Above-Wing Engine Layout for Quieter Supersonic Aircraft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing supersonic aircraft designs face challenges in meeting stringent community noise requirements while minimizing maximum takeoff gross weight, maintaining engine accessibility for maintenance, and optimizing propulsion system weight and aerodynamic efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A supersonic aircraft design featuring wing-mounted engines with inlets above the wing, embedded within the wing structure, and fairings on both upper and lower surfaces to reduce noise, improve lift-to-drag ratio, and facilitate maintenance access, utilizing a variable-sweep wing for reduced thrust and fan diameter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If engines are placed above the wing, then community noise is reduced, but aerodynamic drag increases and maintenance accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional under-wing engine placement to above-wing engine mounting, utilizing the vertical dimension above the wing to achieve noise shielding while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency through careful integration with the wing structure
Solution Approach 2:
The wing structure itself serves as an intermediary element that both shields noise from ground observers and provides aerodynamic coverage over the engines, eliminating the need for separate noise reduction devices
2Object-affected harmful factors
If engine bypass ratio is increased to reduce jet velocity, then community noise is reduced, but propulsion system weight increases and aerodynamic efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial parameter of engine placement from below to above the wing, which fundamentally alters the noise propagation path and allows for lower bypass ratio engines while still meeting noise requirements
3Loss of energy
If engines are embedded in the wing structure, then aerodynamic efficiency is improved, but maintenance accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wing structure is segmented to incorporate engine mounting bays with accessible panels, allowing the engine to be integrated into the wing's aerodynamic flow while maintaining separate access paths for maintenance personnel
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design achieves reduced community noise, improved cruise efficiency, and easier maintenance access by shielding fan noise, reducing propulsion system weight, and enhancing lift-to-drag ratio, while meeting stringent noise certification standards.
Implementation Method 1
The inlet may have a compression surface forward of the inlet face to efficiently decelerate the flow while maintaining high total pressure
Implementation Method 2
One or more variable sweep wings may be utilized to improve the lift to drag ratio that allows for a deeper reduction in thrust during the climb-out phase of flight
Implementation Method 3
The engine may be powered by any type of fuel suitable for aircraft flight such as Jet A aviation fuel, sustainable aviation fuels, hydrogen, etc.
Implementation Method 4
the wing is attached to the fuselage and provides the necessary lifting force
Data Source
AI summary
A supersonic aircraft is disclosed herein. The supersonic aircraft comprises one or more fuselages, one or more wings, at least one wing-mounted engine, at least one inlet mounted on the upper surface of or above the wing, an upper wing surface propulsion system fairing, and a lower wing surface propulsion system fairing or lower wing surface modification to account for the presence of the engine.