U.S. patent application number 15/470252 was filed with the patent office on 2018-09-27 for squeeze film damper with low pressure reservoirs.
The applicant listed for this patent is United Technologies Corporation. Invention is credited to Alan J. Goetschius, Daniel L. Gysling, David B. Hudson, Robert J. Morris, Gregory M. Savela, Christopher J. Zuck.
Application Number | 20180274588 15/470252 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 61628244 |
Filed Date | 2018-09-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180274588 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hudson; David B. ; et
al. |
September 27, 2018 |
SQUEEZE FILM DAMPER WITH LOW PRESSURE RESERVOIRS
Abstract
A squeeze film damper includes a static member and a whirling
member positioned adjacent to the static member. A gap is formed
between the static member and the whirling member. A pressurized
oil reservoir is formed in the gap between the static member and
the whirling member. A first low pressure oil reservoir is formed
in a first cavity in the whirling member, wherein the first low
pressure oil reservoir is positioned on a first end of the
pressurized oil reservoir. A second low pressure oil reservoir is
formed in a second cavity in the whirling member, wherein the
second low pressure oil reservoir is positioned on a second end of
the pressurized oil reservoir. A first primary seal is positioned
between the first end of the pressurized oil reservoir and the
first low pressure oil reservoir, and a second primary seal is
positioned between the second end of the pressurized oil reservoir
and the second low pressure oil reservoir.
Inventors: |
Hudson; David B.; (Tequesta,
FL) ; Savela; Gregory M.; (Stuart, FL) ;
Morris; Robert J.; (Portland, CT) ; Zuck; Christopher
J.; (Stevenson Ranch, CA) ; Gysling; Daniel L.;
(South Glastonbury, CT) ; Goetschius; Alan J.;
(Amston, CT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
United Technologies Corporation |
Farmington |
CT |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
61628244 |
Appl. No.: |
15/470252 |
Filed: |
March 27, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F04D 29/04 20130101;
F01D 25/166 20130101; F02C 7/06 20130101; F16F 15/0237 20130101;
F16F 15/161 20130101; F16C 2360/23 20130101; F16C 27/02 20130101;
F16C 27/045 20130101; F16C 33/743 20130101; F01D 25/00 20130101;
F16C 27/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F16C 27/04 20060101
F16C027/04; F16C 27/02 20060101 F16C027/02; F02C 7/06 20060101
F02C007/06 |
Claims
1. A squeeze film damper comprising: a static member; a whirling
member positioned adjacent to the static member, wherein a gap is
formed between the static member and the whirling member; a
pressurized oil reservoir formed in the gap between the static
member and the whirling member; a first low pressure oil reservoir
formed in a first cavity in the whirling member, wherein the first
low pressure oil reservoir is positioned on a first end of the
pressurized oil reservoir, and wherein the whirling member forms a
first sidewall and a second sidewall of the first cavity; a second
low pressure oil reservoir formed in a second cavity in the
whirling member, wherein the second low pressure oil reservoir is
positioned on a second end of the pressurized oil reservoir, and
wherein the whirling member forms a third sidewall and a fourth
sidewall of the second cavity; a first primary seal positioned
between the first end of the pressurized oil reservoir and the
first low pressure oil reservoir; and a second primary seal
positioned between the second end of the pressurized oil reservoir
and the second low pressure oil reservoir.
2. The squeeze film damper of claim 1, wherein: the first primary
seal includes a first piston ring positioned in a cavity in the
whirling member, wherein the first piston ring forms a seal between
the whirling member and the static member; and the second primary
seal includes a second piston ring positioned in a cavity in the
whirling member, wherein the second piston ring forms a seal
between the whirling member and the static member.
3. The squeeze film damper of claim 1, and further comprising: a
first auxiliary seal positioned adjacent to the first low pressure
oil reservoir opposite the first primary seal; and a second
auxiliary seal positioned adjacent to the second low pressure oil
reservoir opposite the second primary seal.
4. The squeeze film damper of claim 3, wherein: the first auxiliary
seal includes a third piston ring positioned in a cavity in the
whirling member, wherein the third piston ring forms a seal between
the whirling member and the static member; and the second auxiliary
seal includes a fourth piston ring positioned in a cavity in the
whirling member, wherein the fourth piston ring forms a seal
between the whirling member and the static member.
