The present invention relates to a combustion module for a turbomachine, and more particularly to the configuration and the mounting of walls in ceramic matrix composite material (CMC) of a combustion chamber of the combustion module.
Generally speaking, a turbomachine, in particular of an aircraft, comprises a gas generator comprising one or more compressors, for example low pressure and high pressure, arranged upstream of a combustion module.
With reference to
The chamber 2 is delimited by coaxial internal 4 and external 5 annular walls joined by a bottom chamber 6. The external wall 5 is attached to the casing 3 which carries an annular row of fuel injectors 7 so as to supply the chamber 2 with fuel. In the example, each injector 7 passes through an axis A which is perpendicular to the axis X.
A portion of the compressed air from a centrifugal compressor 90 via an annular diffuser 92 enters into the chamber 2 and is mixed with the fuel supplied by the injectors 7. Another portion of this air circulates around the chamber and is illustrated by arrows in
It should be noted that a direct, i.e. normal flow, combustion chamber comprises a bottom chamber located upstream and an outlet located downstream that opens out into the turbine stator of the turbomachine.
In the frame of the design and the integration of a combustion module, the architecture of the combustion chamber can be separated into several parts to facilitate in particular the manufacture and/or the operability of the combustion module. This can lead to problems in assembling the different parts that are manufactured separately in an extremely thermally and mechanically constrained environment.
The combustion chamber is usually made of a metallic material that allows the separately manufactured parts to be assembled by mechanical connection (such as bolts), welding or brazing.
The combustion chamber can also be made of a composite material (such as a CMC ceramic matrix composite) comprising assemblies of parts with both connections referred to as “hybrid”, i.e. a part made of a metallic material connected to a part made of a composite material that can withstand differential expansion, and connections between two parts made of a composite material.
The use of composite materials is particularly advantageous in the field of the turbomachines, as these materials are relatively light and have a better temperature resistance, which allows them to save cooling air or to operate at higher temperatures.
In the case of a combustion chamber made of CMC material, an assembling of parts made of CMC material is usually made by bolt-type attachments. This bolt assembling is relatively bulky and can be complex to implement in the environment of the combustion module, which has mechanical, thermomechanical and chemical stresses. For example, it is necessary to ensure a reliable tightening at all operating points and to provide an anti-rotation device for the bolt. These difficulties in assembling CMC material parts can generally impact on the performance or the integrity of the combustion chamber (and consequently of the turbomachine).
In this context, it is useful to overcome at least partly the above-mentioned disadvantages by proposing a simpler solution for assembling at least two parts made of a CMC-type composite material in a combustion module of a turbomachine.
To this end, the invention proposes a combustion module for a turbomachine, in particular of an aircraft, comprising:
According to the invention, the combustion module further comprises anti-disengagement devices configured to maintain the annular edges in axial abutment with each other, these devices being carried by the combustion chamber and/or the casing.
The anti-disengagement devices according to the invention have several advantages. In particular, they allow the envelopes in CMC material (forming the annular walls and the bottom chamber) to be positioned and assembled together in a simple and efficient manner, while preventing their disassociation during operation.
In a hot operating phase of the combustion module (e.g. above 1000° C.), there is a pressure difference between the outside and the inside of the combustion chamber which maintains the two assembled elements (i.e. the CMC material envelopes) in contact.
An anti-disengagement device prevents the disassembling of the connection in the cases where the pressure difference is not sufficient to maintain the elements in contact, such as when the turbine is at a standstill.
This type of connection is less bulky and requires little or no adaptation in the combustion module.
In general, the use of pressure difference to maintain the elements in contact, supplemented by an anti-disengagement device, is an alternative solution to rigid connections such as the bolts and non-detachable connections such as welds or brazes.
The chamber according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination with each other:
Advantageously, the anti-disengagement devices can be formed by both washers and abutment members, as described in at least one of the particularities of the invention.
The invention also relates to a turbomachine, in particular for aircraft, comprising a combustion module as described above.
The invention also relates to an aircraft comprising a fuselage and powered by at least one turbomachine comprising a combustion module as previously described.
The invention will be better understood and other details, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become clearer from the following description made by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the attached drawings, in which:
By convention, in the following description, the terms “longitudinal” and “axial” refer to the orientation of structural elements extending along the direction of a longitudinal axis, such as a longitudinal axis of a combustion module. The terms “radial” or “vertical” refer to an orientation of structural elements extending along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The terms “inner” and “outer”, and “internal” and “external” are used in reference to a positioning with respect to the longitudinal axis. Thus, a structural element extending along the longitudinal axis comprises an inner face facing the longitudinal axis and an outer surface opposite its inner surface. The terms “upstream” and “downstream” are defined in relation to the orientation of circulation of the gases in a turbomachine.
In the following description, the invention applies generally to a turbomachine 10, in particular for aircraft, such as a turbojet or turboprop engine.
