GB2533282A

GB2533282A - Joint

Info

Publication number: GB2533282A
Application number: GB1421935.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jonathan Taylor Christopher
Original assignee: Rolls Royce PLC
Current assignee: Rolls Royce PLC
Priority date: 2014-12-10
Filing date: 2014-12-10
Publication date: 2016-06-22
Anticipated expiration: 2034-12-10
Also published as: GB201421935D0; GB2533282B

Abstract

A brush seal joint 100 connects a first section 110 of a gas turbine engine casing and a second section 120 of the engine casing. The joint allows for movement between the casings. The joint comprises a plurality of flexible elongate members 130 extending from an edge 111 of the first casing 110 and an opposing edge 121 of the second casing 120. A first end 131 of the members adjacent the edge 111 of the first section 110 is moveable relative to the edge 111 of the first section of the casing 110 to seal the joint. The second end 132 of the members may be fixed relative to the second edge 121 of the second casing 120. The flexible elongate members may be bristles, plates or finger shaped members. A later embodiment relates to a component for constructing a barrier, characterised by a plurality of elongate flexible members with a sleeve member 140 which encases a plurality of the ends of the flexible members not attached to the barrier section.

Description

JOINT

The present disclosure relates to a joint for connecting a first section of a barrier and a second section of a barrier.

In typical gas turbine engine, casings, ducts or liners may be formed in a number of sections to reduce the mechanical stresses on the structure due to movement caused by, for example, thermal expansion, mechanical or aerodynamic loading, manufacturing tolerances or assembly tolerances. These movements may be caused locally, or may be caused by the wider airframe and propulsion system mounting arrangement. In certain systems, a gap between two adjacent barriers which experience relative movements must be controlled or prevented; not doing so may lead to a detrimental performance, thermal, aerodynamic, or mechanical effect, through gas leakage between the bathers.

For certain adjacent structures, sections may be connected by physically bulky joints which allow some relative movement between sections of the structure, for example, a piston ring or a bellow joint. However these joints are unsuitable for structures having constraints on the physical size available for a joint. For example, if the structure is a barrier separating two gas flows a bulky joint such as a piston ring might be unsuitable because it might cause significant blockage to one or both of the gas flows.

One current solution is to leave a gap between the sections of the structure so as not to seal the interface but to accept and manage a loss as gas flows mix on either side of the structure. The gap allows some relative movement between the adjacent sections. Disadvantages associated with that solution are significant performance loss due to the gap between sections causing pressure loss and flow disturbance; heat loss due to mixing between gas flows through the gap, which may result in reduced thermal efficiency of a propulsion system or increased metal heating affecting the lifespan of the structure; and aerodynamic forcing on a leading edge of a downstream section causing instability, damage or fatigue to the structure.

Therefore there is a need for a joint which allows some relative movement between sections of a structure, which is compact, allows control of (e.g. reduces) gas flows between barrier sections and which does not significantly disrupt gas flows on either side of the structure.

According to an aspect of the disclosure there is provided a joint for connecting a first section of a barrier and a second section of a barrier, the joint comprising: a plurality of flexible elongate members extending between an edge of the first section and an opposing edge of a second section, wherein a first end of the flexible elongate members, adjacent the edge of the first section, is moveable relative to the edge of the first section of the barrier.

Optionally, a second end of the flexible elongate members may be fixed relative to the edge of the second section of the barrier.

Optionally, the second end of the flexible elongate members may be either welded to, clamped to, or embedded into the edge of the second section of the barrier.

Optionally, two flexible elongate members may be formed from a single flexible elongate piece wherein a first end of the flexible elongate piece forms a first end of one flexible elongate member, a second end of the flexible elongate piece forms a first end of a second flexible elongate member, and a central portion of the flexible elongate piece, between the two ends of the flexible elongate piece is embedded in the second section of the barrier.

Optionally, the second ends of the flexible elongate members, adjacent the edge of the second section, may be moveable relative to the edge of the second section of the barrier.

Optionally, the end of the flexible elongate members moveable relative to an adjacent edge of a section of a barrier may be contained in a concave portion of the adjacent edge of the section of the bather.

Optionally, the joint may comprise a sleeve member encasing a plurality of the moveable ends of the flexible elongate members moveable relative to an adjacent edge of a section of a barrier.

Optionally, the end of the flexible elongate members moveable relative to an adjacent edge of a section of a barrier may be arranged to abut a face of the adjacent section of the barrier.

Optionally, the flexible elongate members may extend towards an edge of a section of a barrier in a direction orthogonal to a direction along the edge.

