ROTOR CENTRALIZATION FOR TURBINE ENGINE ASSEMBLY

摘要

One or more support elements radially extend through one or more openings defined in a turbine engine casing and are configured to centralize and at least partially support a rotor assembly of the engine during an engine disassembly or assembly procedure. The support elements are configured to transfer any rotor assembly weight loads to an engine casing while a bearing support of the rotor assembly is absent or removed.

主权项

1. A method for supporting a gas turbine rotor assembly during engine assembly/disassembly, the rotor assembly having a central shaft extending substantially horizontally and supported by at least one bearing support structure, the method comprising:
a) extending at least one elongate support element radially through an opening defined in a casing of the engine, the casing surrounding the rotor assembly; b) contacting the at least one support element with a portion of the rotor assembly at a location spaced apart from the at least one bearing support structure; and c) rigidly connecting the at least one support element to the casing of the engine, wherein the at least one support element is configured and positioned such that the at least one support element and the at least one bearing support structure cooperate to centralize and at least partially support the weight of the rotor assembly when a second bearing support structure of the engine is absent.