The turbomachine 10 typically comprises a compressor module comprising at least one compressor, a turbine module comprising at least one turbine and the combustion module 1 interposed between the compression and turbine modules.
As described above, the combustion module 1 comprises an annular casing 3 extending around a longitudinal axis X and surrounding an annular combustion chamber 2. This axis X may be coincident with a longitudinal axis, such as a rotational axis of a rotor, of the turbomachine 10. The chamber 2 and the casing 3 extend around the axis X. The chamber 2 may extend parallel or at an angle with respect to the axis X.
The external wall 5 is attached to the casing 3 which carries an annular row of fuel injectors 7 angularly distributed around the axis X so as to supply the chamber 2 with fuel. In particular, the external wall 5 comprises an annular row of orifices 54 extending around the axis X. Each of the orifices 54 has an internal diameter D54. Each of the orifices 54 comprises a peripheral edge 56. Each of the orifices 54 is suitable for receiving a fuel injector 7. In the example shown in
In the frame of the invention, the chamber 2 is made of a CMC ceramic matrix composite material. The internal and external walls 4, 5 and the bottom chamber 6 are formed by at least two annular envelopes 50, 60 made of a ceramic matrix composite material CMC.
In the example shown in
In the example, the first and second envelopes 50, 60 are connected to each other on the downstream side. These envelopes 50, 60 continue on the upstream side with a turnaround 4a, 5a which extends radially towards the interior (with respect to the axis X) of the module 1, to open out into a dispenser 94 of the turbine module.
The first and second envelopes 50, 60 each comprise, respectively, an annular edge 62 referred to as internal, and an annular edge 52 referred to as external. The annular edges 52, 62 are fitted together one inside the other, in particular at the level of the connection between the external wall 5 and the bottom chamber 6. In particular, the internal edge 62 rests radially (or substantially radially) on the external edge 52. “Radial abutment” means an abutment force exerted by the internal edge 62 in a transverse plane (with respect to the axis X) on a cylindrical surface of the external edge 52. By “substantially radial abutment” is meant an abutment force exerted by the internal edge 62 along a plane inclined (with respect to the axis X) on a frustoconical surface of the external edge 52, in particular when the chamber 2 is inclined with respect to the axis X.
Furthermore, the edge 62 of the first envelope 60 (corresponding to the bottom chamber 6 in the example) may comprise a scalloped shape (not shown in the figures), in particular near the injectors 7. This allows in particular the chamber 2 to be compacted axially. The scalloped shape can be made by a sequence of projecting or re-entrant arc segments, such as undulations.
One of the particularities of the invention is that the combustion module 1 comprises anti-disengagement devices 8 carried by the chamber 2 (shown in
“Axial abutment” means an abutment force or a contact exerted by the external edge 52 along the axis X on a cylindrical surface of the internal edge 62. By “substantially axial abutment” is meant an abutment force or a contact exerted by the external edge 52 along a plane inclined (with respect to the axis X) on a frustoconical surface of the internal edge 62, in particular when the chamber 2 is inclined with respect to the axis X; or conversely, an abutment force exerted by the internal edge 62 along a plane inclined (with respect to the axis X) on a frustoconical surface of the external edge 52.
According to a first embodiment of the invention, illustrated in
The devices 8 are each formed with a washer 86 which is configured to be fitted around the injector 7.
With reference to
The washer 86 may comprise one or more lugs 862. The number and the dimensions (shape, length, thickness, etc.) of the lugs 862 per washer 86 may vary depending on the dimensions and materials of the parts making up the combustion module 1. In the example shown in
The thickness of each washer 86 can determine their degree to which they help to maintain tightening forces, particularly during the flight phases of the turbomachine.
The washer 86 may be made of a CMC-type composite material or a metal alloy. Preferably, the washer 86 is made of stainless steel, for example of the A286 type. The advantages of stainless steel A286 are that it is compatible with the thermal environment of the combustion chamber 2, and has a high coefficient of thermal expansion to optimally maintain the connections between parts at extreme operating temperatures of the combustion module 1.
The washer 86 is configured to be tightened radially (i.e. substantially perpendicular to the axis X) against the second envelope 50 of the external wall 5 by a tightening nut 84 and a socket 82.
With reference to
The socket 82 also comprises an annular collar 824. The collar 824 and the barrel 822 may be delimited by a tubular portion 826. In the example shown in
In hot operation, the frustoconical shape of the second flank 824b of the annular collar 824 of the socket 82 may expand. This may result in a displacement relative to the envelope 50. This frustoconical shape of the second flank 824b may return a radial displacement relative to an axial displacement, leading to a tightening of the connection between the socket 82, the nut 84 and the envelope 50. The washer 86 may be made of a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion allowing to compensate for an expansion gap between the envelope 50 and the nut 84.