Optionally, the flexible elongate members may extend towards an edge of a section of a barrier at an oblique angle to a direction along the edge.

Optionally, the flexible elongate members may comprise a plurality of bristles.

Optionally, the flexible elongate members may comprise a plurality of plates. Optionally, the flexible elongate members may comprise a plurality of finger-shaped members.

Optionally, the first section of the barrier and the second section of the barrier may form a first conduit and a second conduit respectively.

Optionally, the first section of the barrier and the second section of the barrier may each have a circular cross-section.

Optionally, the radius at the edge of the first section of the barrier and the radius at the opposing edge of the second section of the barrier may be substantially the same. Optionally, the radius at the edge of the first section of the barrier and the radius at the opposing edge of the second section of the barrier may be substantially different. Optionally, the first conduit and the second conduit may be arranged to direct a gas 10 flow According to a second aspect of the disclosure there is provided gas turbine engine comprising a first gas conduit, a second gas conduit and the joint of the first aspect of the disclosure connecting the first gas conduit to the second gas conduit.

Optionally, the gas turbine engine may comprise a core and an exhaust, the core comprising a compressor, a combustor and a turbine within a casing, wherein the first gas conduit and the second gas conduit are each formed from one of a portion of the casing of the core or a portion of a casing of the exhaust.

According to a third aspect of the disclosure there is provided a component for constructing a barrier comprising: a barrier section; a plurality of flexible elongate members extending from an edge of the barrier section; and a sleeve member; wherein the plurality of flexible elongate members each have an end not attached to the barrier section; and the sleeve member encases a plurality of the ends not attached to the barrier section.

Examples of the disclosure will now be described by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a gas turbine engine that may include a joint according to the

present disclosure;

Figures 2a and 2b show a cross-sectional view of a first example of a joint of the present disclosure; Figure 3 shows a different view of the first example of a joint of the present

disclosure;

Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a second example of a joint of the present disclosure; Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a third example of a joint of the present disclosure; Figure 6 shows a fourth example of ajoint of the present disclosure; Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view in an axial direction of a fifth example of a joint of the present disclosure; Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a sixth example of a joint of the present

disclosure.

With reference to Figure 1, a ducted fan gas turbine engine generally indicated at 10 has a principal and rotational axis X-X. The engine 10 comprises, in axial flow series, an air intake 11; a compressive fan 12 (which may also be referred to as a low pressure compressor); a core comprising an intermediate pressure compressor 13, a high-pressure compressor 14, combustion equipment 15, a high-pressure turbine 16, an intermediate pressure turbine 17, and a low-pressure turbine 18; and a core exhaust nozzle 19. The engine also has a bypass duct 22 and a bypass exhaust nozzle 23.

The gas turbine engine 10 works in a conventional manner so that the air entering the intake 11 is accelerated by the fan 12 to produce two air flows; a first air flow A into the intermediate pressure compressor 13 and a second air flow B which passes through the bypass duct 22 to provide propulsive thrust. The intermediate pressure compressor 13 compresses the air flow A directed into it before delivering that air to the high pressure compressor 14 where further compression takes place. The compressed air exhausted from the high-pressure compressor 14 is directed into the combustion equipment 15 where it is mixed with fuel and the mixture combusted. The resulting hot combustion products then expand through, and thereby drive the high, intermediate and low-pressure turbines 16, 17 and 18 before being exhausted through the nozzle 19 to provide additional propulsive thrust. The high, intermediate and low-pressure turbines 16, 17, 18 respectively drive the high and intermediate pressure compressors, 14, 13 and the fan 12 by suitable interconnecting shafts.

Within the gas turbine engine 10, structures may form barriers arranged to direct one or more gas flows. The gas may be one or more of air, fuel and exhaust gas. A first section of a barrier and a second section of a barrier may be connected by ajoint according to the present disclosure.

The first section of the barrier and the second section of the barrier may be any shape. For example the sections may be flat or curved and/or may form a conduit. The sections may have cylindrical symmetry, for example the sections may be cylindrical, conical, frustoconical or may have a more complex shape combining, cylindrical, conical or frustoconical portions. The sections may have a circular cross-section. The sections may have a square, rectangular or otherwise polygonal cross section. The first section of the barrier and the second section of the barrier may have the same cross-sectional shape at opposing edges, for example both edges may be circular or square. The first section of the barrier and the second section of the barrier may have the same cross-sectional area at opposing edges, for example both edges may be circular with the same radius. The first section of the barrier and the second section of the barrier may have different cross-sectional areas at opposing edges, for example both edges may be circular with different radii. The first section of the barrier and the second section of the barrier may have substantially the same cross-section at opposing edges or may have a substantially different cross section.

