Composite Acoustic Panel Skins with Variable Slot Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current acoustic panels in aerospace applications have fixed hole sizes, which are not adaptable to varying airflow velocities, leading to inefficient noise suppression and potential drag issues in gas turbine engine systems.
Innovation Solution
A face skin for acoustic panels with variable slot sizes and shapes, formed using fiber-reinforced composite materials, where the pattern of slots is determined by airflow velocity, and fabricated using abrasive blasting, to optimize noise attenuation and reduce drag.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fixed hole sizes are used in acoustic panels, then manufacturing is simple, but noise suppression efficiency deteriorates when airflow velocity varies
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic panel employs different hole sizes in different regions of the skin. The first region has larger holes while the second region has smaller holes, allowing each region to be optimized for its specific airflow velocity conditions. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by maintaining manufacturing simplicity through a systematic pattern while achieving superior noise suppression efficiency through region-specific optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the openings (hole size, shape, orientation) to match the varying airflow velocity conditions. By varying these parameters across different regions, the system adapts to different acoustic environments, improving noise suppression efficiency while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process through photomachining technology.
2Reliability
If larger hole sizes are used, then noise attenuation improves for certain frequencies, but drag increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different hole sizes to different regions based on the local airflow velocity and noise attenuation requirements. Regions requiring higher noise attenuation use larger holes, while regions where drag reduction is critical use smaller holes. This local quality differentiation allows the system to optimize both noise attenuation and drag performance simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic panel is segmented into multiple regions with different hole size characteristics. This segmentation allows each region to be independently optimized for its specific function - some regions prioritize noise attenuation while others prioritize drag reduction - thereby resolving the contradiction between these two competing requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If variable hole sizes are implemented, then adaptability to airflow velocity improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical drilling or punching methods with photomachining technology. This substitution enables the creation of complex variable hole patterns through optical fields and material removal processes, achieving high adaptability to airflow velocity conditions while controlling manufacturing complexity through a systematic photomachining approach rather than complex mechanical assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses photomachining to create variable hole sizes by controlling optical parameters and material removal processes. This allows for precise control of hole dimensions, shapes, and distributions according to airflow velocity requirements, achieving high adaptability while managing manufacturing complexity through a controlled optical manufacturing process.
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 solution provides enhanced noise suppression by varying the open area and slot density based on airflow velocity, improving the acoustic performance and reducing drag in gas turbine engine systems.
Implementation Method 1
forming a plurality of slots in the sheet using abrasive blasting
Implementation Method 2
This enables the cells of the core structure to act like individual Helmholtz resonators that attenuate a certain tone or tones
Data Source
AI summary
A face skin for an acoustic panel may comprise a sheet defining a first surface and a second surface. A plurality of slots may be formed through the face skin using abrasive blasting. Each slot of the plurality of slots may comprise a first semi-circular wall and a second semi-circular wall opposite the first semi-circular wall.