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65.24 Turbine Engine Air Cooling and Sealing
65.24.2 Describe the requirement for cooling and sealing of turbine engine components.
Turbine engine components operate under extremely high temperatures, pressures, and rotational loads.
Cooling and sealing are required to keep these components within safe operating limits and to maintain efficient and reliable engine operation.
Requirement for Cooling
The temperature of the gases leaving the combustion chamber may be higher than turbine components could withstand without cooling.
Cooling is required to:
prevent turbine blades, nozzle guide vanes, discs, and casings from overheating;
prevent loss of material strength, turbine blade creep, distortion, cracking, and burning;
protect bearings, shafts, and lubricating oil from excessive heat;
maintain correct operating clearances between rotating and stationary components; and
extend component and engine life.