The sections may be part of an internal barrier internally defining a substantially annular gas flow and/or may be an outer barrier externally defining a substantially annular gas flow or cylindrical pipe flow. For example, the first section of the barrier and the second section of the barrier may respectively be portions of a casing of the core of a gas turbine engine 10. Alternatively, the first section of the barrier may be a portion of a casing of the core and the second section of the barrier may be a portion of an exhaust nozzle 19. Alternatively, the first section of the barrier and the second section of the barrier may respectively be a portion of a casing of a bypass duct 22 or bypass exhaust nozzle 23. Alternatively, the first section of the barrier and the second section of the barrier may be a portion of adjacent components, liners or casings within the core of a gas turbine engine 10. It will be appreciated that the barrier sections are not limited to these examples.

The first section of the barrier and the second section of the barrier may be arranged such that they are able to move relative to each other. This relative movement may be due to thermal expansion, mechanical and aerodynamic loading, manufacturing tolerances or assembly tolerances, for example. The degree of freedom of the relative movement may be in three orthogonal directions (for example, DI, D2 and D3 in Figures 2a, 2b and 3), in two orthogonal directions only or in one direction only. The relative movement may be limited to about 0.03m in any direction. The relative movement may also include a component of rotational movement about an axis such as, for example, a central axis of two barrier sections having cylindrical symmetry.

Figures 2a and 2b show a joint 100 which is an example of the present disclosure. As shown, the joint 100 connects a first section of a barrier 110 and a second section of a bather 120. The joint 100 comprises a plurality of flexible elongate members 130 extending between an edge 111 of the first section of the barrier 110 and an opposing edge 121 of the second section of the barrier 120. A first end 131 of the flexible elongate members 130, adjacent the edge 111 of the first section 110, is moveable relative to the edge 111 of the first section of the barrier 110.

As shown in the example illustrated by Figures 2a and 2b, a second end 132 of the flexible elongate members 130 may be fixed relative to the edge 121 of the second section of the barrier 120. If the barrier sections 110, 120 are arranged to direct a gas flow on one or both sides of the barrier sections 110, 120, the second end 132 of the flexible elongate members 130, fixed relative to the edge 121 of the second section of the barrier 120, may be at a downstream end of the gas flow relative to the first end 131. Alternatively, the second end 132 may be at an upstream end of the gas flow relative to the first end 131. The second end 132 of the flexible elongate members 130 may be fixed to the second section of the barrier 120 by any suitable means. For example, the flexible elongate members 130 may be embedded into the edge 121 of the second section of the barrier 120 as shown in Figures 2a and 2b. Alternatively, the flexible elongate members may be welded to the edge 121 of the second section of the barrier 120 or may be clamped to the edge 121 of the second section of the barrier 120. Alternatively, two flexible elongate members 130 may be formed from a single flexible elongate piece wherein a first end of the flexible elongate piece forms a first end 131 of one flexible elongate member 130 and a second end of the flexible elongate piece forms a first end 131 of a second flexible elongate member 130. A central portion of the flexible elongate piece, between the two ends of the flexible elongate piece may be embedded in the second section of the barrier 120. In this way the flexible elongate member 130 may be looped into the edge 121 of the second section of the barrier 120 to fix it in place. The flexible elongate members 130 may additionally be fixed for example by welding or clamping the elongate members 130 to the edge 121.

As shown in a second example of the present disclosure depicted in Figure 4 the second end 132 of the flexible elongate members 130 adjacent to the edge 121 of the second section of the barrier 120 may be moveable relative to the edge 121 of the second section of the barrier 120. Therefore, both ends 131, 132 of the flexible elongate members are moveable relative to respective adjacent edges 111, 121.

In both the first and second examples, relative movement of the first section of the barrier 110 and the second section of the barrier 120 in a first direction D1 is accommodated by flexure of the flexible elongate members 130, as shown in Figure 2b.

