GAS TURBINE ENGINE BEARING SUPPORT STRUCTURE

Abstract

A bearing support structure for a gas turbine engine located within an internal portion of the engine. The bearing support structure has a plurality of stators, a first section, a second section, a first bearing assembly, and a second bearing assembly. The first section depends forwardly from the plurality of stators relative to the longitudinal axis. The section second depends rearwardly from the plurality of stators relative to the longitudinal axis and is detachably mounted to the plurality of stators. The first bearing assembly is supported relative to the plurality of stators by the first section. The second bearing assembly is supported relative to the plurality of stators by the second section. The second section is detachably mounted to the plurality of stators.

Claims

1. A bearing support structure for a gas turbine engine having a longitudinal axis, the bearing support structure comprising: a plurality of stators; a first section depending forwardly from the plurality of stators relative to the longitudinal axis; a second section depending rearwardly from the plurality of stators relative to the longitudinal axis; a first bearing assembly being supported relative to the plurality of stators by the first section; and a second bearing assembly being supported relative to the plurality of stators by the second section; wherein the second section is detachably mounted to the plurality of stators.

2. The bearing support structure of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the first section is integral with the plurality of stators such that said portion of the first section is not detachable therefrom.

3. The bearing support structure of claim 1, wherein the plurality of stators comprise an integral interface portion and the second section comprises an opposing interface portion, the second section being detachably mounted by a plurality of fasteners releasably holding said first and opposing interface portions together.

4. The bearing support structure of claim 3, wherein the opposing interface portions are annular in form and the plurality of fasteners are circumferentially spaced.

5. The bearing support structure of claim 4, wherein each fastener is provided adjacent a stator of the plurality of stators.

6. The bearing support structure of claim 1, wherein the first bearing assembly comprises a fan bearing assembly and/or the second bearing assembly comprises a compressor bearing assembly.

7. The bearing support structure of claim 1, wherein the first section and second section comprise wall sections depending radially inwardly of the plurality of stators so as to define a housing for an internal volume between the first section, the second section and the longitudinal axis.

8. The bearing support structure of claim 1, wherein the first section and/or second section are substantially conical in form.

9. The bearing support structure of claim 1, wherein a gearbox is mounted radially inside an inner end of the plurality of stators and/or within the axial extent of the first and/or second section.

10. The bearing support structure of claim 1, wherein the first section comprises a support for a gearbox output bearing and/or the second section comprises a support for a gearbox input bearing.

11. The bearing support structure of claim 1, comprising an array of at least twenty stators angularly spaced about the longitudinal axis.

12. The bearing support structure of claim 1, wherein the second section is detachably mounted to the plurality of stators at an interface adjacent and/or beneath a radially inner end of the plurality of stators.

13. The bearing support structure of claim 12, wherein the interface is annular in form and comprises first and second interface portions when viewed in section, said first and second interface portions being angularly spaced.

14. A gas turbine engine comprising a bearing support structure, the bearing support structure for a gas turbine engine having a longitudinal axis, the bearing support structure comprising: a plurality of stators; a first section depending forwardly from the plurality of stators relative to the longitudinal axis; a second section depending rearwardly from the plurality of stators relative to the longitudinal axis; a first bearing assembly being supported relative to the plurality of stators by the first section; and a second bearing assembly being supported relative to the plurality of stators by the second section; wherein the second section is detachably mounted to the plurality of stators.

15. A gas turbine engine for an aircraft, the gas turbine engine comprising: an engine core comprising a turbine, a compressor, and a core shaft connecting the turbine to the compressor; a fan located upstream of the engine core, the fan comprising a plurality of fan blades; a gearbox that receives an input from the core shaft and outputs drive to the fan so as to drive the fan at a lower rotational speed than the core shaft; and A bearing support structure for a gas turbine engine having a longitudinal axis, the bearing support structure comprising: a plurality of stators; a first section depending forwardly from the plurality of stators relative to the longitudinal axis; a second section depending rearwardly from the plurality of stators relative to the longitudinal axis; a first bearing assembly being supported relative to the plurality of stators by the first section; and a second bearing assembly being supported relative to the plurality of stators by the second section; wherein the second section is detachably mounted to the plurality of stators.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0060] Embodiments will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the Figures, in which:

