Self-aspirating high-area-ratio inter-turbine duct assembly for use in a gas turbine engine

Abstract

In various embodiments, the present invention provides a means for improving gas turbine engine performance by applying fluid flow control to the inter-turbine duct joining a high-pressure turbine spool and an associated low-pressure turbine spool, allowing the low-pressure turbine spool to have a relatively larger diameter than the high-pressure turbine spool. One or more unobstructed fluid flow paths between one or more boundary layer suction ports disposed within the upstream end of the outer-body surface of the inter-turbine duct and the suction side of the associated low-pressure turbine nozzle are provided. Advantageously, the natural static pressure difference between these points results in a self-aspirating assembly. The fluid flow control provided by the respective suction and blowing forces generated allows for a relatively larger diameter low-pressure turbine spool and/or relatively fewer low-pressure turbine nozzles to be used than is possible with conventional systems, assemblies, and methods. Thus, a gas turbine engine weight savings and optimized performance may be achieved.