Method and apparatus for improving fan operability control using smart materials

Abstract

Systems, devices, articles, and methods for using smart materials to improve fan operability control are disclosed. An engine includes an engine surface located in an airflow path, a sensor positioned on the engine surface, and a smart material-based feature positioned on the engine surface, the smart material-based feature being configured to detect a deviation from a reference value of an operating parameter of the engine when the sensor outputs an indication of a detected deviation from the reference value of the operating parameter of the engine. Features based on the smart material are triggered to modify the airflow path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to gas turbine engines and, more particularly, to methods and apparatus for improving air flow in gas turbine engines. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, some engine designs have used nacelles with shortened inlets to save size, weight, etc. However, nacelles with shortened inlets often experience inlet deformation at the fan because there is insufficient space in front of the fan to align the air flow. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional illustration of an example gas turbine engine in which examples disclosed herein may be implemented.

[0004] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A close-up schematic cross-sectional view of a front end of an example gas turbine engine including multiple smart material-based features on a fan case.

[0005] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A close-up schematic cross-sectional view of the front end of an example gas turbine engine including multiple smart material-based features on a fan blade.

[0006] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A close-up schematic cross-sectional view of a front end of an example gas turbine engine including multiple smart material-based features on an inlet guide vane.

[0007] Figure 5A yes Figure 1 A close-up schematic cross-sectional view of the aft end of an example gas turbine engine including multiple smart material-based features on a nozzle.

[0008] Figure 5B yes Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of an inlet guide vane including multiple smart material-based features.

[0009] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional illustration of an example unducted gas turbine engine in which examples disclosed herein may be implemented.

[0010] Fig. 7A yes Figure 6 A close-up schematic cross-sectional view of a front end of an example unducted gas turbine engine including multiple smart material-based features on the outlet guide vanes.

[0011] Figure 7B yes Figure 6A close-up schematic cross-sectional view of a front end of an example unducted gas turbine engine including multiple smart material-based features on a fan blade.

[0012] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 A close-up schematic cross-sectional view of an aft end of an example ductless gas turbine engine including multiple smart material-based features on a tertiary flow nozzle.

[0013] Fig. 9A yes Figure 1 A close-up schematic cross-sectional view of the front end of an example gas turbine engine including multiple smart material-based features implemented as serrations on a fan case and fan blades.

[0014] Fig. 9B yes Fig. 9A A close-up view of a first implementation of an example serration.

[0015] Fig. 9C yes Fig. 9A A close-up view of a second implementation of an example serration.

[0016] Fig.9D yes Fig. 9A A close-up view of a third implementation of an example serration.

[0017] Fig.10 yes Figure 1 A close-up schematic cross-sectional view of a front end of an example gas turbine engine including a fan case and multiple active vortex generators on fan blades.

[0018] Fig.11 yes Fig.10 An illustration of an example of an implementation of multiple active vortex generators on a wing.

[0019] Fig. 12A It uses spring Fig.10 Illustration of an example of a deactivated position of an active vortex generator.

[0020] Fig. 12B It uses spring Fig.10 Illustration of an example of an activation position of an active vortex generator.

[0021] Fig.13A is the use of smart material actuators Fig.10 Illustration of an example of a deactivated position of an active vortex generator.

[0022] Fig. 13B is the use of smart material actuators Fig.10 Illustration of an example of an activation position of an active vortex generator.

[0023] Fig. 13C yes Fig.13A A close-up schematic cross-sectional view of an example active vortex generator.

[0024] Fig.13D yes Fig.13A Example of multiple active vortex generators in Fig.11 Example arrangement on a wing.

[0025] Fig.14 is a block diagram of an example full authority digital engine control circuit.

[0026] Fig.15 and 16 is a representation that can be executed, instantiated and / or run by an example programmable circuit to implement Fig.14 A flowchart of example machine readable instructions and / or example operations of an example full authority digital engine control circuit.

[0027] Fig.17 is a block diagram of an example processing platform including programmable circuitry configured to execute, instantiate and / or run example machine-readable instructions and / or perform Fig.15 and 16 Example operation to achieve Fig.14 An example of a full authority digital engine control circuit.

[0028] Generally, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings and the accompanying written description to represent the same or similar parts. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Instead, the thickness of a layer or region may be exaggerated in the drawings. Although layers and regions with clear lines and boundaries are shown in the drawings, some or all of these lines and / or boundaries may be idealized. In practice, boundaries and / or lines may be unobservable, mixed, and / or irregular. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] In the detailed description below, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part thereof, and specific examples that can be put into practice are shown in the accompanying drawings by way of illustration. These examples are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice this theme, and it should be understood that other examples may be used. Therefore, the following detailed description is provided to describe example embodiments, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the theme described in this disclosure. Certain features from the different aspects described below may be combined to form other new aspects of the theme discussed below.

[0030] As used in this disclosure, stating that any part (e.g., a layer, film, region, area, or panel) is on another part in any way (e.g., positioned on another part, located on another part, disposed on another part, or formed on another part, etc.) indicates that the referenced part is in contact with the other part, or that the referenced part is above the other part with one or more intermediate parts located therebetween.

[0031] As used herein, unless otherwise specified, connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined) may include intermediate members between the elements to which the connection reference refers and / or relative movement between those elements. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and / or are in fixed relation to one another. As used herein, stating that any part is "in contact with" another part is defined to mean that there are no intermediate parts between the two parts.

[0032] "Include" and "comprising" (and all their forms and tenses) are used herein as open-ended terms. Thus, whenever a claim adopts any form of "includes" or "comprising" (including, including, having, etc.) as a preamble or uses any form of "includes" or "comprising" in any type of claim statement, it should be understood that additional elements, terms, etc. can be present without exceeding the scope of the corresponding claim or statement. As used herein, when the phrase "at least" is used as a transitional term, such as in the preamble of a claim, it is open-ended, just as the terms "includes" and "comprising" are open-ended. The term "and / or" when used, for example, in a form such as A, B, and / or C, refers to any combination or subset of A, B, and C, such as (1) A alone, (2) B alone, (3) C alone, (4) A and B, (5) A and C, (6) B and C, or (7) A and B and C. As used herein in the context of describing structures, components, items, objects, and / or things, the phrase "at least one of A and B" is intended to refer to embodiments that include any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B. Similarly, as used herein in the context of describing structures, components, items, objects, and / or things, the phrase "at least one of A or B" is intended to refer to embodiments that include any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B. As used herein in the context of describing the execution or performance of processes, instructions, acts, activities, and / or steps, the phrase "at least one of A and B" is intended to refer to embodiments that include any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B. Similarly, as used herein in the context of describing the operation or execution of processes, instructions, actions, activities, and / or steps, the phrase "at least one of A or B" is intended to refer to an embodiment that includes any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B.

[0033] As used herein, singular references (e.g., "a," "an," "first," "second," etc.) do not exclude a plurality. As used herein, the term "a" or "an" object refers to one or more of the object. The terms "a" (or "an"), "one or more," and "at least one" are used interchangeably herein. In addition, although listed separately, multiple devices, elements, or actions may be implemented by, for example, the same entity or object. In addition, although individual features may be included in different examples or claims, these may possibly be combined, and inclusion in different examples or claims does not mean that a combination of features is not feasible and / or disadvantageous.

[0034] Unless otherwise specifically stated, descriptors such as "first," "second," "third," etc., are used herein without in any way implying or otherwise indicating any meaning of priority, physical order, arrangement in a list, and / or ordering, but are used merely as labels and / or arbitrary names to distinguish elements for ease of understanding of the disclosed examples. In some examples, the descriptor "first" may be used to refer to an element in the detailed description, while the same element may be referred to in the claims by a different descriptor, such as "second" or "third." In such cases, it should be understood that such descriptors are used only to clearly identify those elements in the context of the discussion (e.g., within the claims), where the elements, for example, may share the same name.

[0035] As used herein, "approximately" and "about" modify the subject matter / values ​​thereof to recognize the potential for variations that occur in real-world applications. For example, as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, "approximately" and "approximately" may modify dimensions that may not be exact due to manufacturing tolerances and / or other real-world imperfections. For example, "approximately" and "approximately" may indicate that such dimensions may be within a tolerance range of + / - 10%, unless otherwise noted in the following description.

[0036] As used herein, the phrase "communication," including variations thereof, includes direct communication and / or indirect communication through one or more intermediate components, and does not require direct physical (e.g., wired) communication and / or constant communication, but also includes selective communication at periodic intervals, predetermined intervals, non-periodic intervals and / or one-time events.

[0037] As used herein, "programmable circuitry" is defined to include (i) one or more special-purpose circuits (e.g., application-specific circuits (ASICs)) that are constructed to perform specific operations and include one or more semiconductor-based logic devices (e.g., electrical hardware implemented by one or more transistors), and / or (ii) one or more general-purpose semiconductor-based circuits that can be programmed with instructions to perform specific functions and / or operations and include one or more semiconductor-based logic devices (e.g., electrical hardware implemented by one or more transistors). Examples of programmable circuitry include a programmable microprocessor, such as a central processor unit (CPU), which can execute a first instruction to perform one or more operations and / or functions, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), which can be programmed with a second instruction so that the configuration and / or structure of the FPGA instantiates one or more operations and / or functions corresponding to the first instruction, a graphics processor unit (GPU) that can execute a first instruction to perform one or more operations and / or functions, a digital signal processor (DSP) that can execute a first instruction to perform one or more operations and / or functions, an XPU, a network processing unit (NPU), one or more microcontrollers that can execute a first instruction to perform one or more operations and / or functions, and / or integrated circuits such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). For example, the XPU may be implemented by a heterogeneous computing system that includes multiple types of programmable circuits (e.g., one or more FPGAs, one or more CPUs, one or more GPUs, one or more NPUs, one or more DSPs, etc., and / or any combination thereof), and orchestration technology (e.g., an application programming interface (API)) that may distribute computing tasks to any one of the multiple types of programmable circuits that is suitable and available to perform the computing tasks.