The first direction Dl may correspond to a thickness direction of the section of the bather 110,120 such as, for example, a radial direction for a cylindrically symmetric section. In the first example, relative movement between the first section of the barrier 110 and the second section of the barrier 120 in a second direction D2, orthogonal to the first direction Dl, is accommodated by movement of the first end 131 of the flexible elongate members relative to the edge 111 of the first section of the barrier 110, also as shown in Figure 2b. The second direction D2 may correspond to a direction from the edge 111 of the first section of the barrier 110 to the opposing edge 121 of the second section of the barrier 120, e.g. a length direction of the sections of the barriers 110,120 or an axial direction for cylindrically symmetric sections. In the second example, relative movement of the first section of the barrier 110 relative to the second section of the barrier 120 in the second direction D2 is accommodated by movement of the first end 131 of the flexible elongate member 130 relative to the edge 111 of the first section of the barrier 110 and/or movement of the second end 132 of the flexible elongate members 130 relative to the edge 121 of the second section of the barrier 120. Relative movement between the first section of the barrier 110 and the second section of the barrier 120 in a third direction D3, orthogonal to the first and second directions Dl, D2 may be accommodated by the flexure of the flexible elongate members 130 and/or movement of the first end 131 of the flexible elongate members 130 relative to the edge 111 of the first section of the barrier 110 and/or movement of the second end 132 of the flexible elongate members 130 relative to the edge 121 of the second section of the barrier 120. The third direction D3 may correspond to a direction along an edge 111,121 of a section of a barrier 110,120, e.g. a width direction of the section 110,120 or a circumferential direction for a cylindrically symmetric section. Movement in the third direction D3 may be relative rotation of the two barrier section 110, 120 about an axis, for example an axis parallel to the second direction D2.

As shown in Figures 2a, 2b and 4 the moveable ends 131,132 of the flexible elongate members 130 may be contained in a concave portion 112,122 of the adjacent edge 111,121 of a section of a barrier 120,130. The moveable end 131,132 of the flexible elongate members 130 may move freely within the concave portion 112,122 in two perpendicular directions, namely the second direction D2 and the third direction D3 but may be constrained in another perpendicular direction, namely the first direction D1, in this example. The concave portion 112, 122 may constrain the flexible elongate members such that there is a clearance (gap) between the flexible elongate members 130 (or sleeve member 140, described below) and the internal walls of the concave portion 112, 122.

The amount of clearance can be chosen for a desired flow of gas through the joint, for example a larger clearance may result in more gas flow through the joint. Frictional forces may act between the flexible elongate members 130 (or sleeve member 140, described below) and the internal walls of the concave portion 112, 113. The amount of frictional force may affect the compliance of the joint to relative movement between the barrier sections 110, 120. The amount of frictional force may be set by selecting a particular clearance.

The concave portion 112, 122 may be chamfered at an edge or edges near the opening of the concave portion to facilitate insertion of the flexible elongate members 130.

In an alternative example, the first ends 131 of the flexible elongate members 130 may be arranged to abut a face 113 of the adjacent first section of the barrier 110 as depicted in Figure 5. The abutting face may be formed by a cut-out portion 114 of the edge 111 of the barrier 110, having a thickness less than the thickness of the first section of the barrier 110 at a portion adjacent to the cut-out portion 114 so as to expose part of the first end 131 of the flexible elongate members on one side of the first section of the barrier.

In other words, the cut-out portion extends from one face of the first section of the barrier portion 110, so as to leave an overhang. In this example, the second end 132 of the flexible elongate members 130 may be fixed to the edge 121 of the second barrier section 120 or may be moveable within a concave portion 122 of the edge 121 as described previously.

The concave portions 112, 122 and /or cut-out portion 114 may reduce the disturbance of gas flow on either side of the joint compared to a flat edge. The concave portions 112, 122 and /or cut-out portion 114 may provide a more streamlined flow of gas compared to a flat edge. The concave portions 112, 122 and /or cut-out portion 114 may reduce the gas flow from one side of the barrier sections 110, 120 to the other side of the barrier sections 110, 120, compared to a flat edge, by providing a longer and/or more arduous path for gas to flow along.

As described above, relative movement of the first section of the barrier 110 and the second section of the barrier 120 in various directions may be accommodated by movement of the first end 131 and/or second end 132 of the flexible elongate members 130 relative to the edges 111 or 121 of the first section of the bather 110 and/or the section of the barrier 120. This relative movement may be in the form of movement of the ends 131,132 of the flexible elongate members 130 (or sleeve member 140) in various directions within the concave portions 112, 122 and /or cut-out portion 114. This movement may be, for example, a sliding movement (e.g. in the second direction D2 or the third direction D3) of the ends 131 132 of the flexible elongate members 130 (or sleeve member 140).