5. The squeeze film damper of claim 1, and further comprising: an
oil supply channel extending through the static member to the gap
between the static member and whirling member, wherein the oil
supply channel supplies oil to the pressurized oil reservoir.
6. The squeeze film damper of claim 5, wherein the oil in the
pressurized oil reservoir moves across the first primary seal to
the first low pressure oil reservoir, and wherein the oil in the
pressurized oil reservoir moves across the second primary seal to
the second low pressure oil reservoir.
7. A machine comprising: a static member; a whirling member
positioned adjacent to the static member; and a squeeze film damper
formed with the static member and the whirling member, wherein the
squeeze film damper comprises: a gap between the static member and
the whirling member; a pressurized oil reservoir formed in the gap
between the static member and the whirling member; a first oil
cavity formed in the whirling member on a first end of the
pressurized oil reservoir, and wherein the whirling member forms a
first sidewall and a second sidewall of the first oil cavity; a
second oil cavity formed in the whirling member on a second end of
the pressurized oil reservoir, and wherein the whirling member
forms a third sidewall and a fourth sidewall of the second oil
cavity; a first low pressure oil reservoir formed in the first oil
cavity in the static member; and a second low pressure oil
reservoir formed in the second oil cavity in the static member. a
first primary seal positioned between the first end of the
pressurized oil reservoir and the first low pressure oil reservoir;
and a second primary seal positioned between the second end of the
pressurized oil reservoir and the second low pressure oil
reservoir.
8. The machine of claim 7, wherein: the first primary seal includes
a first piston ring positioned in a cavity in the whirling member,
wherein the first piston ring forms a seal between the whirling
member and the static member; and the second primary seal includes
a second piston ring positioned in a cavity in the whirling member,
wherein the second piston ring forms a seal between the whirling
member and the static member.
9. The machine of claim 7, and further comprising: a first
auxiliary seal positioned adjacent to the first low pressure oil
reservoir opposite the first primary seal; and a second auxiliary
seal positioned adjacent to the second low pressure oil reservoir
opposite the second primary seal.
10. The machine of claim 9, wherein: the first auxiliary seal
includes a third piston ring positioned in a cavity in the whirling
member, wherein the third piston ring forms a seal between the
whirling member and the static member; and the second auxiliary
seal includes a fourth piston ring positioned in a cavity in the
whirling member, wherein the fourth piston ring forms a seal
between the whirling member and the static member.
11. The machine of claim 7, and further comprising: an oil supply
channel extending through the static member to the gap between the
static member and whirling member, wherein the oil supply channel
supplies oil to the pressurized oil reservoir.
12. The machine of claim 11, wherein the oil in the pressurized oil
reservoir moves across the first primary seal to the first low
pressure oil reservoir, and wherein the oil in the pressurized oil
reservoir moves across the second primary seal to the second low
pressure oil reservoir.
13. The machine of claim 7, wherein the whirling member is a shaft,
wherein the static member is a housing, and further comprising: a
fan section mounted on the shaft; a compressor section, wherein a
first portion of the compressor section is mounted on the shaft and
a second portion of the compressor section is mounted to the
housing; a combustor section mounted to the housing; and a turbine
section, wherein a first portion of the turbine section is mounted
on the shaft and a second portion of the turbine section is mounted
to the housing; wherein the squeeze film damper is positioned
between the shaft and the housing.
14. A method comprising: supplying oil to a pressurized oil
reservoir formed in a gap between a whirling member and a static
member; supplying oil to a first low pressure oil reservoir
positioned on a first end of the pressurized oil reservoir, wherein
the first low pressure oil reservoir is formed in a first cavity,
and wherein the whirling member forms a first sidewall and a second
sidewall of the first cavity; supplying oil to a second low
pressure reservoir positioned on a second end of the pressurized
oil reservoir, wherein the second low pressure oil reservoir is
formed in a second cavity, and wherein the whirling member forms a
third sidewall and a fourth sidewall of the second cavity;
positioning a first primary seal between the first end of the
pressurized oil reservoir and the first low pressure oil reservoir;
positioning a second primary seal between the second end of the
pressurized oil reservoir and the second low pressure oil
reservoir; whirling the whirling member about a center axis; and
maintaining the oil pressure in the pressurized oil reservoir.