[0038] As used herein, an integrated circuit / circuit is defined as one or more semiconductor packages that include one or more circuit elements, such as transistors, capacitors, inductors, resistors, current paths, diodes, etc. For example, an integrated circuit may be implemented as one or more of an ASIC, an FPGA, a chip, a microchip, a programmable circuit, a semiconductor substrate coupling multiple circuit elements, a system on a chip (SoC), etc.

[0039] During the operation of a gas turbine engine, the engine system experiences blade flutter or stall due to disturbances in the air flow path, shortened nacelles, different airflows, and other factors. Some engine designs use nacelles with shortened inlets to save size, weight, etc. However, nacelles with shortened inlets usually experience inlet deformation at the fan because the space in front of the fan is not enough to align the air flow. Blade flutter is introduced when there is a disturbance across and / or around the wing or other aircraft surface in the air flow. An aircraft attempting to take off or land in a crosswind situation may experience blade flutter due to interference in the air flow generated by the crosswind. Similarly, blade flutter may occur when there are two different air flows mixed together at different speeds or pressures. This can occur at the engine nozzle, where two different airflow paths converge. Some examples use smart materials to minimize or reduce blade flutter or stall according to engine pressure, speed, vibration data, and other operating parameters. For example, smart materials can be embedded in fan housings, fan blades, and / or inlet cones.

[0040] For example, sensors monitoring engine pressure, vibration, speed data and / or other operating parameters can be mounted on the fan housing behind the fan hub and / or rotor. Deviations from a reference value or range of one or more operating parameters activate smart materials to mitigate blade flutter and inlet deformation caused by incoming air flow by changing the direction of the air flow. Smart materials are materials made of substances such as shape memory alloys, bimetallic materials, graphene-based elements or composite foams, which can be activated by exposure to electricity, electromagnetic waves, microwaves, graphene-based heating elements, etc., for example, to expand active vortex generators or generate sawtooth on the engine. For example, smart materials can generate sawtooth on the fan housing and / or dendrite features on the fan blades, and are suitable for mitigating inlet deformation, blade flutter and / or bending or tip clearance problems. For example, electromagnetic (EM) waves (e.g., lasers, ultraviolet (UV), infrared, etc.) and / or microwaves are used to activate smart materials made of graphene-based heating elements, bimetallics, composite metal foams and / or shape memory alloys to produce fast and efficient heating.

[0041] The serrations are made of different shapes, such as criss-cross, fan-shaped, or saw-toothed, which protrude and create turbulence to the flow. In some examples, a dendritic (e.g., leaf-like) structure with branches can span the fan blade. In addition, the branches connect the leading and trailing edges or radial channels from the root of the blade to the tip of the blade. Larger dendritic patterns can include one or more axial layers and / or criss-cross patterns.

[0042] In some examples, activation of the smart material may occur in a localized area to counteract detrimental changes (e.g., bending, sag, flutter) in a specific area. In other examples, activation of the smart material extends across the entire surface (e.g., the inner surface of the fan case (also referred to herein as the inner surface, meaning the surface facing inward toward the center of the engine), the outer surface of the fan blade (also referred to herein as the outer surface, meaning the surface facing outward away from the center of the engine), the inner surface of the nozzle, the outer surface of the nozzle, the surface of the inlet guide vane, the surface of the outlet guide vane, etc.).

[0043] Example smart material-based features include retractable active vortex generators with one or more bimetallic or shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators, which are referred to as smart material actuators. Such retractable active vortex generators can be set on the fan case and / or inlet nose cone of the engine to generate turbulence to mitigate crosswind conditions. Local activation of smart materials on fan blades and / or other structures (e.g., fan case, inlet guide vanes, etc.) uses smart materials (e.g., materials made of shape memory alloys, bimetallic materials, etc.) at a certain angle of attack to change the surface characteristics of the blades, generate turbulence and avoid boundary layer separation, which mitigates inlet deformation. Smart material activation is placed in the housing using a graphene heating element, and then electromagnetic waves (EM waves, such as lasers, ultraviolet (UV), infrared, etc.) and microwaves are used to activate or trigger the graphene heating element.

[0044] In operation, the effects of fan flutter, fan blade sag, and / or non-optimal tip clearance are mitigated by activating a given segment or localized area of ​​the blade to counteract damage in the form of bending, sag, and / or blade flutter. Mitigation elements such as smart materials can be applied to ducted fans and / or open rotor structures on a variety of structures.

[0045] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example gas turbine engine in which the examples disclosed herein may be implemented. In particular, Figure 1 In one example, the gas turbine engine is a high bypass turbofan jet engine 10, referred to herein as a "turbofan engine 10". The turbofan engine 10 has a ducted or closed rotor design. Figure 1 As shown, turbofan engine 10 defines an axial direction A (extending parallel to longitudinal axis 12 , for reference), a radial direction R, and a circumferential direction. Generally, turbofan engine 10 includes a fan section 14 and a turbine 16 disposed downstream of fan section 14 .

[0046] The illustrated turbomachine 16 generally includes a basic outer casing 18 defining an annular inlet 20. The outer casing 18 surrounds, in series flow relationship, a compressor section including a supercharger or low pressure (LP) compressor 22 and a high pressure (HP) compressor 24; a combustion section 26; a turbine section including a high pressure (HP) turbine 28 and a low pressure (LP) turbine 30; and a nozzle 32. A high pressure (HP) shaft 34 drivingly connects the HP turbine 28 to the HP compressor 24. A low pressure (LP) shaft 36 drivingly connects the LP turbine 30 to the LP compressor 22. The LP turbine 30 may also be referred to as a "driving turbine."

[0047] exist Figure 1 , the fan section 14 includes a fan 38 having a plurality of fan blades 40 coupled to a disk 42 in a spaced-apart manner. More specifically, the fan section 14 includes a fan 38 that accommodates a single-stage fan blade 40. As shown, the fan blade 40 generally extends outwardly from the disk 42 in a radial direction R. Each of the fan blades 40 is rotatable about a pitch axis P relative to the disk 42 by means of the fan blades 40 being operably coupled to an actuating member 44, the actuating member 44 being configured to change the pitch of the fan blades 40 in unison. The fan 38 is mechanically coupled to the LP turbine 30 or drive turbine and is rotatable with the LP turbine 30 or drive turbine. More specifically, in a "direct drive" configuration, the fan blades 40, the disk 42, and the actuating member 44 are rotatable together about the longitudinal axis 12 through the LP shaft 36. Therefore, the fan 38 is coupled to the LP turbine 30 in such a manner that the fan 38 can be rotated by the LP turbine 30 at the same rotational speed as the LP turbine 30.

[0048] Still reference Figure 1 , the disk 42 is covered by a rotatable forward hub 48 that is aerodynamically shaped to facilitate airflow through the plurality of fan blades 40. In addition, the fan section 14 includes a fan case 50 that circumferentially surrounds the plurality of fan blades 40 of the fan 38 and / or at least a portion of the turbine 16. More specifically, the fan case 50 includes an inner wall 52, and a downstream section 54 of the inner wall 52 of the fan case 50 extends on the exterior of the turbine 16 to define a bypass airflow passage 56 therebetween. In addition, for the example shown, the fan case 50 is supported relative to the turbine 16 by a plurality of circumferentially spaced outlet guide vanes 55.

[0049] During operation of turbofan engine 10, a volume of air 58 enters turbofan engine 10 through fan case 50 and / or associated inlet 60 of fan section 14. As volume of air 58 passes through fan blades 40, a first portion of air 58, as indicated by arrows, is directed or directed into bypass airflow passage 56, while a second portion of air 58, as indicated by arrows, is directed or directed into LP compressor 22. The pressure of second portion 64 of air is then increased as it is directed through high pressure (HP) compressor 24 and into combustion section 26, where second portion 64 of air is mixed with fuel and combusted to provide combustion gases 66.

[0050] The combustion gases 66 are directed through the nozzle 32 of the turbine 16 to provide propulsive thrust. At the same time, the pressure of the first portion of the air 62 is significantly increased as the first portion of the air 62 is directed through the bypass airflow passage 56 before being discharged from the fan nozzle exhaust section 76 of the turbofan engine 10, also providing propulsive thrust. The HP turbine 28, the LP turbine 30, and the nozzle 32 at least partially define a hot gas path 78 for directing the combustion gases 66 through the turbine 16.

[0051] However, it should be understood that Figure 1 The turbofan engine 10 shown in and described above is only an example, and in other examples, the turbofan engine 10 may have any other configuration. In other examples, the turbine 16 may include any other number of compressors, turbines and / or shafts or spools. In addition, the turbofan engine 10 may not include each feature described herein, or may alternatively include one or more features not described herein. For example, in other examples, the fan 38 may not be a variable pitch fan. In addition, although described as a "turbofan" gas turbine engine, in other examples, the gas turbine engine may be configured as any other ducted gas turbine engine instead. In some examples, the turbofan engine 10 may be a two-flow engine or a three-flow engine. In some examples, the turbofan engine 10 may include or not include an inlet guide vane 100.