In all of the presented examples, the plurality of flexible elongate members 130 bridge a gap between the first section of the barrier 110 and the second section of the barrier 120, thus providing at least a partial sealing function at the gap. The flexible elongate members 130 may reduce the rate of gas flowing between one side of a section of a barrier 110,120 and the opposite side of a section of a barrier 110,120 compared to an open gap. The plurality of elongate members 130 may provide minimal or negligible load transfer between the first section of the barrier 110 and the second section of the barrier 120. As such, a barrier may be provided whilst relative movement between barrier sections is allowed.

As shown in Figure 3, the flexible elongate members 130 may extend towards an edge 111,121 of a section of a barrier 110,120 in a direction orthogonal to a direction along the edge 111,121. For a cylindrical barrier section 110,120 the flexible elongate members 130 may extend in an axial direction. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 6 the flexible elongate members 130 may extend towards an edge 111,121 of a section of a barrier 110,120 at an oblique angle to a direction along the edge 111,121. For a cylindrical barrier section 110,120, the flexible elongate members may extend obliquely relative to the axial direction such that they are displaced in a circumferential direction relative to the axial direction. The angle a of the flexible elongate members 130 relative to a direction along the edge 111,121 of a section of a barrier may be adjusted to encourage flexure of the flexible elongate members 130. Further the angle a may be adjusted to control the rate of gas flow from one side of the barrier 110,120 to the opposite side of a section of a section of a barrier 110,120. A larger angle a results in a smaller rate of gas flow. In another alternative, the flexible elongate members 130 may extend towards an edge 111,121 of a section of a barrier 110,120 at a mixture of angles, optionally in layers in which the flexible elongate members 130 have the same angle.

As shown in Figures 2a and 2b the flexible elongate members 130 may comprise a plurality of bristles. These may be thin, long wires of a suitably flexible (or stiff) material.

The bristle material may be metallic or non-metallic and may be selected based on temperature application, fatigability requirements, joint compliance requirements and cost. For example, bristles made of Inconel TM (a metal alloy with a primary constituent of nickel and a secondary constituent of chromium, typically 40%-75% by mass of nickel, 14%-25% by mass of chromium and the remainder including tertiary metal or non-metal elements) could be used in the high temperature environments found in gas turbines. Other metals, ceramics, non-metallic fibres, composites or elastomers may also be used. A plurality of bristles may be arranged in a thickness direction of the sections of the barriers 110,120 as well as along the edges 111,121 of the barrier 110,120. Bristle stiffness, length, diameter, thickness, spacing, number, and density (i.e. number of bristles in a given area) can be selected for a desired rate of gas flow from one side of a section of a barrier 110,120 to the opposite side of a section of a barrier 110, 120 and/or for a desired compliance of the joint to relative movement between barrier sections 110,120. For example, the compliance of the joint could range from highly compliant, allowing a relatively large amount of relative movement, and having relatively flexible bristles to lowly compliant, allowing a relatively small amount of relative movement, and having relatively stiff bristles.

The flexible elongate members 130 may alternatively or additionally comprise a plurality of plates. The plates may be flat or curved to match the shape of the edge of a barrier section. The plates may have a length and width which is substantially greater than a thickness. The plate material may be metallic or non-metallic and may be selected based on temperature application, fatigability requirements, joint compliance requirements and cost. For example, Inconel IM plates could be used in the high temperature environments found in gas turbines. Other metals, ceramics, composites or elastomers may also be used. A plurality of plates may be arranged along the edges 111,121 of the barriers 110,120.

Plate stiffness, length, width, thickness, spacing, number, and density (i.e. number of plates in a given area) can be selected for a desired rate of gas flow from one side of a section of a barrier 110,120 to the opposite side of a section of a barrier 110,120 and/or for a desired compliance of the joint to relative movement between bather sections 110,120. Ends of the plates which may be arranged to be contained in a concave portion 112,122 of an adjacent edge 111,121 of a section of a barrier 110,120, may be chamfered to assist in assembly of the joint 100.

The flexible elongate members 130 may alternatively or additionally comprise a plurality of finger-shaped members. The finger-shaped members may have a length which is substantially greater than a width and a thickness. The finger-shaped members may have a width and a thickness greater than one third of a thickness of the first section of the bather and the second section of the barrier. The finger-shaped member material may be metallic or non-metallic and may be selected based on temperature application, fatigability requirements, joint compliance requirements and cost. For example, Inconel mil finger-shaped members could be used in the high temperature environments found in gas turbines.

Other metals, ceramics, composites or elastomers may also be used. A plurality of finger-shaped members may be arranged along an edge 111,121 of the barrier 110,120. Finger-shaped member stiffness, length, width, thickness, spacing, number, and density (i.e. number of plates in a given area) can be selected for a desired rate of gas flow from one side of a section of a barrier 110,120 to the opposite side of a section of a barrier 110)20, and/or for a desired joint compliance to relative movement between barrier sections 110,120.