15. The method of claim 14, and further comprising: positioning a
first auxiliary seal adjacent to the first low pressure oil
reservoir opposite the first primary seal; and positioning a second
auxiliary seal adjacent to the second low pressure oil reservoir
opposite the second primary seal.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein: positioning a first primary
seal includes placing a piston ring in a first primary seal cavity
in the whirling member; positioning a second primary seal includes
placing a piston ring in a second primary seal cavity in the
whirling member; positioning a first auxiliary seal includes
placing a piston ring in a first auxiliary seal cavity in the
whirling member; and positioning a second auxiliary seal includes
placing a piston ring in a second auxiliary seal cavity in the
whirling member.
17. The method of claim 14, wherein supplying oil to the
pressurized oil reservoir includes moving oil through an oil supply
channel in the static member to the gap between the whirling member
and the static member.
18. The method of claim 14, wherein: supplying oil to the first low
pressure oil reservoir includes moving oil from the pressurized oil
reservoir across the first primary seal to the first low pressure
oil reservoir; and supplying oil to the second low pressure oil
reservoir includes moving oil from the pressurized oil reservoir
across the second primary seal to the second low pressure oil
reservoir.
19. The method of claim 14, wherein maintaining the oil pressure in
the pressurized oil reservoir includes preventing air from leaking
across the first primary seal and the second primary seal into the
pressurized oil reservoir.
20. The method of claim 14, wherein the first low pressure oil
reservoir is formed in a first oil cavity in the whirling member,
and wherein the second low pressure oil reservoir is formed in a
second oil cavity in the whirling member.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present invention relates to dampers, and in particular,
to a squeeze film damper.
[0002] Squeeze film dampers are frequently used in high speed
rotating machines to control the adverse dynamic response. Squeeze
film dampers include a pressurized oil reservoir formed in a gap
between a whirling member and a static member of a rotary machine.
A seal is formed on either end of the pressurized oil reservoir to
maintain the oil in the pressurized oil reservoir. Squeeze film
dampers provide hydrodynamic stiffness and damping in rotary
machines.
[0003] During operation, air can leak into the pressurized oil
reservoir as the whirling member rotates against the static member.
The air that leaks into the pressurized oil reservoir forms a high
and a low pressure side of the oil film cavity. This can cause
damage to the squeeze film damper during operation, reducing the
hydrodynamic stiffness and damping ability of the squeeze film
damper. When squeeze film dampers are damaged, vibrations caused by
the whirling member can damage the static member and any components
associated with the static member.
SUMMARY
[0004] A squeeze film damper includes a static member and a
whirling member positioned adjacent to the static member. A gap is
formed between the static member and the whirling member. A
pressurized oil reservoir is formed in the gap between the static
member and the whirling member. A first low pressure oil reservoir
is formed in a first cavity in the whirling member, wherein the
first low pressure oil reservoir is positioned on a first end of
the pressurized oil reservoir. A second low pressure oil reservoir
is formed in a second cavity in the whirling member, wherein the
second low pressure oil reservoir is positioned on a second end of
the pressurized oil reservoir. A first primary seal is positioned
between the first end of the pressurized oil reservoir and the
first low pressure oil reservoir, and a second primary seal is
positioned between the second end of the pressurized oil reservoir
and the second low pressure oil reservoir.
[0005] A machine includes a static member, a whirling member
positioned adjacent to the static member, and a squeeze film damper
formed with the static member and the whirling member. The squeeze
film damper includes a gap between the static member and the
whirling member and a pressurized oil reservoir formed in the gap
between the static member and the whirling member. A first oil
cavity is formed in the whirling member on a first end of the
pressurized oil reservoir and a second oil cavity is formed in the
whirling member on a second end of the pressurized oil reservoir. A
first low pressure oil reservoir formed in the first oil cavity in
the whirling member and a second low pressure oil reservoir formed
in the second oil cavity in the whirling member. A first primary
seal is positioned between the first end of the pressurized oil
reservoir and the first low pressure oil reservoir, and a second
primary seal is positioned between the second end of the
pressurized oil reservoir and the second low pressure oil
reservoir.
