Thermally Adaptive Flow Control Base for Predictable Aircraft Throttling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow control devices in aircraft face challenges due to working fluid temperatures affecting the shape of memory shape alloys or bimetallic parts, leading to unpredictable performance.
Innovation Solution
A flow control device is developed using a composition gradient with different coefficients of thermal expansion, combined with a thermoelectric junction, to create a base that can deform predictably in response to thermal input, thereby controlling fluid flow without complex machinery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If memory shape alloy or bimetallic parts are used for flow control, then complex machinery can be avoided, but working fluid temperatures undesirably control the shape of the alloy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal response parameter of the base material by using a composition gradient with varying coefficients of thermal expansion. This allows the material to have a predictable and controllable shape change response to temperature variations, overcoming the unpredictable shape control issue with conventional memory alloys while maintaining device simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The base is designed with a composition gradient where different regions have different coefficients of thermal expansion. This local variation in material properties enables controlled differential expansion that predictsably alters the shape of the flow control device in a specific manner, rather than uniform unpredictable expansion.
2Reliability
If composition gradient with different CTE is used, then predictable deformation is achieved, but device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite material structure with a composition gradient embedded within a single base component. This approach achieves predictable deformation through controlled material composition variations while avoiding the need for multiple separate mechanical components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 device achieves controlled deformation of the base, allowing for precise manipulation of fluid flow characteristics, such as throttling, without the need for movable parts, thereby enhancing the reliability and efficiency of aircraft flow control systems.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoelectric junction operationally coupled to the composition gradient
Implementation Method 2
a composition gradient defining a first coefficient of thermal expansion and a second coefficient of thermal expansion that differs from the first coefficient of thermal expansion
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A flow control device having: a composition gradient defining a first coefficient of thermal expansion and a second coefficient of thermal expansion that differs from the first coefficient of thermal expansion; and a thermoelectric junction (150) operationally coupled to the composition gradient, wherein the composition gradient is formed of either of a plurality of dissimilar metals or of plastic with fillings or fibers.