Furthermore, in the example shown in
The assembly of the washer 86 of the first embodiment on the chamber 2, in particular around the injectors 7 and on the edges 52, 62 of the envelopes 50, 60, is now described with reference to
For this purpose, the socket 82 is mounted around the injector 7, in particular through the second opening 820. This second opening 820 thus extends around the axis A of the injector 7. In the example shown in
Next, the annular edge 52 of the second envelope 50 comprises the orifices 54 into which the injectors 7 are intended to be engaged. The edge 52 is mounted around the collar 824 of the socket 82, in particular through the orifices 54. This allows the peripheral edge 56 of the orifice 54 to be in abutment on the second flank 824b of the collar 824. In the example shown in
The washer 86 is then mounted around the socket 82, in particular through the first opening 860. This first opening 860 also extends around the axis A. In the example shown in
Finally, the nut 84 is screwed around the barrel 822 of the socket 82, in particular through a third opening 840 of the nut 84. This allows to ensure that the washer 86 and the edge 52 of the second envelope 50 are maintained on the socket 82. In the example shown in
The anti-disengagement devices 8 of the second embodiment are distinguished from the devices 8 of the first embodiment by the lugs 862 of the washer 86 and the edge 62 of the first envelope 60.
With reference to
In
Preferably, the lugs 862 are elongated so that their free and curved ends face the plane P1 corresponding substantially to the transverse wall of the bottom chamber 6. In particular, this allows to compensate for axial displacement of the assembly of the edges 52, 62 during operation of the combustion module 1.
In addition, the elongated shape of the lugs 862 allows for flexibility in the connection between the lugs 862 and the boss 66. In this way, the assembly between the envelopes 50, 60 (of the walls 5, 6 and of the bottom chamber 6), is rigid in particular with permanent contact between the lugs 862 and the boss 66, and with little or no assembly clearance between the edges 52, 62 of the envelopes 50, 60.
This second embodiment has in particular the advantage of avoiding complex machining on the edge 62 of the first envelope 60.
The anti-disengagement devices 8 of the third embodiment are distinguished from the devices 8 of the first embodiment by the lugs 862 of the washer 86 and the edge 62 of the first envelope 60.
With reference to
In
This third embodiment is a simple alternative solution to carry out and to implement in order to prevent the connection of the envelopes 50, 60 from becoming disassociated.
According to a fourth embodiment of the invention, illustrated in
Advantageously, these devices 8 are abutment members projectably formed on the casing 3. These abutment members may comprise free ends 880 adapted to abut the chamber 2, in particular the bottom chamber 6. This configuration allows to prevent the bottom chamber 6 from any displacement relative to the external wall 5.
These abutment members can be made of a rigid or flexible material. For example, the abutment members are made of a composite, metal, or metal alloy material.
Preferably, the abutment members can be made of the same material as the casing 3 but with a first thickness reduced compared to a second thickness of the casing 3. In particular, this allows the abutment members to be flexible, while still being able to exert a sufficient pressure on the chamber 2 to maintain the edges 52, 62 in axial abutment on each other.
In the case of abutment members made of flexible material, the free ends 880 may come into direct contact with the bottom chamber 6. In the case of abutment members made of rigid or flexible material, a mounting clearance and/or a clearance to compensate for expansion during operation can be added between the abutment members and the bottom chamber. These mounting and expansion clearances may vary depending on the materials or dimensions (such as thickness) used for the envelopes and the abutment members. As an example, this mounting clearance and/or expansion compensation clearance is in the order of a millimetre.
The abutment members and the casing 3 can be made monobloc (i.e. from one material).
In
The casing 3 may comprise between three and eight arms 88 distributed circumferentially around the axis X, so that an air flow from a diffuser 92 of the compressor module may circulate into the module 1.
In addition, the free ends 880 of the arms 88 may comprise a thermal protection coating. This allows in particular the temperature of the arms 88 to be lowered. This coating can be combined with a different material from the material used for making the abutment members. This allows for a chemical or thermal compatibility between the abutment members and the chamber.
This fourth embodiment of the devices 8 has the particular advantage of favouring the hyperstatism (i.e. making immovable) of the edges 52, 62 fitted together, and thus limiting the movements and/or deformations.
According to another embodiment (not shown in the figures), the abutment members of the fourth embodiment of
The anti-disengagement devices equipping the combustion module of the present invention are advantageous in particular for the following reasons:
In general, the proposed solutions are simple, effective and economical to carry out and assemble on a turbomachine and an aircraft, while ensuring the safe assembly and disassembly of the combustion chamber (made of composite material parts) in a turbomachine.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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2012392 | Nov 2020 | FR | national |
This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 18/254,485, filed May 25, 2023, which is a National Stage of International Application No. PCT/FR2021/052113, filed Nov. 26, 2021, which claims priority to French Patent Application No. 2012392, filed Nov. 30, 2020, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 18254485 | May 2023 | US |
Child | 18798542 | US |