RADIALLY EXPANDING TURBINE ENGINE EXHAUST CYLINDER INTERFACE

摘要

Aspects of the invention are directed to an interface (10) between an exhaust cylinder (20) and an exhaust diffuser (22) in a turbine engine. The interface (10) allows relative radial movement of the exhaust diffuser (22) and the exhaust cylinder (20). According to aspects of the invention, the diffuser (22) and the cylinder (20) are operatively connected about their peripheries by a plurality of connecting members, which can be tie rods (40). Each connecting member can be pivotally connected at a first end (42) to a joint bolt (80) affixed to the exhaust cylinder (20) and at a second end (44) to an exhaust diffuser (22). Thus, the connecting members can join the cylinder (20) and the diffuser (22) in the axial direction, while allowing for the differential thermal expansion of the two components. Relative circumferential movement between the cylinder (20) and the diffuser (22) can be reduced by positioning neighboring connecting members at opposing angles in relation to one another.