System for delivering pressurized lubricant fluids to an interior of a rotating hollow shaft

摘要

A system for delivering a pressurized lubricant fluid from a stationary source to an interior of a drive shaft of a gas turbine engine which rotates at high speed and operates at high temperatures, includes a pair of axially spaced-apart seals that surround the shaft. The pressurized lubricant fluid is delivered to a radial passage defined between the seals. To ensure reliable operation under the high speed and high temperature conditions, the seals are constructed so that a film of the lubricant fluid is formed between the rotating shaft and the seals. The seals float on the film and wear is reduced. In order to minimize variations in the space between the seals and the shaft caused by changes in operating temperatures, each seal is surrounded by a control ring of material having a coefficient of expansion similar to the material of the shaft. The advantage is reliable delivery of lubricant to a shaft rotating at high speed in a high temperature environment.