[0052] As can be appreciated, operating a turbofan engine 10 typically results in blade flutter and / or stall due to the flow path of the air. To mitigate blade flutter and / or stall of the turbofan engine 10 due to the flow path of the air, smart material based features are utilized on various portions of the turbofan engine 10.

[0053] Figure 2 yes Figure 1A close-up schematic cross-sectional view of a front end of an example gas turbine engine of FIG. 1 , which includes a plurality of smart material-based features 220 on a fan case 50. The illustrated turbofan engine 10 generally includes smart material-based features 220 placed on the fan case 50. The smart material-based features 220 may include at least one of a shape memory alloy, a bimetallic material, a graphene-based element, or a composite foam. The smart material-based features 220 may include retractable active vortex generators. The smart material-based features 220 may produce at least one of serrations or protrusions on at least one of the inner surfaces of the fan case 50. When the smart material actuator 226 receives a signal to activate, the smart material-based features may activate the active vortex generators.

[0054] In some examples, the turbofan engine 10 includes a sensor 222 (e.g., a pressure sensor, a vibration sensor, a speed sensor, etc.) that monitors a deviation of an operating parameter of the turbofan engine 10 from a reference value of the operating parameter. The operating parameter may include at least one of an engine pressure, an engine vibration, or an engine speed. The turbofan engine 10 includes a controller 224 and a smart material actuator 226, the controller 224 sending a signal to the smart material actuator 226 to activate the smart material-based feature 220 when the sensor 222 outputs an indication of a deviation from a reference value of the operating parameter of the engine that has been detected by the sensor 222. The indication is a signal reflecting the detected deviation from the reference value of the operating parameter of the engine. When the sensor 222 outputs an indication of a deviation from the reference value of the operating parameter of the engine, the sensor 222 sends a signal to the controller 224. Once the smart material-based feature is activated, blade flutter and / or stall of the turbofan engine 10 caused by the flow path of the air will be reduced or stopped.

[0055] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 FIG. 2 is a close-up schematic cross-sectional view of the front end of an example gas turbine engine including a plurality of smart material-based features 220 located on a fan blade 40. Figure 3 As shown in the example of , smart material-based features 220 are arranged on the outer surface of fan blade 40 in a spaced-apart structure (e.g., between 0.1 and 2.0 inches). In some examples, activation of smart material-based features 220 may occur in localized areas to counteract harmful changes (e.g., bending, denting, fluttering) in specific areas. Smart material-based features 220 include at least one of a shape memory alloy, a bimetallic material, a graphene-based element, or a composite foam. Smart material actuator 226 activates smart material-based features 220 using at least one of electricity, electromagnetic waves, microwaves, or a graphene-based heating element.

[0056] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a close-up schematic cross-sectional view of the front end of an example gas turbine engine including a plurality of smart material-based features 220 located on the inlet guide vanes 100. Figure 4 As shown in the example of FIG. 1 , the smart material-based features 220 are arranged in a spaced-apart configuration (e.g., between 0.1 and 2.0 inches) on the inlet guide vane 100. The spaced-apart configuration of the smart material-based features 220 on the inlet guide vane 100 helps move air flow through the engine and is associated with an amount of air flow moving through the engine.

[0057] Figure 5A yes Figure 1 A close-up schematic cross-sectional view of the aft end of an example gas turbine engine of FIG. 1 including a plurality of smart material-based features 220 on a nozzle 32. Figure 1 As shown, the turbofan engine 10 defines a longitudinal axis 12 and a nozzle 32 . Figure 5A The illustrated turbofan engine 10 includes a smart material-based feature 220 disposed on the nozzle 32. The smart material-based feature 220 on the nozzle 32 activates and assists air flow through the turbofan engine 10. As air flows through the aft end of the turbofan engine 10, the smart material-based feature 220 on the nozzle 32 mitigates blade flutter and inlet deformation caused by the incoming air flow by altering the air flow.

[0058] Figure 5B yes Figure 4 FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an inlet guide vane 100 including a plurality of smart material based features 220. Figure 5B As shown, the inlet guide vane 100 is generally configured as an airfoil having a pressure side 120 and an opposing suction side 122 extending between a leading edge 108 and a trailing edge 110 . Air 58 flows through the inlet 60 of the fan case 50 in an airflow direction 129 . Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an example gas turbine engine inlet guide vane 100 generally includes smart material-based features 220 placed on the inlet guide vane 100 .

[0059] Figure 1-5B An example closed rotor or ducted engine configuration that can benefit from placement of smart material based features 220 is shown. Figure 6-8 An example open rotor or ductless engine configuration is shown that may also benefit from placement of smart material based features 220 .

[0060] There are a variety of engine configurations, such as unducted gas turbine engines, where smart material-based features can be placed. Figure 66 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a ductless gas turbine engine 600 in which examples disclosed herein may be implemented. Ductless gas turbine engine 600 defines an axial direction A, a radial direction R, and a circumferential direction C. Further, ductless gas turbine engine 600 defines an axial centerline or longitudinal axis 612 extending along axial direction A. Ductless gas turbine engine 600 extends, for example, along axial direction A between a forward end 614 and an aft end 616.

[0061] The unducted gas turbine engine 600 includes a core engine 618 and a fan section 650 located upstream thereof. Generally, the core engine 618 includes a compressor section, a combustion section, a turbine section, and an exhaust section in a series flow order. In particular, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown, the core engine 618 includes an engine core 620 and a core cowl 622 annularly surrounding the engine core 620. The engine core 620 and the core cowl 622 define a core inlet 624. The pressurized air flow flows downstream to the combustor 630 where fuel is injected into the pressurized air flow and ignited to raise the temperature and energy level of the pressurized air.

[0062] The high energy combustion products flow downstream from the combustor 630 to the high pressure turbine 632. The high pressure turbine 632 drives the high pressure compressor 628 through the first shaft or high pressure (HP) shaft 636. Then, the high energy combustion products flow to the low pressure turbine 634. In this example, the low pressure (LP) shaft 638 is coaxial with the HP shaft 636. After driving each of the high pressure turbine 632 and the low pressure turbine 634, the combustion products leave the core engine 618 through the nozzle 640 to generate propulsion thrust. The nozzle 640 can be a third flow nozzle or a core exhaust nozzle, depending on the engine structure. Therefore, the core engine 618 defines a core flow path or core duct 642 extending between the core inlet 624 and the nozzle 640.

[0063] The fan section 650 includes a main fan 652. Figure 6 In the example of FIG. 5 , the main fan 652 is an open rotor or non-ducted main fan 652. However, in other examples, the main fan 652 can be, for example, provided by a fan housing 50 ( Figure 1 ) or a ducted nacelle circumferentially surrounding the main fan 652. As shown, the main fan 652 includes an array of fan blades 654 ( Figure 6 The fan blades 654 are rotatable, for example, about the longitudinal axis 612. As described above, the main fan 652 is drivingly coupled to the low pressure turbine 634 via the LP shaft 638. The main fan 652 may be directly coupled to the LP shaft 638, for example, in a direct drive configuration. Figure 6As shown, the main fan 652 can be coupled to the LP shaft 638 via a reduction gearbox 655, for example, in an indirect drive or gear drive configuration.

[0064] In addition, fan blades 654 can be arranged at equal intervals around longitudinal axis 612. Each fan blade 654 has a root and a tip and a span defined between them. Each fan blade 654 defines a central blade axis 656. For this example, each fan blade 654 of main fan 652 can rotate around their respective central blade axis 656, for example, rotating in unison with each other. One or more actuators 658 can be controlled to tilt fan blades 654 around their respective central blade axis 656. However, in other examples, each fan blade 654 can be fixed or cannot be tilted around its central blade axis 656.

[0065] Fan section 650 also includes an outlet guide vane 660 including fan guide vanes 662 ( Figure 6 Only one is shown in FIG. 6 ). Each fan guide vane 662 defines a central blade axis 664. The fan guide vanes 662 are mounted on a fan housing 670.

[0066] The fan shroud 670 annularly surrounds at least a portion of the core shroud 622 and is generally located outside the core shroud 622 along the radial direction R. Specifically, the downstream section of the fan shroud 670 extends over the front of the core shroud 622 to define a fan flow path or fan duct 672. Intake air may enter through the fan duct 672 through the fan duct inlet 676 and may exit through the fan exhaust nozzle 678 to generate propulsive thrust. The fan duct 672 is an annular duct that is generally located outside the center duct 642 along the radial direction R. The fan shroud 670 and the core shroud 622 are connected together and are supported by a plurality of substantially radially extending, circumferentially spaced struts 674 ( Figure 6 Each support 674 may be aerodynamically shaped to direct air flow therethrough.

[0067] Ductless gas turbine engine 600 further defines or includes an inlet duct 680. Inlet duct 680 extends between engine inlet 682 and core inlet 624 / fan duct inlet 676. Air flowing downstream along inlet duct 680 is not necessarily evenly separated into core duct 642 and fan duct 672 by the nose of separator 644 of core shroud 622. In various examples, it should be understood that ductless gas turbine engine 600 includes a ratio of the amount of fan guide vanes 662 to the amount of fan blades 654 that may be less than, equal to, or greater than 1:1.

