Compensating for thermal expansion via controlled tube buckling
US9625155B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 3, 2014 |
| Grant date | Apr 18, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 29, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49945
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
One embodiment includes a fuel injector for a gas turbine engine. The fuel injector has an inlet fitting for receiving fuel. The fuel injector also has an outlet fitting for delivering fuel through a nozzle to a combustor of the gas turbine engine. An injector support extends between the inlet fitting and the outlet fitting and has an internal bore therethrough. A fuel tube extends from the inlet fitting through the internal bore of the injector support to the outlet fitting. The injector support has a greater coefficient of thermal expansion than the fuel tube. At room temperature the fuel tube is under compressive stress such that the fuel tube is buckled. As a result of differential thermal expansion of the fuel tube and the injector support during engine operation the fuel tube is relieved of compressive stress.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.