[0006] A method includes supplying oil to a pressurized oil
reservoir formed in a gap between a whirling member and a static
member. Oil is supplied to a first low pressure oil reservoir
positioned on a first end of the pressurized oil reservoir. Oil is
supplied to a second low pressure reservoir positioned on a second
end of the pressurized oil reservoir. A first primary seal is
positioned between the first end of the pressurized oil reservoir
and the first low pressure oil reservoir. A second primary seal is
positioned between the second end of the pressurized oil reservoir
and the second low pressure oil reservoir. A whirling member is
rotated about a center axis and the oil pressure is maintained in
the pressurized oil reservoir.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of an example gas
turbine engine.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a squeeze film
damper.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0009] FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of an example gas
turbine engine 20. Gas turbine engine 20 includes fan section 22,
compressor section 24, combustor section 26 and turbine section 28.
Fan section 22 drives air along bypass flow path B while compressor
section 24 draws air in along core flow path C where air is
compressed and communicated to combustor section 26. In combustor
section 26, air is mixed with fuel and ignited to generate a high
pressure exhaust gas stream that expands through turbine section 28
where energy is extracted and utilized to drive fan section 22 and
compressor section 24.
[0010] Although the disclosed non-limiting embodiment depicts a
turbofan gas turbine engine, it should be understood that the
concepts described herein are not limited to use with turbofans as
the teachings may be applied to other types of turbine engines; for
example, an industrial gas turbine; a reverse-flow gas turbine
engine; and a turbine engine including a three-spool architecture
in which three spools concentrically rotate about a common axis and
where a low spool enables a low pressure turbine to drive a fan via
a gearbox, an intermediate spool that enables an intermediate
pressure turbine to drive a first compressor of the compressor
section, and a high spool that enables a high pressure turbine to
drive a high pressure compressor of the compressor section. It
should be further understood that the disclosed non-limiting
embodiment provides generally a squeeze film damper that is
suitable for many types of rotating or rotary machines as known to
those of ordinary skill in the art, for example auxiliary power
units.
[0011] The example gas turbine engine 20 generally includes low
speed spool 30 and high speed spool 32 mounted for rotation about
center axis A of gas turbine engine 20 relative to engine static
structure 36 via several bearing assemblies 38. It should be
understood that various bearing assemblies 38 at various locations
may alternatively or additionally be provided.
[0012] Low speed spool 30 generally includes inner shaft 40 that
connects fan 42 and low pressure (or first) compressor section 44
to low pressure (or first) turbine section 46. Inner shaft 40
drives fan 42 through a speed change device, such as geared
architecture 48, to drive fan 42 at a lower speed than low speed
spool 30. High-speed spool 32 includes outer shaft 50 that
interconnects high pressure (or second) compressor section 52 and
high pressure (or second) turbine section 54. Inner shaft 40 and
outer shaft 50 are concentric and rotate via bearing assemblies 38
about center axis A.
[0013] Combustor 56 is arranged between high pressure compressor 52
and high pressure turbine 54. Mid-turbine frame 58 of engine static
structure 36 can be arranged generally between high pressure
turbine 54 and low pressure turbine 46. Mid-turbine frame 58
further supports bearing assemblies 38 in turbine section 28 as
well as setting airflow entering the low pressure turbine 46.
[0014] The core airflow C is compressed first by low pressure
compressor 44 and then by high pressure compressor 52, mixed with
fuel and ignited in combustor 56 to produce high speed exhaust
gases, and then expanded through high pressure turbine 54 and low
pressure turbine 46. Mid-turbine frame 58 includes vanes 60, which
are in the core airflow path and function as an inlet guide vane
for low pressure turbine 46. Utilizing vane 60 of mid-turbine frame
58 as the inlet guide vane for low pressure turbine 46 decreases
the length of low pressure turbine 46 without increasing the axial
length of mid-turbine frame 58. Reducing or eliminating the number
of vanes in low pressure turbine 46 shortens the axial length of
turbine section 28. Thus, the compactness of gas turbine engine 20
is increased and a higher power density may be achieved.
[0015] As inner shaft 40 and outer shaft 50 rotate about center
axis A, gas turbine engine 20 can experience vibrations due to the
high rotating speed of inner shaft 40 and outer shaft 50. Dampers
can be provided between rotating components, such as inner shaft 40
and outer shaft 50, and static components, such as static structure
36, to dampen the vibrations in gas turbine engine and prevent
damage to the components in gas turbine engine 20. One example of a
damper that can be formed between rotating components and static
components is a squeeze film damper. A squeeze film damper includes
a pressurized oil positioned in a gap between a whirling component
and a static component in gas turbine engine 20. An exemplary
embodiment of a squeeze film damper that can be positioned in gas
turbine engine 20 is described in reference to FIG. 2.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of squeeze film damper 70.