[0068] Reference Figure 6 , the operation of the ductless gas turbine engine 600 can be summarized in the following manner. During operation, the initial or incoming airflow passes through the fan blades 654 of the main fan 652 and is separated into a first airflow and a second airflow. The first airflow bypasses the engine inlet 682 and flows outward from the fan cover 670 in a radial direction R generally along the axial direction A. The first airflow accelerated by the fan blades 654 passes through the fan guide vanes 662 and then continues to flow downward to produce the main propulsive flow or the first thrust flow S1. The second airflow flowing downstream through the inlet duct 680 flows through the low-pressure compressor blades 692 of the first stage of the low-pressure compressor 690 and is thereby compressed. The second airflow flowing downstream of the first stage of the low-pressure compressor 690 is separated by the separator 644 located at the front end of the core cover 622. The air flows through the fan duct 672 generally along the axial direction A and is eventually discharged from the fan duct 672 through the fan exhaust nozzle 678 to produce the third thrust flow S3. As used herein, "tertiary flow" or third thrust flow S3 refers to a secondary air flow that is capable of increasing fluid energy to produce a minority of the total propulsion system thrust.

[0069] Despite Figure 6 A non-ducted gas turbine engine 600 has been described and illustrated in the drawings, which represents an example three-flow gas turbine engine operable to produce a first thrust flow S1, a second thrust flow S2, and a third thrust flow S3, but it should be understood that aspects of the present disclosure may be applied to three-flow gas turbine engines having other configurations, such as having one or two flows. A one-flow engine produces a first thrust flow S1. A two-flow engine produces a first thrust flow S1 and a second thrust flow S2. A three-flow engine produces a first thrust flow S1, a second thrust flow S2, and a third thrust flow S3.

[0070] Fig. 7A , 7B and 8 is Figure 6 6 is a close-up schematic cross-sectional view of the front end of the unducted gas turbine engine 600, which includes a plurality of smart material-based features 220 on the outlet guide vane 660, on the array of fan blades 654, and on the nozzle 640, respectively. The smart material-based features 220 on the outlet guide vane 660, on the array of fan blades 654, and on the nozzle 640 are adapted to mitigate inlet deformation, blade flutter and / or bending, and / or tip clearance issues. When the smart material-based features 220 are activated by the smart material actuator 226, the smart material-based features 220 produce at least one of serrations or protrusions on at least one of the outlet guide vane 660, the array of fan blades 654, and the nozzle 640. In some examples, activation of the smart material-based features 220 may occur in a localized area to counteract detrimental changes (e.g., bending, denting, flutter) in a particular area.

[0071] The smart material based feature 220 includes at least one of a shape memory alloy, a bimetallic material, a graphene based element, or a composite foam. The smart material actuator 226 activates the smart material based feature 220 using at least one of electricity, electromagnetic waves, microwaves, or a graphene based heating element. The ductless gas turbine engine 600 includes a sensor 222 that monitors a deviation of an operating parameter of the ductless gas turbine engine 600 from a reference value of the operating parameter. The operating parameter may include, for example, at least one of an engine pressure, an engine vibration, or an engine speed. The ductless gas turbine engine 600 includes a controller 224 and a smart material actuator 226, the controller 224 sending a signal to the smart material actuator 226 to activate the smart material based feature 220 when the sensor 222 outputs an indication of a deviation from a reference value of an operating parameter of the engine. When the sensor 222 outputs an indication of a deviation from a reference value of an operating parameter of the engine, the sensor 222 sends a signal to the controller 224. In operation, when air flows through the engine and the sensor 222 senses a deviation from an operational reference, the smart material-based features 220 are activated to counteract detrimental changes (eg, bending, sag, flutter).

[0072] Fig. 9A yes Figure 1 900 is a close-up schematic cross-sectional view of a front end of an example gas turbine engine of FIG. 900 including a plurality of smart material-based features 220 implemented as serrations on a fan case 904 and a fan blade 902. The turbofan engine 900 has a smart material-based feature 906 on the fan case 904 and / or the fan blade 902 adapted to mitigate inlet deformation, blade flutter or bending, or tip clearance issues. When the smart material actuator 226 receives a signal to be activated, the smart material-based feature 906, when activated, produces at least one of a serration or a protrusion on at least one of an inner surface of the fan case 904, an outer surface of the fan blade 902, an inner surface of the nozzle, an outer surface of the nozzle, or an inlet guide vane. In some examples, activation of the smart material-based feature 906 may occur in a localized area to counteract deleterious changes (e.g., bending, denting, flutter) in a particular area. The smart material-based feature 906 includes at least one of a shape memory alloy, a bimetallic material, a graphene-based element, or a composite foam. The smart material actuator 226 activates the smart material based features 906 using at least one of electricity, electromagnetic waves, microwaves, or graphene based heating elements.

[0073] Turbofan engine 900 includes sensor 222 that monitors a deviation of an operating parameter of the turbofan engine from a reference value of the operating parameter. The operating parameter may include at least one of engine pressure, engine vibration, or engine speed. Turbofan engine 900 includes controller 224 and smart material actuator 226, controller 224 sends a signal to smart material actuator 226 to activate a smart material-based feature when sensor 222 outputs an indication of a deviation from a reference value of the operating parameter of the engine. When sensor 222 outputs an indication of a deviation from a reference value of the operating parameter of the engine, sensor 222 sends a signal to controller 224.

[0074] Fig. 9B yes Fig. 9A 910 is a close-up view of a first embodiment of an example sawtooth. Sawtooth pattern 910 shows a straight line pattern. In some examples, the sawtooth can be a different pattern. The sawtooth is made of different shapes that protrude and create turbulence to the flow. In some examples, activation of the smart material to produce sawtooth pattern 910 can occur in a localized area to counteract harmful changes (e.g., bending, depressions, chattering) in a specific area. In other examples, activation of the smart material to produce sawtooth pattern 910 extends across an entire surface (e.g., an interior surface of a fan case, an exterior surface of a fan blade, a surface of an inlet guide vane, etc.).

[0075] Fig. 9C yes Fig. 9A 912 is a close-up view of a second embodiment of an example sawtooth. Sawtooth pattern 912 shows a crisscross pattern. In some examples, the sawtooth can be a different pattern. The sawtooth is made of different shapes that protrude and create turbulence to the flow. In some examples, activation of the smart material to produce sawtooth pattern 912 can occur in a localized area to counteract harmful changes (e.g., bending, depressions, chattering) in a specific area. In other examples, activation of the smart material to produce sawtooth pattern 912 extends across an entire surface (e.g., an interior surface of a fan case, an exterior surface of a fan blade, a surface of an inlet guide vane, etc.).

[0076] Fig.9D yes Fig. 9A 914. A close-up view of a third embodiment of an example sawtooth of FIG. Sawtooth pattern 914 shows a wavy pattern. In some examples, the sawtooth can be a different pattern. The sawtooth is made of different shapes that protrude and create turbulence to the flow. In some examples, activation of the smart material to produce sawtooth pattern 914 can occur in a localized area to counteract harmful changes (e.g., bending, depressions, chattering) in a specific area. In other examples, activation of the smart material to produce sawtooth pattern 914 extends across an entire surface (e.g., an interior surface of a fan case, an exterior surface of a fan blade, a surface of an inlet guide vane, etc.).

[0077] Fig.10 yes Figure 1 900 is a close-up schematic cross-sectional view of the front end of an example gas turbine engine, including a fan case 1004 and a plurality of active vortex generators 1006 on fan blades 1002. The turbofan engine 900 has active vortex generators 1006 on the fan case 1004 and / or fan blades 1002, adapted to mitigate inlet deformation, blade flutter or bending, or tip clearance issues. The active vortex generators 1006 are smart material-based features. The active vortex generators 1006 are retractable. The smart material actuator 226 activates the smart material-based features using at least one of electrical, electromagnetic waves, microwaves, or graphene-based heating elements. The smart material-based features include at least one of shape memory alloys, bimetallic materials, graphene-based elements, or composite foams. The turbofan engine 900 includes a sensor 222 that monitors deviations of operating parameters of the turbofan engine from reference values ​​of the operating parameters. The operating parameters may include at least one of engine pressure, engine vibration, or engine speed. Turbofan engine 900 includes controller 224 and smart material actuator 226, controller 224 sends a signal to smart material actuator 226 to activate a smart material-based feature when sensor 222 outputs an indication of a deviation from a reference value of an operating parameter of the engine. When sensor 222 outputs an indication of a deviation from a reference value of an operating parameter of the engine, sensor 222 sends a signal to controller 224.

[0078] Fig.11 yes Fig.10An example of an embodiment of multiple active vortex generators 1006 on a wing 1105 is shown. Before the active vortex generators 1006 are activated, there is a smooth airflow on the surface of a wing 1105, such as a commercial aircraft. As the smooth airflow continues, the boundary layer begins to separate. Subsequently, the wing 1105 stalls. On the other hand, after the active vortex generators 1006 are activated, there is a vortex airflow on the wing 1105. As the vortex airflow continues, the boundary layer is excited by the vortex. Subsequently, the boundary layer remains attached and the wing 1105 does not stall. As shown, the wing 1105 has a certain angle of attack (AoA). The first AoA 1120 of the wing 1105 has a minimum angle, and the second AoA 1122 of the wing 1105 has an angle greater than the first AoA 1120 but less than the third AoA 1124 of the wing 1105. The third AoA 1124 of the wing 1105 has the largest angle compared to the first AoA 1120 and the second AoA 1122. When the first AoA 1120 of the wing 1105 is small, or the second AoA 1122 of the wing 1105 is relatively larger than the first AoA 1120, the airflow attaches to the wing 1105 regardless of the active vortex generators 1006 being utilized. However, when the AoA increases (above a threshold) to the third AoA 1124 of the wing 1105, the airflow separates from the wing 1105 before the active vortex generators 1006 are utilized, causing the wing 1105 to stall. After the active vortex generators 1006 are activated, when the wing 1105 is operated at the third AoA 1124, airflow reattachment occurs. Thus, when the wing 1105 is operating at a large AoA and the surface is smooth, the AoA that causes the wing 1105 to stall increases, activating the active vortex generators 1006, which creates lower drag when the wing 1105 is operating at a small AoA.

