Compressible supports for turbine engines

Abstract

A system is provided that includes a first turbine alignment component for a turbine engine; and a shim comprises a metal foam. The shim mounts between a first surface of the first turbine alignment component and a second surface of a second turbine alignment component.

1 . A system, comprising:
 a turbine engine comprising a turbine shell;   a support assembly configured to support the turbine engine, wherein the support assembly comprises a keyway defined by at least first and second protrusions;   a gib extending from the turbine shell and configured to mate with the keyway; and   a first shim disposed between the gib and the first protrusion, wherein the first shim comprises a metal foam.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the metal foam comprises at least one of FeCrAlY, stainless steel, copper, nickel or aluminum. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the metal foam comprises a relative density of at least equal to or greater than approximately 5%. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the support assembly reduces or blocks lateral movement of the turbine shell. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , comprising a second shim disposed between the gib and the second protrusion, wherein the second shim comprises the metal foam. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the support assembly comprises at least one of a bearing, a lubrication system, and a rotor, at an end portion of a turbine stage of the turbine engine. 
     
     
         7 . A system, comprising:
 a first turbine alignment component for a turbine engine; and   a shim comprising a metal foam, wherein the shim mounts between a first surface of the first turbine alignment component and a second surface of a second turbine alignment component.   
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7 , comprising a wear pad, wherein the shim is disposed between the first surface and the wear pad. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the wear pad comprises stellite or stainless steel. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 8  comprising a fastener coupling the wear pad to the shim. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 8 , comprising a keeper plate configured to hold the shim and the wear pad in position along the first surface. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the first turbine alignment component comprises a protrusion and the second turbine alignment component comprises a gib. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the first turbine alignment component comprises a gib and the second turbine alignment component comprises a protrusion. 
     
     
         14 . A system, comprising:
 a support feature for a turbine engine, comprising:   a keyway having a bottom, a first side, and a second side opposite from the first side;   a key configured to insert in the keyway and provide lateral alignment of a turbine shell of the turbine engine; and   a first shim disposed in the keyway between the key and the first side, and a second shim disposed in the keyway between the key and the second side, wherein the first shim and the second shim comprise a metal foam.   
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the first side comprises a first recess configured to receive the first shim and the second side comprises a second recess configured to receive the second shim. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 15 , comprising a first keeper plate configured to retain the first shim in the first recess and a second keeper plate configured to retain the second shim in the second recess. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 15 , comprising a first wear pad disposed between the first shim and the key and a second wear pad disposed between the second shim and the key. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein first pad and the second pad are configured to receive shear forces exerted by the key in the keyway. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the first pad is coupled to the first shim and the second pad is coupled to the second shim. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the metal foam comprises FeCrAlY, stainless steel, copper, nickel, or aluminum.