As shown in Figures 2a, 2b and 4 the joint 100 may comprise a sleeve member 140 at one or each end 131, 132 of the flexible elongate members 130 that is moveable relative to an adjacent edge 111, 121 of a section of the barrier 110, 120. The sleeve member 140 may encase the ends 131, 132 of a plurality of flexible elongate members 130 that are moveable relative to an adjacent edge 111, 121 of a section of the bather 110, 120. The sleeve member 140 may group together a plurality of flexible elongate members HO to aid the insertion of the ends of the flexible elongate members 130 into a concave portion 112, 122 of the edge 111, 121 of a section of a barrier 110, 120 and/or prevent damage to the flexible elongate members 130. The sleeve member 140 may be permanently or semi-permanently attached to the flexible elongate members 130, for example it may be crimped, clamped, sprung, friction fit or welded to the plurality of flexible elongate members 130. The sleeve member 140 may encase all the flexible elongate members 130 or a subset of the plurality of flexible elongate members 130. Multiple sleeves members may be provided, each sleeve member 140 encasing a different subset of the plurality of flexible elongate members 130.

A component for constructing a barrier can include a bather section 120, having the flexible elongate members 130 with the sleeve member 140 pre-attached. This allows for easy assembly with other barrier components having a suitable concave portion (e.g. another barrier section 110).

Figure 7 shows an arrangement of sleeve members 140 from an axial direction for a cylindrical section of a barrier 110, multiple sleeve members 140a-140h (eight in this example) are provided over the full circumference of the joint 100. Each subset of flexible elongate members 130 may move independently of the others relative to an adjacent edge 111, 121 of a barrier section 110, 120. The sleeve member 140 may be provided with chamfered edges to assist in engagement with the concave portion 112,122 of the edge of a section of a barrier 110,120. The sleeve member 140 may be formed from a sheet of material bent around the ends 131, 132 of the flexible elongate members 130. The sleeve member 140 may have a thin cross-sectional thickness compared to the thickness of the flexible elongate members 130 enclosed. The sleeve member 140 may be made from material with a high temperature capability, e.g. Inconel TM The sleeve member 140 may be metal or non-metal.

Figures 2a and 2b show a joint 100 where the first section of the barrier 110 and the second section of the barrier 120 are aligned. This arrangement might correspond to cylindrical sections having the same radius at the opposing edges 111,121. However, the edges 111,121 of the sections may not be aligned, e.g. the radii at opposing edges may be different. Figure 8 shows such an arrangement in a sixth example of the disclosure.

The joint 100 of the present disclosure may provide improved propulsion from a gas turbine engine and improved efficiency by controlling the gas flow through the joint 100. The joint 100 of the present disclosure may reduce temperature loss and pressure reduction between gas flows. The joint 100 of the present disclosure may allow relative movement in three dimensions reducing mechanical stress on structures.

The joint 100 of the present disclosure may allow control of gas flow through the joint 100 providing functions of a cooling gas flow, a bleed gas flow, or a complete seal. A cooling gas flow may be provided between a first gas flow on one side of the barrier sections 110, 120 and a second gas flow on the other side of the barrier sections 110, 120, where the first gas flow is at a lower temperature than the first gas flow. The cooler gas flowing through the joint 100 may provide cooling to the barrier section on the side of the second gas flow, downstream of the joint. The cooling gas flow may not reduce the overall temperature of the second gas flow but may form a film of cooler gas at the surface of the bather section downstream of the joint, thus cooling the barrier section. This may reduce thermal stresses on the barrier section.

A bleed gas flow may be provided between a first gas flow on one side of the barrier sections 110, 120 and a second gas flow on the other side of the barrier sections 110, 120, where the first gas flow is at a higher pressure or has a higher mass flow than the first gas flow. The bleed gas flow may reduce the pressure or mass flow of the first gas flow downstream of the joint 100. This may be used to improve the performance of a gas turbine engine.

The joint 100 of the present disclosure may also reduce or prevent the transmission of vibrations from one barrier section to another. A single barrier (e.g. casings, ducts or liners) may be subject to vibrations which may reduce performance or damage the barrier. The single barrier may be replaced by first and second barrier sections connected by the joint 100 of the present disclosure. The joint 100 may be configured such that vibration of one barrier section is not transmitted to (or is attenuated between) the second barrier section (or vice versa). The joint 100 may simultaneously prevent gas flow from one side of the barrier sections to the other side of the barrier sections.