[0079] Fig. 12A Use spring 1202 Fig.10 1006. In the deactivated position of the example active vortex generator 1006, the spring 1202 is attached to the shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator 1204. The SMA actuator 1204 is an example of the smart material actuator 226, as described above. The spring 1202 does not move, and the SMA actuator 1204 does not actuate during the deactivated position of the example active vortex generator 1006.

[0080] Fig. 12B Use spring 1202 Fig.101006. In the activated position of the example active vortex generator 1006, the spring 1202 is attached to the SMA actuator 1204. When the SMA actuator 1204 is activated during the activated position of the example active vortex generator 1006, the spring 1202 moves.

[0081] Fig.13A and 13B They are shown respectively Fig.10 An example of a deactivated position and an activated position of active vortex generator 1006 . Fig.13A is the use of smart material actuator 226 Fig.10 1006 is an illustration of an example active vortex generator 1006 in a deactivated position. Fig.13A An electrical terminal 1302, a sealing layer 1304, an SMA layer 1306, and a substrate 1308 are shown. In some examples, the SMA layer 1306 can be a wire or metal in addition to the substrate 1308. In the deactivated position, air flow does not activate the smart material actuator 226 shaped as an active vortex generator 1006. In some examples, the smart material actuator 226 can be bimetal-based or SMA-based. Fig. 13B is the use of smart material actuator 226 Fig.10 1006 is an illustration of an example of an activated position of active vortex generators 1006 . Fig. 13B Shown are electrical terminals 1302, sealing layer 1304, SMA layer 1306, and substrate 1308. In the activated position, air flow causes the smart material actuator 226 shaped as an active vortex generator 1006 to activate by bending.

[0082] Fig. 13C yes Fig.13A 1006. FIG. 1006 is a close-up schematic cross-sectional view of an example active vortex generator 1006. Fig. 13C Shown are SMA layer 1306 and substrate 1308. As air flows over substrate 1308, the air strikes activated SMA layer 1306, which deforms or otherwise modifies the air flow to mitigate blade flutter and / or wing stall. Fig.13D yes Fig.13A An example of multiple active vortex generators 1006 in Fig.11 Example arrangement on the wing 1105. Fig.13D As shown, air flows over a plurality of active vortex generators 1006 on a wing 1105 to mitigate blade flutter and / or stall.

[0083] Fig.14 A block diagram of an example full authority digital engine control (FADEC) circuit 1402 is shown. Fig.14In the example shown, the example full authority digital engine control circuit 1402 includes an example monitoring circuit 1404 , an example activator circuit 1406 , and an example controller circuit 1408 .

[0084] In operation, and as described in further detail below, the example monitoring circuit 1404 monitors operating parameters, the example activator circuit 1406 activates the smart material-based features 220 , and the example controller circuit 1408 controls the smart material-based features 220 .

[0085] exist Fig.14 In some examples, the example monitoring circuit 1404 monitors operating parameters. The operating parameters may include, but are not limited to, at least one of engine pressure, engine vibration, or engine speed. The example monitoring circuit 1404 monitors the operating parameters by comparing the reference value of the operating parameter. If there is a deviation from the reference value of the operating parameter, it may indicate that the engine is not operating at its standard performance. In some examples, the engine speed is typically measured as a percentage (0-100%) of the redline speed of each spool of the engine. In some examples, typical pressures are atmospheric pressure (P0) of approximately 2-16PSIA and compressor discharge pressure (P3) of approximately 15PSIA, with the engine shut down up to approximately 1000PSIA when operating under takeoff conditions. In some examples, vibrations typically refer to 1 / revolution of a given spool or the frequency of blades passing through a given rotor.

[0086] When there is a deviation from a reference value of an operating parameter, the example activator circuit 1406 activates the smart material-based feature 220. As described above, the smart material-based feature 220 may include, but is not limited to, an active vortex generator. The smart material-based feature 220 mitigates the effects of the engine's deviation from a reference value of its operating parameter. The smart material-based feature 220 includes at least one of a shape memory alloy, a bimetallic material, a graphene-based element, or a composite foam. The example activator circuit 1406 sends a signal to the smart material actuator 226 to activate the smart material-based feature 220 using at least one of electricity, electromagnetic waves, microwaves, or a graphene-based heating element. In some examples, activation of the smart material-based feature 220 may occur in a localized area (rather than the entire surface of the relevant portion) to counteract detrimental changes (e.g., bending, denting, chattering) in a specific area.

[0087] In some examples, after the example activator circuit 1406 activates the smart material-based feature 220, the example controller circuit 1408 may determine whether to adjust the smart material-based feature 220. For example, if the smart material-based feature is to be adjusted, the example controller circuit 1408 determines an adjustment percentage and adjusts the smart material-based feature 220 based on the percentage. For example, if the smart material-based feature 220 needs to be adjusted slightly, such as 3%, to reduce blade flutter of an engine, the example controller circuit 1408 adjusts the smart material-based feature 220 by the percentage.

[0088] After the example activator circuit 1406 activates the smart material-based features 220, the example controller circuit 1408 checks whether the engine is still operating. If the engine is still operating, the example controller circuit 1408 sends a signal to the example monitoring circuit 1404 to continue monitoring the deviation of the operating parameter from the reference value. If the engine is no longer operating, the example controller circuit 1408 deactivates the smart material-based features 220.

[0089] Fig.14 is a block diagram of an example implementation of an example full authority digital engine control circuit 1402 for improved fan operability control using smart materials. Fig.14 The example full authority digital engine control circuit 1402 can be instantiated (e.g., created an instance, made to exist for any length of time, materialized, realized, etc.) by a programmable circuit such as a central processing unit (CPU) executing a first instruction. Additionally or alternatively, Fig.14 The example full authority digital engine control circuit 1402 may be instantiated (e.g., created, caused to exist for any length of time, materialized, implemented, etc.) by (i) an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and / or (ii) an FPGA constructed and / or configured to perform operations corresponding to the first instruction in response to the execution of the second instruction. It should be understood that Fig.14 Some or all of the circuits may therefore be instantiated at the same or different times. Fig.14 Some or all of the circuits of can, for example, be instantiated in one or more threads that are executed concurrently on hardware and / or serially on hardware. Furthermore, in some examples, Fig.14 Some or all of the circuits may be implemented by microprocessor circuits executing instructions and / or FPGA circuits performing operations for implementing one or more virtual machines and / or containers.

[0090] In some examples, the example monitoring circuit 1404 is instantiated by a programmable circuit that executes instructions of the example monitoring circuit 1404 and / or is configured to perform operations such as by Fig.15 and 16In some examples, the example activator circuit 1406 is instantiated by a programmable circuit that executes instructions of the example activator circuit 1406 and / or is configured to perform operations such as those represented by the flowchart of Fig.15 and 16 In some examples, the example controller circuit 1408 is instantiated by a programmable circuit that executes instructions of the example controller circuit 1408 and / or is configured to perform operations such as those represented by the flowchart of Fig.15 and 16 The operations represented by the flowchart.

[0091] In some examples, the example monitoring circuit 1404 means includes means for monitoring operating parameters, the example activator circuit 1406 means includes means for activating the smart material-based features 220, and the example controller circuit 1408 means includes means for controlling the smart material-based features 220. For example, the means for monitoring operating parameters, activating the smart material-based features 220, and controlling the smart material-based features 220 may be implemented by the example monitoring circuit 1404, the example activator circuit 1406, and the example controller circuit 1408, respectively. In some examples, the above circuits may be implemented by, for example, Fig.17 The example programmable circuit 1712 of the example programmable circuit is instantiated. Additionally or alternatively, the above circuits may be instantiated by any other combination of hardware, software, and / or firmware. For example, the above circuits may be implemented by at least one or more hardware circuits (e.g., processor circuits, discrete and / or integrated analog and / or digital circuits, FPGAs, ASICs, XPUs, comparators, operational amplifiers (op-amps), logic circuits, etc.), which are configured and / or constructed to execute some or all of the machine-readable instructions and / or to execute some or all of the operations corresponding to the machine-readable instructions without executing software or firmware, but other structures are equally suitable.

[0092] Although in Fig.14 The implementation is shown in Fig.14 Example of an example full authority digital engine control circuit 1402, but it can be Fig.14 One or more elements, processes and / or devices shown in the embodiment may be combined, divided, rearranged, omitted, eliminated, and / or implemented in any other manner. Fig.14The example monitoring circuit 1404, the example activator circuit 1406, the example controller circuit 1408, and / or more generally, the example full authority digital engine control circuit 1402, can be implemented by hardware alone, or by hardware in combination with software and / or firmware. Thus, for example, any of the example monitoring circuit 1404, the example activator circuit 1406, the example controller circuit 1408, and / or more generally, the example full authority digital engine control circuit 1402 can be implemented by programmable circuitry in combination with machine-readable instructions (e.g., firmware or software), processor circuitry, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, logic circuitry, a programmable processor, a programmable microcontroller, a graphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), an ASIC, a programmable logic device (PLD), and / or a field programmable logic device (FPLD), such as an FPGA. In addition, Fig.14 An example full authority digital engine control circuit 1402 may include except Fig.14 One or more elements, processes and / or devices other than or in place of the elements, processes and / or devices shown in Fig.14 The elements, processes and devices shown in, and / or may include more than one of any or all of the elements, processes and devices shown.

