Coanda Thrust Vectoring with Low Mass Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluidic thrust vectoring systems in jet engines require high mass flow through secondary jets, which complicates design and operation, and often rely on undisclosed mass flow requirements.
Innovation Solution
A thrust vectoring apparatus that utilizes Coanda surfaces and secondary jets with low mass flow control, where the mass flow through secondary outlets can be as low as 0-2% of the primary jet, using ambient atmosphere or bleed gases, and porous materials for efficient emission and robust design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If high mass flow is used through secondary jets to achieve thrust vectoring, then thrust vectoring effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the mass flow parameter from high (15% of primary jet) to very low (0.003-0.05% of primary jet), achieving thrust vectoring through a different operational regime that simplifies the system while maintaining effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a porous Coanda surface as an intermediary element that mediates between the primary jet and secondary jets, enabling thrust vectoring with minimal secondary flow by facilitating fluid interaction at the surface level rather than requiring high-volume jet injection
2Force
If high mass flow is used through secondary jets, then thrust vectoring is achieved, but manufacturing and design complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a porous Coanda surface that allows controlled fluid interaction, enabling thrust vectoring with extremely low secondary jet mass flow rates and simplifying the manufacturing requirements for secondary jet systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the primary jet to interact with the porous Coanda surface and entrain surrounding atmosphere, reducing the burden on secondary jet systems and simplifying their design and manufacturing requirements
3Ease of operation
If low mass flow is used through secondary outlets, then operational complexity is reduced, but thrust vectoring effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention operates in a previously unexplored parameter regime with extremely low secondary jet mass flow rates (0.003-0.05% of primary jet), achieving effective thrust vectoring through optimized interaction with the porous Coanda surface and ambient atmosphere
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the traditional mechanical thrust vectoring approach with a fluidic system that utilizes the Coanda effect and atmospheric entrainment, achieving control with minimal secondary flow and simplified operation
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
Achieves significant thrust vectoring with reduced mass flow requirements, enabling more robust and efficient design of secondary outlets and improved control over thrust direction with lower operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The Coanda effect is the well-known effect that jets of fluid tend to follow curved surfaces, and has been exploited in aircraft design for some time.
Implementation Method 2
The degree of entrainment can for example be controlled by control of the mass flow through a secondary jet expelled between the primary jet and the Coanda surface extending from the tailpipe.
Data Source
AI summary
The thrust vectoring apparatus comprises: a housing defining a primary outlet for emitting the primary jet; Coanda surfaces extending from opposing regions of said housing, and radially spaced from the primary outlet such that a step is defined between each Coanda surface and the primary outlet; ducts leading from a fluid source to secondary outlets; and flow control means operable to control the mass flow through the secondary outlets. When the jet engine operates to exhaust a primary jet through the primary outlet, low pressure regions are formed in the vicinity of the steps. Each secondary outlet is located adjacent one of the Coanda surfaces so as to emit a secondary flow into a low pressure region. On activation of the secondary flow by the flow control means, the primary jet is entrained by the Coanda surface opposing the Coanda surface adjacent said the secondary outlet from which the secondary flow has been emitted. Method of vectoring the thrust or of upgrading existing jet engines with the thrust vectoring apparatus and jet engines comprising the thrust vectoring apparatus are disclosed.