Method and structure of interdigitated turbine engine thermal management

Abstract

The present disclosure is directed to a method of turbine section thermal management for a gas turbine engine. The engine includes a first turbine bearing defining an outer air bearing disposed radially adjacent to a low speed turbine rotor hub of a low speed turbine rotor and an inner bearing disposed radially adjacent to a high pressure (HP) shaft coupled to a high speed turbine rotor, wherein a first manifold is in fluid communication from a pressure plenum of a combustion section to the first turbine bearing, and wherein a second manifold is in fluid communication from the first turbine bearing to a pressure regulating valve and an outer diameter secondary flowpath of the turbine section, and wherein a third manifold is in fluid communication from the pressure plenum of the combustion section to the pressure regulating valve. The method includes flowing air from the pressure plenum to the first turbine bearing; flowing air between the outer air bearing and the low speed turbine rotor hub; flowing air between the inner air bearing and the HP shaft; flowing air from the first turbine bearing to the pressure regulating valve via the second manifold; and flowing air from the first turbine bearing to the outer diameter secondary flowpath via the second manifold.