Patent ID: 8662831
Filing Date: 2014-03-04
Classification: F01D,F05D

Abstract:
1. A shell structure for a turbine engine, the shell structure comprising: a plurality of diaphragms, wherein each diaphragm comprises an annularly formed support structure that positions and secures a row of circumferentially spaced stator blades in a manner such that the stator blades deliver a working fluid flowing through a main flow path to a row of circumferentially spaced rotor blades in a manner consistent with efficient turbine engine operation, and wherein the plurality of diaphragms are configured and axially stacked such that each diaphragm abuts the diaphragm that is positioned directly upstream, if present, from it and the diaphragm that is positioned directly downstream, if present, from it such that a first shell structure is formed; a second shell structure disposed outboard of the first shell structure, the second shell structure comprises a cylindrically formed rigid structure that is in proximity to and surrounds the first shell structure; and an intermediate chamber defined between an outboard face of the first shell structure and an inboard face of the second shell structure; wherein: