may be altered through the removal of the sacrificial material 372. Additionally, a different balance weight may be inserted between the first component 302 and the second component 304 instead of or in addition to the balance weight 306.
In the illustrative embodiment, the balance weight 306 is used to balance the weight distribution of the rotor assembly 300. The groove 370 of the balance weight 306 interlocks with the tab 358 of the first component 302 to maintain the position of the balance weight 306 in relation to the first component 302 and the second component 304. Additionally, the sacrificial material 372 is configured to be machined while the first component 302 and the second component 304 remain interlocked via the plurality of first splines 310 and the plurality of second splines 314, such that disassembling the first component 302 and the second component 304 is not necessary.
Multiple balance weights 306 may be included in the rotor assembly 300 depending on the balance requirements of the rotor assembly 300. The balance weights 306 may be placed at different circumferential locations within the rotor assembly 300. Each balance weight 306 may be identical, or each balance weight 306 may be different.
A method of assembling the rotor assembly 300 of the gas turbine engine 10 may include several steps. The method includes arranging the first component 302 of the rotor assembly 300 circumferentially about the central axis 11. The first component 302 includes the first band 308 and the plurality of first splines 310 that extend radially from the first band 308. The method further includes arranging the second component 304 of the rotor assembly 300 circumferentially about the central axis 11. The second component 304 includes the second band 312 and the plurality of second splines 314 that extend radially from the second band 312. The method further includes interlocking the plurality of first splines 310 of the first component 302 with the plurality of second splines 314 of the second component 304. The method includes determining a balance offset of the rotor assembly 300 of the gas turbine engine 10.
The method further includes locating the balance weight 306 so that the groove 370 defined in the balance weight 306 receives the first tab 358 of the first component 302 to block circumferential movement of the balance weight 306 relative to the first component 302 and the second component 304. The method may further include removing at least a portion of sacrificial material 372 from the balance weight 306 to balance the weight distribution of the rotor assembly 200.
The method may further include, at least one of (i) locating the balance weight 306 between the first component 302 and the second component 304 at a selected second circumferential position different from the first circumferential position, (ii) removing or adding material to the balance weight 306 and thereafter locating the balance weight 306 between the first component 302 and the second component 304, and (iii) providing a second balance weight different from the first balance weight 306 and locating the second balance weight between the first component 302 and the second component 304.
Referring to
The rotor assembly 400 of the present disclosure includes a first component 402, a second component 404, and a balance weight assembly 406. In the illustrative embodiment, the first component 402 is a first rotor and the second component 404 is a second rotor. The first component 402 is arranged circumferentially about the central axis 11. The second component 404 is arranged circumferentially about the central axis 11 and is located axially forward of the first component 402. The balance weight assembly 406 is configured to balance a weight distribution of the rotor assembly 400. The first component 402 may be a bladed rotor assembly and the second component 404 may be a rotor shaft or a disk coupling the first component 402 to a rotor shaft. Likewise, the first component 402 may be a rotor shaft or a disk and the second component 404 may be a bladed rotor assembly.
The first component 402 includes a first rotor body 460 that extends circumferentially about the central axis 11 and a plurality of first splines 410 that extend radially away from the first rotor body 460. In the illustrative embodiment, the plurality of first splines 410 extend radially outward from the central axis 11. The plurality of first splines 410 extend radially outward from the first rotor body 460 toward the second component 404. The plurality of first splines 410 are formed on the first component 402 circumferentially entirely about the central axis 11.
The first rotor body 460 is further formed to define a plurality of holes 466 that are spaced circumferentially about the first rotor body 460 and extend radially through the first rotor body 460. The first rotor body 460 includes any number of holes 466 spaced circumferentially about the first rotor body 460. In some embodiments, the holes 466 are equally spaced circumferentially about the first rotor body 460. In some embodiments, the plurality of holes 466 includes at least three holes 466.
The second component 404 includes a second rotor body 480 extending circumferentially about the central axis 11 and a plurality of second splines 414 extending radially away from the second rotor body 480. The plurality of second splines 414 extend radially inward from the second component 404 to interlock with the plurality of first splines 410 of the first component 402 so that torque is transferred between the second component 404 and the first component 402 during rotation of the rotor assembly 400. The second component 404 includes a disk 462 that extends radially relative to the central axis 11. The second rotor body 480 is coupled with a radially outer end 464 of the disk 462 so that the disk 462 extends radially inward from the second rotor body 480.