Although the above description primarily relates to a gas turbine engine it will be appreciated that the joint of the present disclosure is not limited to use within a gas turbine engine.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A joint (100) for connecting a first section of a barrier (110) and a second section of a barrier (120), the joint (100) comprising: a plurality of flexible elongate members (130) extending between an edge (111) of the first section (110) and an opposing edge (121) of a second section (120), wherein a first end (131) of the flexible elongate members (HO), adjacent the edge (1 11) of the first section (110), is moveable relative to the edge (111) of the first section of the barrier (110).
2. The joint (100) of claim 1, wherein a second end (132) of the flexible elongate members (130) is fixed relative to the edge (121) of the second section of the barrier (120).
3. The joint (100) of claim 2, wherein each second end (132) of the flexible elongate members (130) are either welded to, clamped to, or embedded into the edge (121) of the second section of the barrier (120).
4. The joint (100) of claim 3, wherein two flexible elongate members (130) are formed from a single flexible elongate piece wherein a first end of the flexible elongate piece forms a first end (131) of one flexible elongate member (130), a second end of the flexible elongate piece forms a first end (131) of a second flexible elongate member (130), and a central portion of the flexible elongate piece, between the two ends of the flexible elongate piece is embedded in the second section of the barrier (120).
5. The joint (100) of claim 1, wherein a second end (132) of the flexible elongate members (130), adjacent the edge (121) of the second section (120), is moveable relative to the edge (121) of the second section of the barrier (120).
6. The joint (100) of any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein at least one end (131, 132) of the flexible elongate members (130) which is moveable relative to an adjacent edge (111, 121) of a section of a barrier (110,120) is contained in a concave portion (112,122) of the adjacent edge (111,120) of the section of the barrier.
7 The joint (100) of claim 6, further comprising a sleeve member (140) encasing the ends (131,132) of a plurality of the flexible elongate members (130) which are moveable relative to an adjacent edge (111,121) of a section of a barrier (110,120).
8 The joint (100) of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the end of the flexible elongate members (130) moveable relative to an adjacent edge (111) of a section of a barrier (110) is arranged to abut a face (113) of the adjacent section of the barrier (110).
9. The joint (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible elongate members (130) extend towards an edge (111, 121) of a section of a barrier in a direction orthogonal to a direction along the edge (111,121).
10. The joint (100) of any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the flexible elongate members (130) extend towards an edge (111,121) of a section of a barrier (110,120) at an oblique angle to a direction along the edge (110,120).
11. The joint (100) of any one of the preceding claims wherein the flexible elongate members (130) comprise a plurality of bristles 12. The joint (100) of any one of the preceding claims wherein the flexible elongate members (130) comprise a plurality of plates.13. The joint (100) of any one of the preceding claims wherein the flexible elongate members (130) comprise a plurality of finger-shaped members.14. The joint (100) of any one of the preceding claims wherein the first section of the barrier (110) and the second section of the barrier (120) form a first conduit and a second conduit respectively.15. The joint (100) of claim 14 wherein the first section of the barrier (110) and the second section of the barrier (120) each have a circular cross-section.16. The joint (100) of claim 15 wherein the radius at the edge (111) of the first section of the barrier (110) and the radius at the opposing edge (121) of the second section of the barrier (120) are substantially the same.17. The joint (100) of claim 15 wherein the radius at the edge (111) of the first section of the barrier (110) and the radius at the opposing edge (121) of the second section of the barrier (120) are substantially different.18. The joint (100) of any one of claims 14 to 17 wherein the first conduit and the second conduit are arranged to direct a gas flow.19. A gas turbine engine (10) comprising a first gas conduit, a second gas conduit and the joint (100) of claim 18 connecting the first gas conduit to the second gas conduit.20. The gas turbine engine (10) of claim 19 comprising a core and an exhaust nozzle (19) the core comprising a compressor (13,14), a combustor (15) and a turbine (16,17,18) within a casing, wherein the first gas conduit and the second gas conduit are each formed from one of a portion of the casing of the core or a portion of a casing of the exhaust nozzle (19).21. A component for constructing a barrier comprising: a barrier section (120); a plurality of flexible elongate members (130) extending from an edge (121) of the barrier section (120); and a sleeve member (140) wherein the plurality of flexible elongate members (130) each have an end (131) not attached to the barrier section (120); and the sleeve member (140) encases a plurality of the ends (131) not attached to the barrier section (120).22. A joint (100) as configured