TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to cross-over tubes for combustors for use in turbine engines and, in particular, to ceramic matric composite (CMC) cross-over tubes for combustors.

BACKGROUND

The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

In can annular combustors, a cross-over tube may be placed between two cans to allow ignition gases to pass from one can to another. In this way, cross-ignition between the cans may be achieved allowing for more reliable combustion. However, cross-over tubes may be more vulnerable to structural failure than other combustor components due to excessive thermal loading. Therefore, a cross-over tube which may better withstand thermal loading is desirable.

SUMMARY

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

In one embodiment, a fluid conduit may be provided comprising a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) cross-over tube and a flange. The CMC cross-over tube comprises a first end configured to extend into a first combustor liner of a gas turbine engine, and a second end configured to extend into a second combustor liner of a gas turbine engine. The interior of the CMC cross-over tube defines a passageway. The flange extends outwardly from an outer surface of the CMC cross-over tube. The flange is configured to engage at least one of the first combustor liner and the second combustor liner.

In another embodiment, a combustor system may be provided comprising a combustion chamber and a CMC cross-over tube and a flange. The combustion chamber comprises a combustor liner. The CMC cross-over tube has a first end and a second end, the first end extending into the combustion chamber through the combustor liner. An interior of the CMC cross-over tube defines a passageway extending from the first end to the second end. The flange extends radially from the CMC cross-over tube between the first end and the second end. The flange is configured to engage the combustor liner.

In yet another embodiment, a method of manufacturing a fluid conduit may be provided comprising providing a porous ceramic preform in the shape of a tube and forming the ceramic preform into a CMC cross-over tube. The CMC cross-over tube comprises a first end configured to extend into a first combustion chamber and a second end configured to extend into a second combustion chamber. An inner surface of the CMC cross-over tube defines a passageway configured to allow fluid communication between the first combustion chamber and the second combustion chamber.