[0061] FIG. 1 is a sectional side view of a gas turbine engine;

[0062] FIG. 2 is a close up sectional side view of an upstream portion of a gas turbine engine;

[0063] FIG. 3 is a partially cut-away view of a gearbox for a gas turbine engine;

[0064] FIG. 4 is a close up sectional side view of a bearing support structure of the present disclosure for a gas turbine engine; and

[0065] FIG. 5 is a close up sectional side view of a further example of a bearing support structure of the present disclosure for a gas turbine engine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] Aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying figures. Further aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0067] FIG. 1 illustrates a gas turbine engine 10 having a principal rotational axis 9. The engine 10 comprises an air intake 12 and a propulsive fan 23 that generates two airflows: a core airflow A and a bypass airflow B. The gas turbine engine 10 comprises a core 11 that receives the core airflow A. The engine core 11 comprises, in axial flow series, a low pressure compressor 14, a high-pressure compressor 15, combustion equipment 16, a high-pressure turbine 17, a low pressure turbine 19 and a core exhaust nozzle 20. A nacelle 21 surrounds the gas turbine engine 10 and defines a bypass duct 22 and a bypass exhaust nozzle 18. The bypass airflow B flows through the bypass duct 22. The fan 23 is attached to and driven by the low pressure turbine 19 via a shaft 26 and an epicyclic gearbox 30.

[0068] In use, the core airflow A is accelerated and compressed by the low pressure compressor 14 and directed into the high pressure compressor 15 where further compression takes place. The compressed air exhausted from the high pressure compressor 15 is directed into the combustion equipment 16 where it is mixed with fuel and the mixture is combusted. The resultant hot combustion products then expand through, and thereby drive, the high pressure and low pressure turbines 17, 19 before being exhausted through the nozzle 20 to provide some propulsive thrust. The high pressure turbine 17 drives the high pressure compressor 15 by a suitable interconnecting shaft 27. The fan 23 generally provides the majority of the propulsive thrust. The epicyclic gearbox 30 is a reduction gearbox.

[0069] An exemplary arrangement for a geared fan gas turbine engine 10 is shown in FIG. 2. The low pressure turbine 19 (see FIG. 1) drives the shaft 26, which is coupled to a sun wheel, or sun gear, 28 of the epicyclic gear arrangement 30. Radially outwardly of the sun gear 28 and intermeshing therewith is a plurality of planet gears 32 that are coupled together by a planet carrier 34. The planet carrier 34 constrains the planet gears 32 to precess around the sun gear 28 in synchronicity whilst enabling each planet gear 32 to rotate about its own axis. The planet carrier 34 is coupled via linkages 36 to the fan 23 in order to drive its rotation about the principal rotational axis 9. Radially outwardly of the planet gears 32 and intermeshing therewith is an annulus or ring gear 38 that is coupled, via linkages 40, to a stationary supporting structure or stator 24.

[0070] Note that the terms low pressure turbine and low pressure compressor as used herein may be taken to mean the lowest pressure turbine stages and lowest pressure compressor stages (i.e. not including the fan 23) respectively and/or the turbine and compressor stages that are connected together by the interconnecting shaft 26 with the lowest rotational speed in the engine (i.e. not including the gearbox output shaft that drives the fan 23). In some literature, the low pressure turbine and low pressure compressor referred to herein may alternatively be known as the intermediate pressure turbine and intermediate pressure compressor. Where such alternative nomenclature is used, the fan 23 may be referred to as a first, or lowest pressure, compression stage.

[0071] The epicyclic gearbox 30 is shown by way of example in greater detail in FIG. 3. Each of the sun gear 28, planet gears 32 and ring gear 38 comprise teeth about their periphery to intermesh with the other gears. However, for clarity only exemplary portions of the teeth are illustrated in FIG. 3. There are four planet gears 32 illustrated, although it will be apparent to the skilled reader that more or fewer planet gears 32 may be provided within the scope of the claimed invention. Practical applications of a planetary epicyclic gearbox 30 generally comprise at least three planet gears 32.

