Aircraft Engine Nacelle Fire Zone Partitioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional propulsive assemblies for aircraft have fire zones with large volumes that require significant amounts of extinguishing agent, leading to weight and space inefficiencies in the aircraft.
Innovation Solution
The integration of fire-retardant foam boxes within the engine cowls of the nacelle, which reduce the volume of fire zones by blocking areas where engine fires can occur, thereby reducing the quantity of extinguishing agent needed and optimizing the design for aerodynamics and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the volume of fire zones in the engine is reduced by partitioning, then the quantity of extinguishing agent required is reduced, but the aerodynamic form of the nacelle and optimal operation of the engine are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The partitioning elements are nested within the existing nacelle structure, specifically arranged in the space between the internal skin of the cowls and the engine. This allows the fire zone volume to be reduced without altering the external aerodynamic shape of the nacelle, as the partitions are contained within the existing envelope.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of reducing fire zone volume by changing the external dimensions of the nacelle (which would affect aerodynamics), the invention uses internal partitioning that creates three-dimensional compartments within the existing space. This dimensional approach allows volume reduction through spatial organization rather than external shape modification.
2Quantity of substance
If the volume of fire zones in the engine is reduced by partitioning, then the quantity of extinguishing agent required is reduced, but the optimal operation of the engine is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The partitioning elements are nested within the existing nacelle structure, specifically arranged in the space between the internal skin of the cowls and the engine. This allows the fire zone volume to be reduced without altering the external aerodynamic shape of the nacelle, as the partitions are contained within the existing envelope.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of reducing fire zone volume by changing the external dimensions of the nacelle (which would affect aerodynamics), the invention uses internal partitioning that creates three-dimensional compartments within the existing space. This dimensional approach allows volume reduction through spatial organization rather than external shape modification.
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
This solution reduces the volume of fire zones and the weight of extinguishing agent tanks, enhancing safety and efficiency by minimizing the volume of extinguishing agent required to extinguish engine fires while maintaining optimal engine operation and aerodynamics.
Implementation Method 1
the box delimiting a volume of inert material, the inert material being fire retardant foam
Data Source
AI summary
A propulsive assembly for aircraft comprising an engine, a nacelle arranged around the engine and a pylon supporting the engine, the nacelle including two engine cowls and reversing cowls, each cowl having an internal skin, characterized in that at least one of the cowls of the nacelle comprises at least one box arranged in a space situated between the internal skin of the cowl and the engine, the box delimiting a volume of inert material, the inert material being flame retardant foam. This box partially blocks a zone of the engine where a fire is likely to begin, which makes it possible to limit the volume of a fire zone of the engine, and thus reduce the quantity of extinguishing agent which is necessary to extinguish a fire in the zone of the engine concerned.