Abstract

A first end of a turbine casing is rigidly supported by a support member, while the second end is supported via a bearing case. The inboard end of the bearing case supports the second end of the turbine casing at points in a horizontal plane containing the longitudinal axis of the turbine shaft. The inboard end of the bearing case is supported by at least one inboard support element, while the outboard end of the bearing case is supported by at least one outboard support element. Each of the inboard support element and the outboard support element provides vertical support while permitting movement of the bearing case in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the turbine shaft. The outboard support element has upper and lower camming shim members with mating inclined surfaces. Each of the inclined surfaces can be a planar surface which is inclined at an acute angle to a horizontal plane and which intersects the horizontal plane along a line perpendicular to a vertical plane containing the longitudinal axis of the turbine shaft. The lower camming shim member can be stationarily mounted, while the upper camming shim member can be connected to the bearing case by at least one elongated member which extends outwardly from the bearing case in a direction at least generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the turbine shaft. The outboard support element maintains the alignment of the bearing case with the turbine shaft during operation of the turbine at elevated temperatures.