[0072] The epicyclic gearbox 30 illustrated by way of example in FIGS. 2 and 3 is of the planetary type, in that the planet carrier 34 is coupled to an output shaft via linkages 36, with the ring gear 38 fixed. However, any other suitable type of epicyclic gearbox 30 may be used. By way of further example, the epicyclic gearbox 30 may be a star arrangement, in which the planet carrier 34 is held fixed, with the ring (or annulus) gear 38 allowed to rotate. In such an arrangement the fan 23 is driven by the ring gear 38. By way of further alternative example, the gearbox 30 may be a differential gearbox in which the ring gear 38 and the planet carrier 34 are both allowed to rotate.

[0073] It will be appreciated that the arrangement shown in FIGS. and 3 is by way of example only, and various alternatives are within the scope of the present disclosure. Purely by way of example, any suitable arrangement may be used for locating the gearbox 30 in the engine 10 and/or for connecting the gearbox 30 to the engine 10. By way of further example, the connections (such as the linkages 36, 40 in the FIG. 2 example) between the gearbox 30 and other parts of the engine 10 (such as the input shaft 26, the output shaft and the fixed structure 24) may have any desired degree of stiffness or flexibility. By way of further example, any suitable arrangement of the bearings between rotating and stationary parts of the engine (for example between the input and output shafts from the gearbox and the fixed structures, such as the gearbox casing) may be used, and the disclosure is not limited to the exemplary arrangement of FIG. 2. For example, where the gearbox 30 has a star arrangement (described above), the skilled person would readily understand that the arrangement of output and support linkages and bearing locations would typically be different to that shown by way of example in

[0074] FIG. 2.

[0075] Accordingly, the present disclosure extends to a gas turbine engine having any arrangement of gearbox styles (for example star or planetary), support structures, input and output shaft arrangement, and bearing locations.

[0076] Optionally, the gearbox may drive additional and/or alternative components (e.g. the intermediate pressure compressor and/or a booster compressor).

[0077] Other gas turbine engines to which the present disclosure may be applied may have alternative configurations. For example, such engines may have an alternative number of compressors and/or turbines and/or an alternative number of interconnecting shafts. By way of further example, the gas turbine engine shown in FIG. 1 has a split flow nozzle 18, 20 meaning that the flow through the bypass duct 22 has its own nozzle 18 that is separate to and radially outside the engine core nozzle 20. However, this is not limiting, and any aspect of the present disclosure may also apply to engines in which the flow through the bypass duct 22 and the flow through the core 11 are mixed, or combined, before (or upstream of) a single nozzle, which may be referred to as a mixed flow nozzle. One or both nozzles (whether mixed or split flow) may have a fixed or variable area. Whilst the described example relates to a turbofan engine, the disclosure may apply, for example, to any type of gas turbine engine, such as an open rotor (in which the fan stage is not surrounded by a nacelle) or turboprop engine, for example. In some arrangements, the gas turbine engine 10 may not comprise a gearbox 30.

[0078] The geometry of the gas turbine engine 10, and components thereof, is defined by a conventional axis system, comprising an axial direction (which is aligned with the principal rotational axis 9), a radial direction (in the bottom-to-top direction in FIG. 1), and a circumferential direction (perpendicular to the page in the FIG. 1 view). The axial, radial and circumferential directions are mutually perpendicular.

[0079] The following disclosure concerns a support structure (indicated generally as structure 42 in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4) located behind the fan 23, i.e. axially between the fan and the low pressure compressor 14. The support structure 42 supports bearings, to be described in further detail below, on a stator array 24.

[0080] In general terms, the support structure supports both a fan bearing, i.e. a bearing for the fan shaft. Additionally the support structure may support a compressor bearing, i.e. a bearing for a rotor shaft of the compressor 14.

[0081] The stator array 24 is conventionally referred to as the engine section stator. Whilst the stator array is referred to herein as comprising a plurality of stator vanes, e.g. of aerofoil cross section, it may also be referred to in the singular, i.e. as a singular stator structure. The stator 24 may comprises an aerofoil and may extend into the core airflow A flow path upstream of the low pressure compressor 14.

