Methods and apparatus for minimizing thermal stresses in a centerbody

This application relates generally to gas turbine engines and, more particularly, to gas turbine engines including exhaust centerbodies. A centerbody for a gas turbine engine includes a thermal control system which minimizes the thermal stresses between the centerbody and at least one stiffener. The centerbody stiffener extends radially inward from a centerbody shell. A cavity is defined within each centerbody stiffener. The thermal control system includes a plurality of openings circumferentially disposed around the centerbody. Each opening extends through the centerbody shell into each cavity. The openings include pairs of entrance openings and exit openings which permit circumferential flow to develop within the centerbody cavity.