Squeeze film damper 70 includes static member 72, whirling member
74, pressurized oil reservoir 76, gap 78, first primary seal 80,
second primary seal 82, piston ring 84, cavity 86, piston ring 88,
cavity 90, first low pressure reservoir 92, second low pressure
reservoir 94, cavity 96, cavity 98, first auxiliary seal 100,
second auxiliary seal 102, piston ring 104, cavity 106, piston ring
108, cavity 110, and oil supply channel 112.
[0017] Squeeze film damper 70 includes static member 72 and
whirling member 74. Whirling member 74 rotates about center axis A.
Static member 72 is positioned radially outward from whirling
member 74 with respect to center axis A. A radially outer surface
of whirling member 74 is adjacent to a radially inner surface of
static member 72.
[0018] Pressurized oil reservoir 76 is positioned between whirling
member 74 and static member 72. Pressurized oil reservoir 76 is
formed in gap 78 between the radially outer surface of whirling
member 74 and the radially inner surface of static member 72.
[0019] First primary seal 80 is positioned on a first end of
pressurized oil reservoir 76 and second primary seal 82 is
positioned on a second end of pressurized oil reservoir 76. First
primary seal 80 includes piston ring 84 positioned in cavity 86.
Cavity 86 is positioned in whirling member 74 and piston ring 84
will pressurize against whirling member 74 to form a seal between
whirling member 74 and static member 72. Second primary seal 82
includes piston ring 88 positioned in cavity 90. Cavity 90 is
positioned in whirling member 74 and piston ring 88 will pressurize
against whirling member 74 to form a seal between whirling member
74 and static member 72. In an alternate embodiment, first primary
seal 80 and second primary seal 82 can be any suitable seal.
[0020] First low pressure oil reservoir 92 is positioned on a first
end of first primary seal 80 and second low pressure oil reservoir
94 is positioned on a second end of second primary seal 82. First
low pressure oil reservoir 92 includes cavity 96. Cavity 96 is
formed in whirling member 74 and is filled with oil. Second low
pressure oil reservoir 94 includes cavity 98. Cavity 98 is formed
in whirling member 74 and is filled with oil.
[0021] First auxiliary seal 100 is positioned on a first end of
first low pressure reservoir 92 and second auxiliary seal 102 is
positioned on a second end of second low pressure reservoir 94.
First auxiliary seal 100 includes piston ring 104 positioned in
cavity 106. Cavity 106 is positioned in whirling member 74 and
piston ring 104 will pressurize against whirling member 74 to form
a seal between whirling member 74 and static member 72. Second
auxiliary seal 102 includes piston ring 108 positioned in cavity
110. Cavity 110 is positioned in whirling member 74 and piston ring
108 will pressurize against whirling member 74 to form a seal
between whirling member 74 and static member 72. In an alternate
embodiment, first auxiliary seal 100 and second auxiliary seal 102
can be any suitable seal.
[0022] Oil supply channel 112 extends through static housing 72 to
provide oil to pressurized oil reservoir 76. The oil in pressurized
oil reservoir 76 develops an elevated dynamic pressure through the
rotor whirling motion to provide hydrodynamic stiffening and good
damping properties to squeeze film damper 70. Oil in pressurized
oil reservoir 76 will move across first primary seal 80 and second
primary seal 82 to fill first low pressure oil reservoir 92 and
second low pressure oil reservoir 94, respectively. The oil in
first low pressure oil reservoir 92 and second low pressure oil
reservoir 94 is at a lower pressure than the oil in pressurized oil
cavity 76.
[0023] When whirling member 74 rotates about center axis A,
pressurized oil reservoir 76 forms a damper between whirling member
74 and static member 72. In prior art squeeze film dampers, air
would leak into pressurized oil reservoir 76 and create a low
pressure side and a high pressure side. The pressure differential
in pressurized oil reservoir 76 would damage the squeeze film
damper and reduce the efficiency of the damper. Providing first low
pressure reservoir 92 on a first end of pressure oil reservoir 76
and second low pressure reservoir 94 on a second end of pressure
oil reservoir 76, as shown in FIG. 2, prevents air from leaking
into pressurized oil reservoir 76.