[0082] A support structure 42 is shown in FIG. 4. The support structure 42 is located in the compressor region of the gas turbine engine 10. The support structure is located radially inside of the annular intake A of the engine core 11. The bearing support structure is located generally radially inward of the stator 24, i.e. between the radially inner end of the stator 24 and the principal rotational axis 9.

[0083] The bearing support structure 42 is annular in form, disposed about the principal rotational axis 9.

[0084] The bearing support structure is generally located axially between, and supporting, a bearing assembly of the fan 23 and a bearing assembly of a compressor.

[0085] The support structure 42 provides a housing for an internal area 43 or compartment of the engine 10.

[0086] The support structure 42 comprises a first section 48. The first section 48 is located forward, or upstream, of the support structure 42. The first section 48 comprises a wall portion 50 extending between a radially inner forward end 44 and the stator 24. The wall portion 50 is angled obliquely with respect to the principal rotational axis 9, i.e. is rearwardly slanted or leaning, towards the stator 24. The wall portion 50 may be angled between 20 and 70 degrees with respect to the principal rotational axis 9.

[0087] The first section 48 joins with the stator 24 at a rear/outer end 54 thereof.

[0088] The wall portion 50 may comprise a curved portion. The wall portion 50 may be curved at a forward portion 52 thereof. The wall portion 50 may comprise a linear portion. The wall portion 50 may comprise a substantially linear/straight portion, e.g. at a central and/or rear portion 54 thereof. The wall section may comprise one or more of: a linear portion, a curved portion, or a polygonal portion and combinations thereof.

[0089] The first section 48 may be annular in form, e.g. so as to comprise a conical shape. The first section 48 may comprise a truncated conical (frustoconical) shape. The first section 48 may be substantially rotationally symmetric about the principal rotational axis 9 (i.e. the wall portion 50 is substantially the same throughout rotation about the principal rotational axis 9).

[0090] The first section 48 comprises a support 56 for a fan bearing 58. The support 56 may be disposed at the forward portion 52 of the support structure and/or at the forward end 44 thereof. The support 56 is connected to a bearing 58 for rotationally supporting the fan 23. The support 56 may be connected to or integral with the outer race of the bearing 58.

[0091] The stator 24 is disposed radially outward from the first section 48. The stator 24 is disposed axially rearward from the first section. The stator 24 is connected to the rear and/or radially-inner portion 54 of the first section 48 and carries the first section 48.

[0092] The stator 24 is integrally formed with the first section 48 in this example. The stator 24 and the first section 48 are manufactured as an integral, single piece, unitary or monolithic component. The stator 24 and the first section 48 may be manufactured as a single casting to form a single integral piece, i.e. an annular/ring piece. The stator 24 and the first section 48 may be manufactured using an additive layer manufacturing technique to form a single integral piece. The stator 24 and the first section 48 may be manufactured using one or more pre-pregs and cured to form an integral piece.

[0093] In other examples, the stator 24 and first section could be formed as a fabrication of cast, forged or ALM portions. The relevant portions may be bonded, welded or fused together so as to form a unitary structure which is indivisible without damage to the structure.

[0094] In other examples, e.g. as shown in FIG. 5, the stator 24 and the first section 48 may not be integral but have bolted joint 100, e.g. to make the relatively-large assembly easier to manufacture. The bolted joint 100 would be part way along the wall of the first section 48, i.e. the front cone. The joint 100 is a low diameter joint relative to the joint/interface 70 on the rear cone, to be described below. In such examples, the interface/joint in the front section 48 is not at a radial height sufficient to allow assembly, servicing and maintenance of the gearbox. That is to say the interface may be inaccessible from the front and/or closer to the axis (e.g. at a lower radial height) than the interface 70.