[0093] exist Fig.15 and 16 The diagram shows a representation of what can be performed by a programmable circuit to implement and / or instantiate Fig.14 A flowchart of example machine readable instructions of an example full authority digital engine control circuit 1402 and / or representative of example machine readable instructions that may be executed by a programmable circuit to implement and / or instantiate Fig.14 Flowchart of example operations of an example full authority digital engine control circuit 1402. In some examples, machine readable instructions cause operations, tasks, etc. to be performed and / or performed in an automated manner in the real world. As used herein, "automated" means without involving a human.

[0094] The program may be contained in instructions (e.g., software and / or firmware) stored on one or more non-transitory computer-readable and / or machine-readable storage media, such as cache memory, magnetic storage devices or disks (e.g., floppy disks, hard disk drives (HDDs), etc.), optical storage devices or optical disks (e.g., Blu-ray disks, compact disks (CDs), digital versatile disks (DVDs), etc.), redundant arrays of independent disks (RAIDs), registers, ROMs, solid-state drives (SSDs), SSD memories, non-volatile memories (e.g., electrically erasable programmable read-only memories (EEPROMs), flash memory, etc.), volatile memories (e.g., any type of random access memory (RAM), etc.), and / or any other storage devices or storage disks. The instructions of the non-transitory computer-readable and / or machine-readable media may be programmed and / or executed by programmable circuits located in one or more hardware devices, but the entire program and / or portions thereof may optionally be executed and / or instantiated and / or embodied in dedicated hardware by one or more hardware devices other than programmable circuits. The machine-readable instructions may be distributed across multiple hardware devices and / or executed by two or more hardware devices (e.g., server and client hardware devices). For example, the client hardware device may be implemented by an endpoint client hardware device (e.g., a hardware device associated with a human and / or machine user) or an intermediate client hardware device gateway (e.g., a radio access network (RAN)) that can facilitate communications between a server and the endpoint client hardware device. Similarly, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may include one or more media. Furthermore, although reference is made to Fig.15 and 16The flowchart shown in describes an example program, but many other methods of implementing the example full authority digital engine control circuit 1402 may also be used. For example, the execution order of the blocks of the flowchart may be changed, and / or some of the blocks described may be changed, eliminated, or combined. Additionally or alternatively, any or all of the blocks of the flowchart may be implemented by one or more hardware circuits (e.g., processor circuits, discrete and / or integrated analog and / or digital circuits, FPGAs, ASICs, comparators, operational amplifiers (op-amps), logic circuits, etc.), which are configured to perform corresponding operations without executing software or firmware. The programmable circuits may be distributed in different network locations and / or local to one or more hardware devices (e.g., single-core processors (e.g., single-core CPUs), multi-core processors (e.g., multi-core CPUs, XPUs, etc.). For example, the programmable circuit may be a CPU and / or an FPGA located in the same package (e.g., the same integrated circuit (IC) package or located in two or more separate housings), one or more processors in a single machine, multiple processors distributed on multiple servers in a server rack, multiple processors distributed on one or more server racks, etc., and / or any combination thereof.

[0095] The machine-readable instructions described herein may be stored in one or more of a compressed format, an encrypted format, a segmented format, a compiled format, an executable format, a packaged format, etc. The machine-readable instructions as described herein may be stored as data (e.g., computer-readable data, machine-readable data, one or more bits (e.g., one or more computer-readable bits, one or more machine-readable bits, etc.), a bit stream (e.g., a computer-readable bit stream, a machine-readable bit stream, etc.), or a data structure (e.g., as part of instructions, code, code representation, etc.), which may be used to create, manufacture, and / or generate machine-executable instructions. For example, the machine-readable instructions may be segmented and stored on one or more storage devices, disks, and / or computing devices (e.g., servers) located at the same or different locations in a network or collection of networks (e.g., in the cloud, in edge devices, etc.). The machine-readable instructions may need to be installed, modified, adapted, updated, combined, supplemented, configured, decrypted, decompressed, unpacked, distributed, reassigned, compiled, etc., one or more so that they can be directly read, interpreted, and / or executed by a computing device and / or other machine. For example, the machine-readable instructions may be stored in multiple parts that are separately compressed, encrypted, and / or stored on separate computing devices, where the parts, when decrypted, decompressed, and / or combined, form a set of computer-executable and / or machine-executable instructions that implement one or more functions and / or operations that may together form a program such as described herein.

[0096] In another example, the machine-readable instructions may be stored in a state that can be read by a programmable circuit, but require the addition of a library (e.g., a dynamic link library (DLL)), a software development kit (SDK), an application programming interface (API), etc., in order to execute the machine-readable instructions on a particular computing device or other device. In another example, the machine-readable instructions and / or corresponding programs may need to be configured (e.g., stored settings, data inputs, recorded network addresses, etc.) before they can be executed in whole or in part. Therefore, as used herein, machine-readable, computer-readable and / or machine-readable media may include instructions and / or programs regardless of the specific format or state of the machine-readable instructions and / or programs.

[0097] The machine-readable instructions described herein may be represented by any past, present or future instruction language, scripting language, programming language, etc. For example, the machine-readable instructions may be represented using any of the following languages: C, C++, Java, C#, Perl, Python, JavaScript, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Structured Query Language (SQL), Swift, etc.

[0098] As mentioned above, Fig.15 and 16The example operations of can be implemented using executable instructions (e.g., computer-readable and / or machine-readable instructions) stored on one or more non-transitory computer-readable and / or machine-readable media. As used herein, the terms non-transitory computer-readable medium, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, non-transitory machine-readable medium, and / or non-transitory machine-readable storage medium are expressly defined to include any type of computer-readable storage device and / or storage disk, and exclude propagation signals and exclude transmission media. Examples of such non-transitory computer-readable media, non-transitory computer-readable storage media, non-transitory machine-readable media, and / or non-transitory machine-readable storage media include optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, HDDs, flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), CDs, DVDs, caches, any type of RAM, registers, and / or any other storage devices or storage disks, where information is stored for any duration (e.g., for an extended period of time, permanently, in transient situations, for temporary buffering and / or for caching information). As used herein, the terms "non-transitory computer-readable storage device" and "non-transitory machine-readable storage device" are defined to include any physical (mechanical, magnetic and / or electrical) hardware to retain information for a period of time, but exclude propagating signals and exclude transmission media. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable storage devices and / or non-transitory machine-readable storage devices include any type of random access memory, any type of read-only memory, solid-state memory, flash memory, optical disks, magnetic disks, disk drives, and / or redundant arrays of independent disks (RAID) systems. As used herein, the term "device" refers to a physical structure, such as a mechanical and / or electrical device, hardware and / or circuit, which may or may not be configured by computer-readable instructions, machine-readable instructions, etc., and / or is manufactured to execute computer-readable instructions, machine-readable instructions, etc.

[0099] Fig.15 is a flow diagram representative of example machine readable instructions and / or example operations 1500 that may be executed, instantiated, and / or run by programmable circuitry to improve fan operability control using smart materials. Fig.15 The example machine readable instructions and / or example operations 1500 begin at block 1502 where the example monitoring circuit 1404 monitors an operating parameter. The operating parameter may include, but is not limited to, at least one of engine pressure, engine vibration, or engine speed. The example monitoring circuit 1404 monitors the operating parameter by comparing a reference value of the operating parameter.

[0100] At block 1504, the example monitoring circuit 1404 determines whether there is a deviation from a reference value of an operating parameter. For example, a deviation from a reference value of an operating parameter may indicate that the engine is not operating at its standard performance. If there is no deviation from the reference value, the process returns to block 1502. If there is a deviation from the reference value, the process proceeds to block 1506.

[0101] At box 1506, the example activator circuit 1406 activates the smart material-based feature 220 to mitigate blade flutter and / or stall by changing the air flow. As described above, the smart material-based feature 220 may include, but is not limited to, active vortex generators. The smart material-based feature 220 mitigates the effects of the engine's deviation from a reference value of its operating parameters. The example activator circuit 1406 sends a signal to the smart material actuator 226 to activate the smart material-based feature 220 using at least one of electrical, electromagnetic waves, microwaves, or a graphene-based heating element. In some examples, the activation of the smart material-based feature 220 may occur in a localized area to counteract harmful changes (e.g., bending, sag, flutter) in a specific area. When the smart material-based feature 220 is activated, the air flow is altered to counteract the harmful changes.

[0102] At block 1508, the example controller circuit 1408 determines whether the engine is still operating to further determine whether to continue monitoring the operating parameters or to deactivate the smart material-based features 220. If the engine is still operating, the process returns to block 1502, where the example monitoring circuit 1404 monitors the operating parameters. If the engine is not still operating, the process proceeds to block 1510.

[0103] At block 1510, the example controller circuit 1408 deactivates the smart material based features 220 based on the operating state of the engine. After deactivating the smart material based features 220, the smart material based features 220 are used to improve fan operability control by mitigating blade flutter and / or stall.