[0024] First low pressure oil reservoir 92 and second low pressure
oil reservoir 94 are formed in cavity 96 and cavity 98,
respectively. Cavity 96 and cavity 98 prevent the generation of
high pressures in first low pressure oil reservoir 92 and second
low pressure oil reservoir 94. The lower pressure of first low
pressure oil reservoir 92 and second low pressure oil reservoir 94
also helps to prevent air from leaking into first low pressure oil
reservoir 92 and second low pressure oil reservoir 94. First low
pressure oil reservoir 92 and second low pressure oil reservoir 94
prevent air from leaking into pressurized oil reservoir 76. This
allows pressurized oil reservoir 76 to maintain its oil pressure,
which gives squeeze film damper 70 good hydrodynamic stiffness and
good damping properties.
Discussion of Possible Embodiments
[0025] The following are non-exclusive descriptions of possible
embodiments of the present invention.
[0026] A squeeze film damper includes a static member and a
whirling member positioned adjacent to the static member. A gap is
formed between the static member and the whirling member. A
pressurized oil reservoir is formed in the gap between the static
member and the whirling member. A first low pressure oil reservoir
is formed in a first cavity in the whirling member, wherein the
first low pressure oil reservoir is positioned on a first end of
the pressurized oil reservoir. A second low pressure oil reservoir
is formed in a second cavity in the whirling member, wherein the
second low pressure oil reservoir is positioned on a second end of
the pressurized oil reservoir. A first primary seal is positioned
between the first end of the pressurized oil reservoir and the
first low pressure oil reservoir, and a second primary seal is
positioned between the second end of the pressurized oil reservoir
and the second low pressure oil reservoir.
[0027] The squeeze film damper of the preceding paragraph can
optionally include, additionally and/or alternatively, any one or
more of the following features, configurations and/or additional
components:
[0028] Wherein the first primary seal includes a first piston ring
positioned in a cavity in the whirling member, wherein the first
piston ring forms a seal between the whirling member and the static
member, wherein the second primary seal includes a second piston
ring positioned in a cavity in the whirling member, and wherein the
second piston ring forms a seal between the whirling member and the
static member.
[0029] A first auxiliary seal positioned adjacent to the first low
pressure oil reservoir opposite the first primary seal, and a
second auxiliary seal positioned adjacent to the second low
pressure oil reservoir opposite the second primary seal.
[0030] Wherein the first auxiliary seal includes a third piston
ring positioned in a cavity in the whirling member, wherein the
third piston ring forms a seal between the whirling member and the
static member, wherein the second auxiliary seal includes a fourth
piston ring positioned in a cavity in the whirling member, and
wherein the fourth piston ring forms a seal between the whirling
member and the static member.
[0031] An oil supply channel extending through the static member to
the gap between the static member and whirling member, wherein the
oil supply channel supplies oil to the pressurized oil
reservoir.
[0032] Wherein the oil in the pressurized oil reservoir moves
across the first primary seal to the first low pressure oil
reservoir, and wherein the oil in the pressurized oil reservoir
moves across the second primary seal to the second low pressure oil
reservoir.
[0033] A machine includes a static member, a whirling member
positioned adjacent to the static member, and a squeeze film damper
formed with the static member and the whirling member. The squeeze
film damper includes a gap between the static member and the
whirling member and a pressurized oil reservoir formed in the gap
between the static member and the whirling member. A first oil
cavity is formed in the whirling member on a first end of the
pressurized oil reservoir and a second oil cavity is formed in the
whirling member on a second end of the pressurized oil reservoir. A
first low pressure oil reservoir formed in the first oil cavity in
the whirling member and a second low pressure oil reservoir formed
in the second oil cavity in the whirling member. A first primary
seal positioned between the first end of the pressurized oil
reservoir and the first low pressure oil reservoir, and a second
primary seal positioned between the second end of the pressurized
oil reservoir and the second low pressure oil reservoir.