[0095] This bolted joint 100 may not be on the torque path, e.g. making it easier to design to accommodate ultimate events, such as a fan blade-off. As shown in FIG. 5, the front section or front cone 48 may be split into two sections, a front portion 48A and a rear portion 48B joined together at the joint 100. The front portion 48A extends forwardly of the joint 100 towards the forward end 44. The rear portion 48B is joined to (i.e. integral with) the stator 24, e.g. extending a short distance radially inwardly of the stator 24. A gearbox 30 may be connected to the rear portion 48B, e.g. via an intermediate member 102, so that gearbox torque can be reacted by the stator 24 via the rear portion 48B of the front cone 48. In this way torque imposed on the static ring gear (Item 38 in FIG. 3) is reacted via the rear portion 48B but not the front portion 48A and the joint 100 is removed from the torque path. The intermediate member 102 may depend from the relevant static part, e.g. ring gear 38, of the gearbox.

[0096] In either example of FIGS. 4 and 5, stators 24 may be disposed circumferentially about the principal rotational axis 9 in an annular fashion to form a ring of stators. The stator 24 may comprise at least twenty stators. The stator 24 may comprise at least thirty or forty stators 24.

[0097] In examples described above, the stators 24 are structural, load-bearing members. In other examples, stators 24 may be axially separated into multiple narrow aerofoils that do not carry structural load and load carrying struts, i.e. which typically do not have an aerodynamic duty. The struts may be fore and/or aft of the aerofoils. Typically there would be at least three struts. The term stator(s) as used herein refers to aerofoil(s)/vane(s) and/or strut(s), depending on which members carry the structural load.

[0098] The first section 48 comprising the plurality of stators 24 may form a unitary piece as shown in FIG. 4 (i.e. to form a substantially conical wall portion comprising an annulus of stators 24).

[0099] The first section 48 in this example is configured such that a load path between the fan bearing 58 and the stator 24 is continuous. In other examples, as shown in FIG. 5, the first section 48 comprises a discontinuity/joint 100 such that a load path between the fan bearing 58 and the stator 24 is discontinuous, i.e. extending across the interface 100 within section 48.

[0100] In various examples, the first section 48 (e.g. front portion 48A and/or rear portion 48B) may comprise a plurality of sectors. The sectors may comprise conical sectors. Each sector may comprise at least one stator 24. Each sector may comprise a plurality of stators 24. Each of the first section 48 (FIG. 4) or the rear portion 48B (FIG. 5) may be manufactured in single cast or die, or additive layer manufacturing process, to form an integral piece. The plurality sectors are then secured together to form the first section 48. The sectors may be releasably or non-releasably secured.

[0101] The following description of the support structure applies to the examples of both FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0102] The support structure 42 comprises a second section 60. The second section 60 is located at the rearward portion 66 or rear end 46 of the support structure 42. The second section 60 is located rearward with respect to the first section 48 and/or stator. The second section 60 may be located radially inward with respect to at least a portion the first section 48. The second section 60 may be located radially inward with respect to at least a portion the stator 24, e.g. an inner end of the stator 24. The second section 60 is formed separately (i.e. non integrally) with the first section 48 and stator 24.

[0103] The second section 60 comprises a wall portion 62 extending between the radially inner rearward portion 66 and a radially outer end 64, e.g. which is connected to the stator 24 in use. The radially inner rearward portion 66 may comprise a rear end 46 of the support structure 42 as a whole when assembled.

[0104] The wall portion 62 is angled forwardly/obliquely with respect to the principal rotational axis 9, e.g. toward the forward end 44 of the support structure. The wall portion 62 may be angled between 20 and 70 degrees with respect to the principal rotational axis 9 towards the forward end 44 of the support structure.

[0105] The second section 60 may be annular in form, e.g. comprising a conical shape. The second section 60 may comprise a truncated conical (frustoconical) shape. The second section 60 may be substantially rotationally symmetric about the principal rotational axis 9 (i.e. the wall portion 62 is substantially the same throughout rotation about the principal rotational axis 9).

[0106] The second section 60 is releasably connected/secured to the first section 48 to provide a housing or enclosure for the internal area 43 of the engine. The second section 60 may be releasably connected at a radially outer end 64 thereof. The second section may be releasably connected to the stator 24. The second section may be releasably connected to the radially innermost portion of the stator 24. The second section may be releasably connected to a rearmost portion or edge of the stator 24.