The balance weight assembly 406 includes a plurality of pins 470 and a retainer ring 472 as shown in
A portion 474 of each of the plurality of pins 470 is exposed by the first component 402 and the second component 404 to allow the portion 474 of each of the plurality of pins 470 to be machined as a sacrificial layer or material to balance the rotor assembly 400 without removing the plurality of pins 470 from the plurality of holes 466. The portion 474 of each of the plurality of pins 470 that is exposed by the first component 402 and the second component 404 extends radially outward of the first component 402. In the illustrative embodiment, the portion 474 of the pin 470 that is exposed is disposed on the body 478 of the pin 470. In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of pins 470 is removeable from the corresponding hole 466 to balance the rotor assembly 400. In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of pins 470 is removed and replaced to balance the rotor assembly 400.
The retainer ring 472 extends circumferentially about the central axis 11 radially inward of the first component 402 and engages the plurality of pins 470 to block radially inward movement of the plurality of pins 470. The retainer ring 470 is coupled with the second component 404 in the illustrative embodiment. In other embodiments, the retainer ring 472 is coupled to the first component 402 or omitted. The retainer ring 470 is coupled with the disk 462 and extends axially away from the disk 462. The plurality of second splines 414 is aligned axially with the plurality of first splines 410 and the retainer ring 472, so that the plurality of second splines 414 is located radially between the plurality of first splines 410 and the retainer ring 472. A head 476 of each of the plurality of pins 470 is radially positioned between the retainer ring 472 and the first component 402. The retainer ring 472 includes a forward portion 440 and an aft portion 442. The forward portion 440 is located radially outward of the aft portion 442. The forward portion 440 is axially located between the head 476 of each of the plurality of pins 470 and the first component 402.
In the illustrative embodiment, the balance weight assembly 406 is used to balance the weight distribution of the rotor assembly 400. The pins 470 of the balance weight assembly 406 are inserted through the corresponding holes 466 of the first component 402 to maintain the position of the balance weight assembly 406 in relation to the first component 402 and the second component 404. Additionally, the exposed portion 474 is configured to be machined while the first component 402 and the second component 404 remain interlocked via the plurality of first splines 410 and the plurality of second splines 414, such that disassembling the first component 402 and the second component 404 is not necessary. In some embodiments, the retainer ring 472 is removable without separating the components 402, 404 to allow the pins 470 to be replaced, removed, moved to different holes 466, machined, etc. In some embodiments, new pins 470 are used and machined to balance the rotor assembly 400 for every build up (assembly) of the rotor assembly 400.
A method of assembling the rotor assembly 400 of the gas turbine engine 10 may include several steps. The method includes arranging the first component 402 of the rotor assembly 400 circumferentially about the central axis 11. The first component 402 includes the plurality of first splines 410. The method further includes arranging the second component 404 of the rotor assembly 400 circumferentially about the central axis 11. The second component 404 includes the plurality of second splines 414. The method further includes interlocking the plurality of first splines 410 of the first component 402 with the plurality of second splines 414 of the second component 404. The method includes determining a balance offset of the rotor assembly 400 of the gas turbine engine 10.
The method further includes locating the balance weight assembly 406 so that each pin 470 extends through a corresponding one of the plurality of holes 466 to interlock each pin 470 with the first component 402 and prevent circumferential movement of each pin 470 in relation to the first component 402. A head 476 of each pin 470 is positioned outside of the one of the plurality of holes 466 and radially inward of the first component 402. The method further includes locating the retainer ring 472 circumferentially about the central axis 11 and at least partially radially inward of each pin 470 to prevent radial movement of each pin 470. The method further includes determining a balance offset of the rotor assembly 400 of the gas turbine engine 10 and machining the exposed portion 474 of at least one pin 470 based on the balance offset of the rotor assembly 400 without removing any pins 470 from the corresponding holes 466.
The method may also include removing a first pin 470 and separating the first component 402 and the second component 404. The method may also include recoupling the first component 402 and the second component 404 and locating a second pin 470 in the one of the plurality of holes 466. The method may also include determining a second offset of the rotor assembly 400 and machining the second pin 470 based on the second offset. The method may further include, at least one of inserting a pin 470 in the first component 402 at a different circumferential position and inserting additional pins 470 in the first component 402.
While the disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the foregoing drawings and description, the same is to be considered as exemplary and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only illustrative embodiments thereof have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the disclosure are desired to be protected.
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