and arranged as hereinbefore described with reference to and/or as illustrated in the accompanying figures.23. A gas turbine engine (10) as configured and arranged as hereinbefore described with reference to and/or as illustrated in the accompanying figures.24. A component for constructing a barrier as configured and arranged as hereinbefore described with reference to and/or as illustrated in the accompanying figures.Amendments to the claims have been made as follows:CLAIMS1. A joint (100) for connecting a first section of a barrier (110) and a second section of a barrier (120), the joint (100) comprising: a plurality of flexible elongate members (130) extending between an edge (111) of the first section (110) and an opposing edge (121) of a second section (120), wherein a first end (131) of the flexible elongate members (HO), adjacent the edge (1 11) of the first section (110), is moveable relative to the edge (111) of the first section of the barrier (110), and wherein two flexible elongate members (130) are formed from a single flexible elongate piece, a first end of the flexible elongate piece forms a first end (131) of one flexible elongate member (130), a second end of the flexible elongate piece forms a first end (131) of a second flexible elongate member (130), the second end (132) of the flexible elongate members (130) is fixed relative to the edge (121) of the second section of the barrier (120), and a central portion of the flexible elongate piece, between the two ends of the flexible elongate piece is embedded in the second section of the barrier (120).2. The joint (100) of claim 1, wherein each second end (132) of the flexible elongate members (130) are either welded to, clamped to, or embedded into the edge (121) of the second section of the barrier (120).C\I 3. The joint (100) of claim 1, wherein a second end (132) of the flexible elongate members (130), adjacent the edge (121) of the second section (120), is moveable relative to the edge (121) of the second section of the barrier (120).4. The joint (100) of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein at least one end (131, 132) of the flexible elongate members (130) which is moveable relative to an adjacent edge (111, 121) of a section of a barrier (110,120) is contained in a concave portion (112,122) of the adjacent edge (111,120) of the section of the barrier.5. The joint (100) of claim 4, further comprising a sleeve member (140) encasing the ends (131,132) of a plurality of the flexible elongate members (130) which are moveable relative to an adjacent edge (111,121) of a section of a barrier (110,120) 6. The joint (100) of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the end of the flexible elongate members (130) moveable relative to an adjacent edge (111) of a section of a barrier (110) is arranged to abut a face (113) of the adjacent section of the barrier (110).7 The joint (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible elongate members (130) extend towards an edge (111, 121) of a section of a barrier in a direction orthogonal to a direction along the edge (111,121).8. The joint (100) of any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the flexible elongate members (130) extend towards an edge (111,121) of a section of a barrier (110,120) at an oblique angle to a direction along the edge (110,120).9. The joint (100) of any one of the preceding claims wherein the flexible elongate members (130) comprise a plurality of bristles. 15 to 10. The joint (100) of any one of the preceding claims wherein the flexible elongate members (130) comprise a plurality of plates.11. The joint (100) of any one of the preceding claims wherein the flexible elongate members (130) comprise a plurality of finger-shaped members.
12. The joint (100) of any one of the preceding claims wherein the first section of the bather (110) and the second section of the barrier (120) form a first conduit and a second conduit respectively.
13. The joint (100) of claim 12 wherein the first section of the barrier (110) and the second section of the barrier (120) each have a circular cross-section.
14. The joint (100) of claim 13 wherein the radius at the edge (1 1 1) of the first section of the barrier (110) and the radius at the opposing edge (121) of the second section of the bather (120) are substantially the same.
15. The joint (100) of claim 13 wherein the radius at the edge (111) of the first section of the barrier (110) and the radius at the opposing edge (121) of the second section of the barrier (120) are substantially different.
16. The joint (100) of any one of claims 12 to 15 wherein the first conduit and the second conduit are arranged to direct a gas flow.
17. A gas turbine engine (10) comprising a first gas conduit, a second gas conduit and the joint (100) of claim 16 connecting the first gas conduit to the second gas conduit. 10
18. The gas turbine engine (10) of claim 17 comprising a core and an exhaust nozzle (19) the core comprising a compressor (13,14), a combustor (15) and a turbine (16,17,18) within a casing, wherein the first gas conduit and the second gas conduit are each formed from one of a portion of the casing of the core or a portion of a casing of the exhaust nozzle (19).
19. A joint (100) as configured and arranged as hereinbefore described with reference to and/or as illustrated in the accompanying figures.
20. A gas turbine engine (10) as configured and arranged as hereinbefore described C\J with reference to and/or as illustrated in the accompanying figures.