[0107] The second section 60 and stator 24 may be joined at an interface 70. A first portion/half of the interface 70 may be integrally formed with the stator 24. A second/opposing portion of the interface may be provided by the second section 60.

[0108] The second section 60 comprises an interface formation 68. The interface formation 68 is configured to engage with a corresponding interface portion provided on the first section 48. The first section interface portion may be provided on the stator 24, preferably, on a rearward portion or edge thereof.

[0109] The interface formation 68 comprises at least one flange. A first flange 72 is configured to engage a first face 76 provided on the stator 24. The flange may be angled with respect to the wall portion 62. The flange may be angled between 90 and 180 degrees with respect to the wall portion 62. A fastening mechanism/member 80 is configured to extend between the first flange 72 and the first face 76 to form a releasable connection therebetween.

[0110] The fastening mechanism/member 80 may comprise a bolt, although other conventional fasteners could be considered.

[0111] The interface formation 68 may comprise a further flange 74. The further flange 74 is configured to engage a corresponding second face provided on the stator. The further flange 74 may be angled with respect to the first flange 72. The faces of the opposing stator may be correspondingly angled. The angle may be between 45 and 180 degrees. The angle may be between 90 and 180 degrees. The angle may be 135 degrees.

[0112] Although not shown in the example of FIG. 4, a fastening member could be configured to extend between the further flange 74 and the second face 78 to form a releasable connection therebetween. The fastening mechanism may comprise a bolt, or other conventional fastener. One or more dowels may be configured to extend between the further flange 74 and the second face 78 to form a releasable connection therebetween and/or provide torque resistance.

[0113] The interface and or interface formations of the stator 24 and second section 60 may comprise a substantially annular shape. The interface formation provided on the first section 48 may comprise a substantially annular edge. Where an annular joint 100 is also provided on the front cone, the diameter of the annular interface 70 is greater than that of interface 100.

[0114] A plurality of fastening members 80 are disposed around the annular interface to provide a releasable connection between the first section 48 (i.e. via the stator 24) and the second section 60.

[0115] The interface formation 68 provided on the second section 60 may comprise a plurality of discrete portions disposed circumferentially around the second section 60. The interface formation 70 provided on the first section 48 may comprise a plurality of discrete portions disposed circumferentially around the second section 60, corresponding to the plurality of discrete portions provided on the second portion. One or more fastening members/mechanisms 80 may be provided between the discrete portions to provide a releasable connection between the first section 48 and the second section 60.

[0116] The second section 60 comprises a support 84 for a compressor bearing 86. The compressor may comprise a low pressure, an intermediate pressure compressor or a high pressure compressor. The support 84 may be disposed at the rearward portion 66 of the second section 60, e.g. at the rear end 46. The support 84 is connected to a bearing 86 for rotationally supporting the output shaft of a compressor assembly. The support 84 may be connected to, and/or integrally formed with, the outer race of the bearing 86.

[0117] The second section 60 is configured such a load path between the compressor bearing 86 and the stator 24 is discontinuous, i.e. extending across the interface between the stator 24 and second section 60.

[0118] FIGS. 4 and 5 show a gear box 30 for a geared turbofan engine architecture as described above, although the gearbox may be omitted in other examples. The gearbox is disposed between, and substantially contained within, the first section 48 and the second section 60. Thus the support structure 42 forms a housing around, e.g. circumferentially around, the gearbox.

[0119] The radial positioning of the interface, i.e. as defined by the radial height of the second section 60, is radially outside the outermost edge of the gearbox 30.

[0120] The first section 48 may comprise a support 90 for bearing 92 of the output shaft of the gearbox 30. The support 90 is connected to a bearing 92 for rotationally supporting the output shaft of the gearbox 30. The support 90 may be connected to, or integral with, the outer race of the bearing 92. The support 90 may be positioned at an increased radial distance from the principal rotational axis 9 than the fan bearing support 56.