[0104] Go to Fig.16 , Fig.16 1600 is a flow chart representing example machine readable instructions and / or example operations 1600 that can be executed, instantiated, and / or run by a programmable circuit to improve fan operability control using smart materials, and describes in more detail the adjustment of the smart material feature 220 based on the adjustment percentage. At block 1602, the example monitoring circuit 1404 monitors an operating parameter. The operating parameter may include, but is not limited to, at least one of an engine pressure, an engine vibration, or an engine speed. The example monitoring circuit 1404 monitors the operating parameter by comparing a reference value of the operating parameter.

[0105] At block 1604, the example monitoring circuit 1404 determines whether there is a deviation from a reference value of an operating parameter. For example, a deviation from a reference value of an operating parameter may indicate that the engine is not operating at its standard performance. If there is no deviation from the reference value, the process returns to block 1602. If there is a deviation from the reference value, the process proceeds to block 1606.

[0106] At box 1606, the example activator circuit 1406 activates the smart material-based feature 220 to mitigate blade flutter and / or stall by changing the air flow. As described above, the smart material-based feature 220 may include, but is not limited to, active vortex generators. The smart material-based feature 220 mitigates the effects of the engine's deviation from a reference value of its operating parameters. The example activator circuit 1406 sends a signal to the smart material actuator 226 to activate the smart material-based feature 220 using at least one of electricity, electromagnetic waves, microwaves, or a graphene-based heating element. In some examples, the activation of the smart material-based feature 220 may occur in a localized area to counteract harmful changes (e.g., bending, sag, flutter) in a specific area. When the smart material-based feature 220 is activated, the air flow is altered to counteract the harmful changes.

[0107] At block 1608, the example controller circuit 1408 determines whether to adjust the smart material-based features 220 to more effectively mitigate blade flutter and / or stall based on the adjustment percentage. If the smart material-based features are to be adjusted, the process proceeds to block 1610. If the smart material-based features are not to be adjusted, the process proceeds to block 1614.

[0108] At block 1610 , the example controller circuit 1408 determines an adjustment percentage to more effectively mitigate blade flutter and / or stall. For example, if the example controller circuit 1408 determines that a slight adjustment of the smart material-based feature 220 , such as 3%, is needed to mitigate blade flutter, the example controller circuit 1408 adjusts the smart material-based feature 220 by the percentage, as described at block 1612 .

[0109] At block 1612, the example controller circuit 1408 adjusts the smart material based feature 220 based on the determined percentage. By adjusting the smart material based feature 220, blade flutter may be more effectively mitigated.

[0110] At block 1614, the example controller circuit 1408 determines whether the engine is still operating to further determine whether to continue monitoring the operating parameters or to deactivate the smart material-based features 220. If the engine is still operating, the process returns to block 1602. If the engine is not still operating, the process proceeds to block 1616.

[0111] At block 1616, the example controller circuit 1408 deactivates the smart material based features 220. After deactivating the smart material based features 220, the smart material based features 220 are used to improve fan operability control by mitigating blade flutter and / or stall (block 1610).

[0112] Fig.17 is constructed to execute and / or instantiate Fig.15 and 16 Example machine readable instructions and / or example operations to implement Fig.14 1402 of an example programmable circuit platform 1700. The programmable circuit platform 1700 may be, for example, a server, a personal computer, an operator station, a self-learning machine (e.g., a neural network), a mobile device (e.g., a cellular phone, a smart phone, a tablet such as an iPad), or a computer. TM tablet computer), personal digital assistant (PDA), Internet appliance, or any other type of computing and / or electronic device.

[0113] The programmable circuit platform 1700 of the illustrated example includes a programmable circuit 1712. The programmable circuit 1712 of the illustrated example is hardware. For example, the programmable circuit 1712 may be implemented by one or more integrated circuits, logic circuits, FPGAs, microprocessors, CPUs, GPUs, DSPs, and / or microcontrollers from any desired family or manufacturer. The programmable circuit 1712 may be implemented by one or more semiconductor-based (e.g., silicon-based) devices. In this example, the programmable circuit 1712 implements the example monitoring circuit 1404, the example activator circuit 1406, and the example controller circuit 1408.

[0114] The programmable circuit 1712 of the illustrated example includes a local memory 1713 (e.g., cache, registers, etc.). The programmable circuit 1712 of the illustrated example communicates with main memories 1714 and 1716 via a bus 1718. The main memories 1714 and 1716 include a volatile memory 1714 and a non-volatile memory 1716. The volatile memory 1714 may be composed of a synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), Dynamic Random Access Memory The non-volatile memory 1716 may be implemented by flash memory and / or any other desired type of memory device. Access to the main memories 1714, 1716 of the illustrated example is controlled by a memory controller 1717. In some examples, the memory controller 1717 may be implemented by one or more integrated circuits, logic circuits, microcontrollers from any desired family or manufacturer, or any other type of circuit to manage the flow of data to and from the main memories 1714, 1716.

[0115] The programmable circuit platform 1700 of the illustrated example also includes an interface circuit 1720. The interface circuit 1720 can be implemented by hardware according to any type of interface standard, such as an Ethernet interface, a universal serial bus (USB) interface, interface, a near field communication (NFC) interface, a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) interface, and / or a peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe) interface.

[0116] In the example shown, one or more input devices 1722 are connected to the interface circuit 1720. The input devices 1722 allow a user (e.g., a human user, a machine user, etc.) to input data and / or commands to the programmable circuit 1712. The input devices 1722 may be implemented by, for example, an audio sensor, a microphone, a camera (still or video), a keyboard, buttons, a mouse, a touch screen, a track pad, a track ball, an equivalent point device, and / or a voice recognition system.

[0117] One or more output devices 1724 are also connected to the interface circuit 1720 of the illustrated example. The output device 1724 can be implemented, for example, by a display device (e.g., a light emitting diode (LED), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a liquid crystal display (LCD), a cathode ray tube (CRT) display, an in-place switching (IPS) display, a touch screen, etc.), a tactile output device, a printer, and / or a speaker. Therefore, the interface circuit 1720 of the illustrated example typically includes a graphics driver card, a graphics driver chip, and / or a graphics processor circuit (e.g., a GPU).

[0118] The interface circuitry 1720 of the illustrated example also includes communication devices, such as transmitters, receivers, transceivers, modems, residential gateways, wireless access points, and / or network interfaces, to facilitate the exchange of data with external machines (e.g., any type of computing device) via a network 1726. Communications may be via, for example, an Ethernet connection, a digital subscriber line (DSL) connection, a telephone line connection, a coaxial cable system, a satellite system, a beyond-line-of-sight wireless system, a line-of-sight wireless system, a cellular telephone system, an optical connection, etc.

[0119] The programmable circuit platform 1700 of the illustrated example also includes one or more mass storage disks or devices 1728 to store firmware, software and / or data. Examples of such mass storage disks or devices 1728 include magnetic storage devices (e.g., floppy disks, drives, HDDs, etc.), optical storage devices (e.g., Blu-ray disks, CDs, DVDs, etc.), RAID systems, and / or solid-state storage disks or devices, such as flash memory devices and / or SSDs.

[0120] Can be Fig.15 and 16 The machine-readable instructions 1732 implemented by the machine-readable instructions may be stored in the mass storage device 1728, in the volatile memory 1714, in the non-volatile memory 1716, and / or on at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (e.g., a CD or DVD), which may be removable.

[0121] As can be appreciated from the foregoing, example systems, apparatus, articles, and methods for improving fan operability control using smart materials have been disclosed. The disclosed systems, apparatus, articles, and methods improve the efficiency of using a computing device by mitigating fan flutter, fan blade sag, and / or non-optimal tip clearance. Thus, the disclosed systems, apparatus, articles, and methods relate to one or more improvements to the operation of a machine such as a computer or other electronic and / or mechanical device.

[0122] Example methods, devices, systems, and articles of manufacture for improving fan operability control using smart materials are disclosed herein. Other examples and combinations thereof include the following:

[0123] An engine comprises: an engine surface in an airflow path; a sensor positioned on the engine surface; and a smart material-based feature positioned on the engine surface, the smart material-based feature being triggered to modify the airflow path when the sensor outputs an indication of a detected deviation from a reference value of an operating parameter of the engine.

[0124] An engine as described in any preceding clause, wherein the engine surface includes at least one of an inner surface of a fan case, an outer surface of a fan blade, an inner surface of a nozzle, an outer surface of a nozzle, an inlet guide vane, or an outlet guide vane.

[0125] An engine according to any preceding clause, wherein the engine is ducted and further comprises a plurality of smart material-based features on a plurality of engine surfaces including the inner surface of the fan case, the outer surface of the fan blades, the inner surface of the nozzle and the outer surface of the nozzle.

[0126] An engine as in any preceding clause, wherein the engine further comprises at least one of the plurality of smart material-based features on the inlet guide vane.

[0127] An engine according to any preceding clause, wherein the engine is ductless and further comprises a plurality of smart material-based features on a plurality of engine surfaces including the outer surface of the fan blade, the inner surface of the nozzle and the outer surface of the nozzle.

[0128] An engine according to any preceding clause, wherein the engine is a first-stream engine, a second-stream engine or a third-stream engine.

[0129] An engine as described in any preceding clause, wherein the smart material-based features include at least one of a shape memory alloy, a bimetallic material, a graphene-based element, or a composite foam.

[0130] An engine as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the operating parameter comprises at least one of engine pressure, engine vibration or engine speed.

