Core Cowl Mount Link Layout for Engine Deflection Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cantilevered cowl mount systems in propulsion engines are susceptible to excessive engine deflection during extreme maneuvers, leading to increased loads and oscillations, which can distort engine clearances and increase weight, adversely impacting fuel consumption.
Innovation Solution
A propulsion system with a core cowl connected to a forward frame and aft frame assembly, utilizing a plurality of cowl mount links that selectively load the core cowl to the aft and turbine frame assemblies, mitigating deflection and bending moments during extreme conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cantilevered cowl mount systems are used, then the engine structure remains simple and lightweight, but excessive engine deflection occurs during extreme maneuvers resulting in increased loads and oscillations
Solution Approach 1:
The cowl mount system is segmented into multiple independent links (first cowl mount link and second cowl mount link) that connect the core cowl to different frame assemblies (forward frame and turbine frame assembly). This segmentation allows each link to independently absorb and distribute deflection loads, preventing excessive engine deflection during extreme maneuvers while maintaining overall system flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The cowl mount links are designed as dynamic elements that can selectively engage and disengage based on operating conditions. During normal operation, the links remain flexible to allow engine deflection, but during extreme maneuvers, they provide structural support to limit excessive deflection and reduce oscillations, adapting to the changing load conditions
2Reliability
If reinforcement structures are added to mitigate excessive deflection, then engine stability improves, but engine weight increases significantly increasing fuel consumption
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding heavy reinforcement structures, the system segments the cowl mounting function across multiple lightweight links. These links provide the necessary structural support during extreme maneuvers through their geometric configuration and connection points, rather than through increased material quantity, thereby maintaining engine weight efficiency while improving stability
Solution Approach 2:
The cowl mount links act as intermediary elements between the core cowl and the frame assemblies. They mediate the load transmission during extreme maneuvers, providing deflection control without requiring heavy reinforcement of the engine structure itself. The links absorb and distribute forces through their connection geometry, preventing the need for weight-intensive strengthening
3Reliability
If cowl mount links are selectively loaded to both forward and turbine frame assemblies, then load distribution improves reducing deflection, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cowl mount links are designed as multi-functional elements that perform multiple roles: they support the core cowl during normal operation, distribute loads during extreme maneuvers, and provide deflection control. By making each link universal in its functionality, the system achieves improved load distribution without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same structural elements serve multiple purposes across different operating conditions
Data Source
AI summary
A propulsion system for an aircraft including a core engine connected to a forward frame and a turbine frame assembly, and an aft frame assembly is connected by a turbine casing to the core engine aft of the turbine frame assembly. A core cowl surrounds the core engine, wherein the core cowl is connected to the forward frame. A plurality of cowl mount links selectively loads the core cowl to the aft frame assembly and the turbine frame assembly, wherein the plurality of cowl mount links is each loaded by deflection of the core engine.