[0121] The support 90 may be supported by a bracket/wall portion 88 extending from the wall portion 50 of the first section 48. The bracket may extend rearward and/or radially inward from the wall portion 50. The bracket 88 may be formed integrally with the wall portion 50 or may be formed as a separate component attached to the wall portion 50. The bracket 88 may be obliquely/rearwardly angled with respect to the longitudinal axis. The bracket 88 may be annular in form. The bracket may comprise a branching wall off the wall portion 50.

[0122] The bearing support 90 may help support the first section 48, i.e. the front cone.

[0123] The second section 60 may comprise a support 96 for bearing 96 of the input shaft of the gearbox 30. The support 96 is connected to a bearing 98 for rotationally supporting the input shaft of the gearbox 30. The support 96 may be connected to, or integral with, the outer race of the bearing 98. The support 96 may be positioned at substantially the same radial distance from the principal rotational axis 9 as the compressor bearing support 84, or else may be radially offset therefrom.

[0124] The support 96 may be supported by a bracket/wall portion 94 extending from the wall portion 62 of the second section 60. The bracket may extend forward and/or radially inward from the wall portion 62. The bracket 94 may be formed integrally with the wall portion 62 or may be formed as a separate component attached to the wall portion 62. The bracket 94 may be obliquely/forwardly angled with respect to the longitudinal axis. The bracket 94 may be annular in form. The bracket may comprise a branching wall off the wall portion 62.

[0125] The bearing support 96 may help support the second section 60, i.e. the rear cone.

[0126] The support structure 42 may comprise any conventional materials, e.g. metallic, polymer and/or composite materials. The composite material may comprise a fibre reinforced polymer, a metal matrix composite, a ceramic matrix composite or combinations thereof.

[0127] In normal use, the first 48 and second 60 sections are mounted as shown and the bearings provide the interface with the relevant rotating shafts. The first section 48 and stator array 24 can be mounted as a common piece to the second section 60 and bolted to rigidly hold the assembly for use.

[0128] During assembly/maintenance/disassembly, the second section 60 may be separated from the first portion 48 to provide access to an internal area of the gas turbine engine, i.e. radially inside the stator 24. The user removes the fastening members 80 connecting the first section 48 and the second section 60. One of the first section 48 or the second section 60 are then removed to expose the internal area provided between the first section 48 and the second section 60. This may provide access to inter alia: a gearbox; the shaft system; shaft-system components; the bearings located within the first and/or second sections; or any other components/accessories mounted within the support structure.

[0129] Access to the gearbox 30 and rear/second section 60 can beneficially be achieved by removal of the front section 48 with the stator 24. The radial positioning of the interface 68, 70 allows a clearance around the gearbox 30 when removing the front cone.

[0130] Whilst, for ungeared gas turbine engines there is generally no need to access the space within the bearing support structure, as the bearings and other components are typically positioned on the front and rear sides of the structure as well as the inner bore diameter, rather than the enclosed zone within the bearing support structure.

[0131] Advantages of the Bearing Support Structure:

[0132] The support structure reduces the risk of the connection between the first section and the second section failing in the case of radially asymmetric loading of the fan assembly. This can occur, for example due to a fan blade-off or compressor blade-off scenario.

[0133] The provision of a joint (i.e. bolted interface) behind the engine section stator removes the joint from the fan load path and instead places it in the compressor load path. This reduces the potential loading the joint is required to withstand, thereby permitting a reduction in the size/weight of the joint assembly and associated bolts.

[0134] The lack of a bolted joint in the fan load path may reduce the risk of failure or bolt unwinding, e.g. under large fan blade-off loading.

[0135] The support structure may remove the joint from the torque reaction path therefore simplifying the design and reducing the chance of failure, e.g. when using an epicyclic gearbox in which the gearbox ring gear is mounted to the fan load path.

[0136] The support structure provides convenient access to the internal area of the gas turbine engine.

[0137] It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments above-described and various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the concepts described herein. Except where mutually exclusive, any of the features may be employed separately or in combination with any other features and the disclosure extends to and includes all combinations and sub-combinations of one or more features described herein.