The concept of these new hot end sectorplates is simply to structurally deform into the same parabolic shape as that of the operating rotor to minimize the direct leakage gaps, as shown in image.
Design algorithms have been developed to automate the optimised design for each individual contract to minimize the number of stiffeners and the variable stiffener depth and thickness. The main image above shows the model of a large sectorplate (size 35.5 i.e. 21m diameter rotor). Typically, the maximum deviation of the deflected sectorplate from the capped rotor, at any point radially, is less than 0.5mm.
Thermocouples in the gas ducts continuously monitor the differential temperatures and this information is then used to determine how much the electric actuators should push the sectorplate down at the periphery.