[0034] The machine of the preceding paragraph can optionally
include, additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of the
following features, configurations and/or additional
components:
[0035] Wherein the first primary seal includes a first piston ring
positioned in a cavity in the whirling member, wherein the first
piston ring forms a seal between the whirling member and the static
member, wherein the second primary seal includes a second piston
ring positioned in a cavity in the whirling member, and wherein the
second piston ring forms a seal between the whirling member and the
static member.
[0036] A first auxiliary seal positioned adjacent to the first low
pressure oil reservoir opposite the first primary seal, and a
second auxiliary seal positioned adjacent to the second low
pressure oil reservoir opposite the second primary seal.
[0037] Wherein the first auxiliary seal includes a third piston
ring positioned in a cavity in the whirling member, wherein the
third piston ring forms a seal between the whirling member and the
static member, wherein the second auxiliary seal includes a fourth
piston ring positioned in a cavity in the whirling member, and
wherein the fourth piston ring forms a seal between the whirling
member and the static member.
[0038] An oil supply channel extending through the static member to
the gap between the static member and whirling member, wherein the
oil supply channel supplies oil to the pressurized oil
reservoir.
[0039] Wherein the oil in the pressurized oil reservoir moves
across the first primary seal to the first low pressure oil
reservoir, and wherein the oil in the pressurized oil reservoir
moves across the second primary seal to the second low pressure oil
reservoir.
[0040] Wherein the whirling member is a shaft, wherein the static
member is a housing, and including a fan section mounted on the
shaft; a compressor section, wherein a first portion of the
compressor section is mounted on the shaft and a second portion of
the compressor section is mounted to the housing; a combustor
section mounted to the housing; and a turbine section, wherein a
first portion of the turbine section is mounted on the shaft and a
second portion of the turbine section is mounted to the housing;
wherein the squeeze film damper is positioned between the shaft and
the housing.
[0041] A method includes supplying oil to a pressurized oil
reservoir formed in a gap between a whirling member and a static
member. Oil is supplied to a first low pressure oil reservoir
positioned on a first end of the pressurized oil reservoir. Oil is
supplied to a second low pressure reservoir positioned on a second
end of the pressurized oil reservoir. A first primary seal is
positioned between the first end of the pressurized oil reservoir
and the first low pressure oil reservoir. A second primary seal is
positioned between the second end of the pressurized oil reservoir
and the second low pressure oil reservoir. The whirling member is
rotated about a center axis and the oil pressure is maintained in
the pressurized oil reservoir.
[0042] The method of the preceding paragraph can optionally
include, additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of the
following features, configurations and/or additional
components:
[0043] Positioning a first auxiliary seal adjacent to the first low
pressure oil reservoir opposite the first primary seal, and
positioning a second auxiliary seal adjacent to the second low
pressure oil reservoir opposite the second primary seal.
[0044] Wherein positioning a first primary seal includes placing a
piston ring in a first primary seal cavity in the whirling member,
positioning a second primary seal includes placing a piston ring in
a second primary seal cavity in the whirling member, positioning a
first auxiliary seal includes placing a piston ring in a first
auxiliary seal cavity in the whirling member, and positioning a
second auxiliary seal includes placing a piston ring in a second
auxiliary seal cavity in the whirling member.
[0045] Wherein supplying oil to the pressurized oil reservoir
includes moving oil through an oil supply channel in the static
member to the gap between the whirling member and the static
member.
[0046] Wherein supplying oil to the first low pressure oil
reservoir includes moving oil from the pressurized oil reservoir
across the first primary seal to the first low pressure oil
reservoir, and wherein supplying oil to the second low pressure oil
reservoir includes moving oil from the pressurized oil reservoir
across the second primary seal to the second low pressure oil
reservoir.
[0047] Wherein maintaining the oil pressure in the pressurized oil
reservoir includes preventing air from leaking across the first
primary seal and the second primary seal into the pressurized oil
reservoir.
[0048] Wherein the first low pressure oil reservoir is formed in a
first oil cavity in the whirling member, and wherein the second low
pressure oil reservoir is formed in a second oil cavity in the
whirling member.
[0049] While the invention has been described with reference to an
exemplary embodiment(s), it will be understood by those skilled in
the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be
substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope
of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to
adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the
invention without departing from the essential scope thereof.
Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the
particular embodiment(s) disclosed, but that the invention will
include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended
claims.
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