A shrouding for interacting with at least one rotor assembly

Abstract

The invention is related to a shrouding 6d for interacting with at least one rotor assembly 7d, the shrouding 6d forming an air duct 15 that is associated with the at least one rotor assembly 7d and axially delimited by an air inlet region 20a and an air outlet region 20b, comprising a main load carrying primary structure 16 and a stiffening secondary structure 17 that encapsulates the main load carrying primary structure 16 at least partly, the stiffening secondary structure 17 comprising at least one inflexible lightweight volume material and being provided at least for reducing elastic movements of the main load carrying primary structure 16 under loading conditions.

Description

technical field [0001] The invention relates to a shrouding for interacting with at least one rotor assembly. The invention also relates to a thrust generating unit for an aircraft comprising such a cover. Background technique [0002] An aircraft is generally equipped with one or more thrust generating units arranged to generate thrust in a predetermined direction during operation of the aircraft. In general, each thrust generating unit includes one or more rotors or propellers, usually enclosed in associated ducts or shrouds, to increase the corresponding output of the given thrust generating unit at a constant required power thrust. Accordingly, the corresponding rotor or propeller induced velocity can be used to additionally generate thrust from the duct or shroud. [0003] In general, a duct or shroud is defined by a closed, annular surface disposed about an associated rotor or propeller to enhance the respective aerodynamic characteristics and performance of the ass...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Therefore, such ducts or shrouds typically face issues of robustness, damage tolerance, weight, stiffness, strength and stability, integrity, noise reduction, and production cost and manufacturability

[0011] Additionally, production cost and manufacturability issues generally exist in the need to provide efficient ducting or shielding

[0020] In conclusion, while the prior art described above involves a variety of different ducts or shrouds, and although a variety of different materials are known in the art for use with aerodynamic structures in general, the underlying design principles cannot be readily used to implement and improve aircraft Ducts or shrouds that interact with rotors or propellers

In particular, the prior art does not describe any combination of materials and / or design principles that would allow the creation of ducts or shrouds that deal with at least most of the above-mentioned problems

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