[0131] An engine as described in any preceding clause, wherein the smart material-based features are deactivated when the engine is not operating.

[0132] An engine as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the smart material based characteristic is adjusted by an adjustment percentage.

[0133] An engine as described in any preceding clause, wherein the smart materials-based features include active vortex generators.

[0134] An engine as described in any preceding clause, wherein the active vortex generators are retractable.

[0135] An engine as described in any preceding clause, further comprising a controller and a smart material actuator, wherein when the sensor outputs the indication of the deviation from the reference value of the operating parameter, the controller sends a signal to the smart material actuator to activate the smart material-based feature.

[0136] An engine as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein said sensor sends said signal to said controller when said sensor outputs said indication of said deviation from said reference value of said operating parameter.

[0137] An engine as described in any preceding clause, wherein the smart material actuator uses at least one of electricity, electromagnetic waves, microwaves, or graphene-based heating elements to activate the smart material-based features.

[0138] An engine as in any preceding clause, wherein when the smart material actuator receives a signal to activate, the smart material based feature produces at least one of a serration or a protrusion on the engine surface.

[0139] An engine as described in any preceding clause, wherein the smart material actuator activates the smart material-based feature to produce at least one of the indentations or the protrusions at a localized area of ​​the engine surface.

[0140] A non-transitory machine-readable storage medium comprising instructions that cause a programmable circuit to at least: monitor an operating parameter of an engine; activate a smart material-based feature when a sensor outputs an indication of a detected deviation from a reference value of the operating parameter; and control the triggering of the smart material-based feature to modify an airflow path of the engine.

[0141] The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of any preceding clause, wherein the operating parameter comprises at least one of engine pressure, engine vibration, or engine speed.

[0142] The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of any preceding clause, wherein the sensor sends a signal to a controller when the sensor outputs the indication of the deviation from the reference value of the operating parameter.

[0143] The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of any preceding clause, wherein the controller sends a signal to a smart material actuator to activate the smart material-based feature.

[0144] The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of any preceding clause, wherein when the smart material actuator receives a signal to activate, the smart material-based feature produces at least one of a serration or a protrusion on the engine surface.

[0145] A turbofan engine comprises a fan case having an inner surface, the inner surface defining a flow path; fan blades in the flow path; a nozzle having an inner surface and an outer surface; and a smart material-based feature positioned in the flow path on at least one of the inner surface of the fan case, the outer surface of the fan blades, the inner surface of the nozzle, or the outer surface of the nozzle, the smart material-based feature changing the air flow in the flow path when actuated.

[0146] A turbofan engine according to any preceding clause, wherein the turbofan engine is a two-flow turbofan engine or a three-flow turbofan engine.

[0147] A turbofan engine as described in any preceding clause, wherein the smart material-based features include at least one of a shape memory alloy, a bimetallic material, a graphene-based element, or a composite foam.

[0148] A turbofan engine as described in any preceding clause, further comprising an inlet guide vane, wherein the smart material based feature is positioned on the inlet guide vane in the flow path.

[0149] A turbofan engine according to any preceding clause, further comprising a sensor that monitors a deviation of an operating parameter of the turbofan engine from a reference value of the operating parameter.

[0150] A turbofan engine as described in any preceding clause, wherein the operating parameter includes at least one of engine pressure, engine vibration or engine speed.

[0151] A turbofan engine as described in any preceding clause, wherein the smart material-based features include active vortex generators.

[0152] A turbofan engine as described in any preceding clause, wherein the active vortex generators are retractable.

[0153] A turbofan engine according to any preceding clause, further comprising a controller and a smart material actuator, wherein when the sensor monitors the deviation from the reference value of the operating parameter, the controller sends a signal to the smart material actuator to activate the smart material-based feature.

[0154] A turbofan engine as described in any preceding clause, wherein said sensor sends a signal to said controller when said sensor monitors said deviation from said reference value of said operating parameter.

[0155] A turbofan engine as described in any preceding clause, wherein the smart material actuator uses at least one of electricity, electromagnetic waves, microwaves, or graphene-based heating elements to activate the smart material-based characteristics.

[0156] A turbofan engine according to any preceding clause, wherein when the smart material actuator receives a signal to activate, the smart material-based feature produces at least one of serrations or protrusions on at least one of the inner surface of the fan case, the outer surface of the fan blade, the inner surface of the nozzle, the outer surface of the nozzle, or the inlet guide vane.

[0157] A turbofan engine as described in any preceding clause, wherein the smart material based characteristic activates the active vortex generator when the smart material actuator receives a signal to activate.

[0158] A ductless gas turbine engine comprises: a fan blade having an outer surface in a flow path; a nozzle having an inner surface and an outer surface; and a smart material-based feature positioned in the flow path on at least one of the outer surface of the fan blade, the inner surface of the nozzle, or the outer surface of the nozzle, the smart material-based feature changing the air flow in the flow path when actuated.

[0159] The unducted gas turbine engine of any preceding clause, wherein the unducted gas turbine engine is a two-flow gas turbine engine or a three-flow gas turbine engine.

[0160] The unducted gas turbine engine of any preceding clause, wherein the smart material-based feature comprises at least one of a shape memory alloy, a bimetallic material, a graphene-based element, or a composite foam.

[0161] The unducted gas turbine engine of any preceding clause, further comprising exit guide vanes, wherein the smart material-based feature is positioned in the flow path on at least one of the exit guide vanes.

[0162] The unducted gas turbine engine of any preceding clause, wherein the smart material-based features include active vortex generators.

[0163] The unducted gas turbine engine of any preceding clause, wherein the active vortex generators are retractable.

[0164] The unducted gas turbine engine of any preceding clause, further comprising a sensor that monitors a deviation of an operating parameter of the unducted gas turbine engine from a reference value of the operating parameter.

[0165] The unducted gas turbine engine of any preceding clause, wherein the operating parameter comprises at least one of engine pressure, engine vibration, or engine speed.

[0166] The unducted gas turbine engine of any preceding clause, further comprising a controller and a smart material actuator, wherein when the sensor monitors a deviation from a reference value of the operating parameter, the controller sends a signal to the smart material actuator to activate the smart material-based feature.

[0167] An unducted gas turbine engine as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein said sensor sends a signal to said controller when said sensor detects a deviation from said reference value of said operating parameter.

[0168] The ductless gas turbine engine of any preceding clause, wherein the smart material actuator uses at least one of electricity, electromagnetic waves, microwaves, or a graphene-based heating element to activate the smart material-based feature.

[0169] A ductless gas turbine engine according to any preceding clause, wherein when the smart material actuator receives a signal to activate, the smart material-based feature forms at least one of serrations or protrusions on at least one of an outer surface of the fan blade, at least one of the outlet guide vanes, or at least one of the inner or outer surfaces of the nozzle.

[0170] The unducted gas turbine engine of any preceding clause, wherein the smart material based characteristic activates the active vortex generator when the smart material actuator receives a signal to activate.

[0171] A turbofan engine comprises a fan case having an inner surface, the inner surface defining a flow path; fan blades in the flow path; a nozzle having an inner surface and an outer surface; an inlet guide vane; and a smart material-based feature positioned in the flow path on at least one of the inner surface of the fan case, the outer surface of the fan blade, the inner surface of the nozzle, the outer surface of the nozzle, or the inlet guide vane, the smart material-based feature changing the air flow in the flow path when actuated.

[0172] A turbofan engine according to any preceding clause, wherein the turbofan engine is a two-flow turbofan engine or a three-flow turbofan engine.

[0173] The following claims are incorporated by reference into this detailed description. Although certain example systems, devices, articles, and methods have been disclosed herein, the coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all systems, devices, articles, and methods that fully fall within the scope of the claims of this patent.

Claims

1. An engine, characterized in that: include: Engine surfaces in the airflow path; a sensor positioned on a surface of the engine; as well as A smart material-based feature is positioned on the engine surface and is triggered to modify the airflow path when the sensor outputs an indication of a detected deviation from a reference value of an operating parameter of the engine.

2. The engine according to claim 1, characterized in that The engine surface comprises at least one of an inner surface of a fan case, an outer surface of a fan blade, an inner surface of a nozzle, an outer surface of the nozzle, an inlet guide vane or an outlet guide vane.

3. The engine according to claim 2, characterized in that Wherein the engine is ducted and further comprises a plurality of smart material-based features on a plurality of engine surfaces including the inner surface of the fan case, the outer surfaces of the fan blades, the inner surface of the nozzle and the outer surface of the nozzle.

4. The engine according to claim 3, characterized in that Wherein the engine further comprises at least one of the plurality of smart material-based features on the inlet guide vane.

5. The engine according to claim 2, characterized in that Wherein the engine is ductless and further comprises a plurality of smart material-based features on a plurality of engine surfaces including the outer surface of the fan blade, the inner surface of the nozzle, and the outer surface of the nozzle.

6. The engine according to claim 1, characterized in that The engine is a first-rate engine, a second-rate engine or a third-rate engine.

7. The engine according to claim 1, characterized in that The smart material-based features include at least one of shape memory alloys, bimetallic materials, graphene-based elements, or composite foams.

8. The engine according to claim 1, characterized in that The operating parameter includes at least one of engine pressure, engine vibration or engine speed.

9. The engine according to claim 1, characterized in that Wherein when the engine is not operating, the smart material based features are deactivated.

10. The engine according to claim 1, characterized in that The smart material-based characteristics are adjusted by adjusting the percentage.

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