Angled Core Engine Gas Generator Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional engine designs face challenges with space constraints due to the high efficiency small engine core components, and reverse flow core engines require airflow to reverse direction twice, leading to inefficiencies and structural issues.
Innovation Solution
An angled core engine system with a gas generator having a compressor and turbine section, where the gas generator's central axis is angled less than 90 degrees, allowing for efficient airflow and reduced aerodynamic losses by using a propulsor section with a free turbine and rotary device, and a plenum that turns exhaust gas flow by less than 90 degrees.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If reverse flow core engines are used to address space constraints, then space utilization is improved, but airflow efficiency deteriorates due to requiring airflow to reverse direction twice
Solution Approach 1:
The gas generator is configured with an asymmetric angular orientation (15 to 45 degrees) relative to the propulsor shaft axis, eliminating the need for airflow to reverse direction multiple times while optimizing space utilization in the engine assembly
2Loss of energy
If the gas generator is angled at less than 90 degrees to the propulsor shaft axis, then aerodynamic losses are reduced, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gas generator is oriented at an angle (15 to 45 degrees) relative to the propulsor shaft axis rather than being aligned parallel or perpendicular, utilizing angular orientation to reduce aerodynamic losses while managing structural complexity through optimized spatial arrangement
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 angled core engine design enhances propulsion efficiency by minimizing aerodynamic losses and structural issues, enabling effective power transmission while optimizing space utilization.
Implementation Method 1
a plenum that turns exhaust gas flow by less than 90 degrees
Data Source
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AI summary
A system, which may be used as a propulsion system, includes a propulsor section having a fluid operated device or free turbine, a fluid source such as a gas generator for creating an exhaust gas, and a fluid passageway for delivering the exhaust gas to the fluid operated device or free turbine. The fluid operated device may be used to drive a rotary device such as a fan.