Blade tip clearance control apparatus using shroud segment annular

Abstract

An apparatus for controlling clearance between rotor blade tips and shroud segments of a turbine engine casing includes an annular channel extending about the blade tips and having an annular opening located outwardly of and adjacent the blade tips, and separate shroud segments composing the shroud and disposed across the channel opening in circumferential spaced relation. Inlet and outlet tubular members mounted to the casing have inner portions projecting radially inwardly into the annular channel. An annular hollow ring disposed in the annular channel mounts the shroud segments across the channel opening and are mounted to the tubular member inner portions for undergoing movement radially outwardly and inwardly relative to the inner portions in response to thermal expansion and contract of the annular ring. Tubular inlet members introduce a cooling gas into the annular channel from the exterior and tubular outlet members exhausts the cooling gas from the annular channel to the exterior. Hollow manifolds disposed within the annular channel in the annular ring are connected with the inner portions of the tubular inlet members for receiving cooling air. Each manifold has jet-like apertures permitting impingement of cooling air upon the annular ring. After such impingement, the cooling air can flow from the annular ring through the tubular outlet members to the exterior.