Patent ID: 8621871

Claim:
A method for reducing overspeed potential of a turbine of a gas turbine engine, comprising: providing a first load associated with a compressor to the turbine via a first torque path and a shaft; providing a second load to the turbine via a second torque path and the shaft; and operating the turbine such that: mechanical failure of a component defining at least a portion of the first torque path does not inhibit the second load from being applied to the turbine via the second torque path and the shaft; and mechanical failure of a component defining the second torque path does not inhibit the first load from being applied to the turbine via the first torque path and the shaft; wherein the shaft is supported by a thrust bearing that is connected to an intersection between the first torque path and the shaft, and wherein the thrust bearing comprises a tapered roller bearing and is located aft of the first torque path.