A system and method for applying a tensile load to a component, having a tensile fuse

摘要

A system and method for applying a tensile load to a component 4. The system includes a failsafe structure 10, having a principal part 15, 16, 18, 19 which is configured to act in compression during application of said load to the component 4, and a mechanical fuse 20 configured to act in tension during application of said load to the component 4. The mechanical fuse 20 being configured to fracture upon the application of a predetermined tensile force thereto. The mechanical fuse 20 is preferably an integral part of a unitary failsafe structure 10. The fuse 20 may be substantially annular with a serpentine configuration 17. The mechanical fuse preferably has a radial thickness r, which is less than the radial thickness (R1, R2) of sidewalls 15 & 16. The method and system are preferably used to mount a gas turbine engine rotor (1, figs 1 & 2) to a balance simulator (2, figs 1 & 2).