Abstract:
There is described a method of operating a multi-engine system of an helicopter. The multi-engine system has a first turboshaft engine having a first shaft, a second turboshaft engine having a second shaft, a gearbox having a clutch system, and a range of rotation speeds defined as a placarded zone. The method generally has: rotating the first and second shafts at a flight rotation speed above the placarded zone when clutched to a load; decreasing a rotation speed of the first shaft from the flight rotation speed to a first idle rotation speed above the placarded zone; unclutching the first shaft from the load during the decreasing; and subsequently to the decreasing and the unclutching, simultaneously decreasing the rotation speeds of the first shaft and of the second shaft to a second idle rotation speed below the placarded zone, the simultaneously decreasing including clutching the first shaft to the load.
Abstract:
A method of monitoring a first freewheel interposed between a first drive shaft of a first engine and a rotor. The state of operation of said first freewheel is correct if the first inlet speed of rotation of the first drive shaft lies in a second range of values corresponding to the current stage of operation while the outlet speed of rotation of the rotor lies in a first range of values corresponding to the current stage of operation.
Abstract:
An exemplary turbomachine clutch assembly includes a clutch that moves from a first position to a second position in response to rotation of a turbomachine fan at a speed greater than a threshold speed. The clutch permits rotation of the turbomachine fan in a first direction whether the clutch is in the first position or the second position. The clutch limits rotation of the turbomachine fan in an opposite, second direction when the clutch is in the first position.
Abstract:
A gas turbine engine includes a compressor section and a turbine section. A first spool is rotatable with a first turbine of the turbine section and a first compressor of the compressor section. Additionally, a second spool is rotatable with a second turbine of the turbine section and a second compressor of the compressor section. An electric machine is positioned at least partially inward of the core air flowpath of the gas turbine engine along a radial direction of the gas turbine engine. Additionally, the exemplary gas turbine engine includes a gear assembly mechanically coupled to both the first spool and the second spool, such that the first and second spools may each drive the electric machine.
Abstract:
An air turbine starter (ATS) includes a support structure and a turbine. The ATS additionally includes a gear train that is configured for receiving torque input from the turbine. The gears include an integrated input gear. The ATS further includes an output member. The output member is operably coupled to the gear train and a main engine input member. The output member is configured to transfer torque from the gear train to the main engine input member. Additionally, the ATS includes a motor system that is supported by the support structure. The motor system includes a motor and a motor output gear. The motor output gear is configured to engage the integrated input gear for selectively delivering motor torque from the motor to the integrated input gear such that the motor torque transfers to the main engine input member to selectively dry motor the main engine at a predetermined speed.
Abstract:
According to one aspect, a clutch mechanism includes a control member. The control member is adapted to receive motive power and includes a first dry clutch member and a first viscous clutch member. The clutch mechanism further includes an output member that includes a second dry clutch member and a second viscous clutch member. The first and second dry clutch members form a dry clutch and the first and second viscous clutch members form a viscous clutch. The clutch mechanism further includes an actuation arm coupled to at least one of the control and output members. The actuation arm is selectively controllable to effect relative movement of the control and output members such that one of the dry and viscous clutches is selectively engaged.
Abstract:
A blower, a motor assembly and a centrifugal friction clutch thereof are provided. The centrifugal friction clutch includes: a fixing member for being fixed on a rotary shaft and comprising a guiding groove disposed in a radial direction of the fixing member and passing through an outer circumferential surface of the fixing member; a centrifugal block disposed in the guiding groove and slidable in the guiding groove; and a loading wheel having an inner hole in which the fixing member is received. A gap between a wall of the inner hole and the outer circumferential surface of the fixing member is less than a length of the centrifugal block along its sliding direction. The centrifugal friction clutch reduces vibrations at startup of the motor, thereby effectively reducing the vibrational noise. In addition, this also avoids the startup failure of the motor and effectively improves the startup performance of the motor.
Abstract:
A method and an associated arrangement for coupling a rotational device, particularly a steam turbine, and a shaft device, particularly a gas turbine, includes the following steps: 1) accelerating the rotational device up to an output rotational speed that is below the rotational speed of the shaft device; 2) detecting a differential angle between the shaft device and the rotational device; and 3) accelerating the rotational device with an acceleration value that is derived from the target rotational speed difference, which is formed as a function of the detected differential angle, the acceleration and a desired target coupling angle.
Abstract:
A gas turbine engine has a variable overall pressure rate (“OPR”). The engine includes a high pressure compressor having at least a primary stage having a set of primary rotors and a secondary stage having a set of secondary rotors. A clutch is provided to selectively engage the secondary rotors with the primary rotors. Engagement of the clutch may be controlled based on the vehicle travel mode, such as disengaging during a takeoff mode to reduce turbine entry temperature and engaging during a loiter mode to increase OPR.
Abstract:
A clutch assembly includes a shaft, vent plug and oil guide sleeve. The shaft includes an internal cavity, first passages for allowing oil to lubricate clutch components, and second passages for allowing excess oil to drain from the internal cavity. The vent plug has a radial passage in communication with the internal cavity for venting the cavity with an external source of air. The oil guide sleeve directs oil into the internal cavity. A method for lubricating and venting an air turbine starter includes delivering lubricating oil to an internal cavity of a clutch via an oil guide sleeve. The oil guide sleeve prevents oil from exiting the cavity through excess oil drainage passages before it lubricates the clutch components. The method also includes draining excess oil from the cavity through excess oil drainage passages so that excess oil does not substantially impede air flow through a vent plug passage.