Variable-Area Exhaust Nozzle Shutters for Low-Turbulence Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Civilian aircraft gas turbine engines lack a variable exit nozzle area control for performance optimization, and existing shutter vector systems can disrupt airflow.
Innovation Solution
A shutter vector apparatus with pivotable shutter elements and an actuator system that modulates the exhaust nozzle flow area by moving between stowed and deployed positions, using a curvilinear profile to minimize airflow disturbance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a variable exit nozzle area control is implemented for performance optimization, then engine and aircraft performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle area control is achieved by segmenting the nozzle opening into multiple independent shutter elements that can be individually positioned. Each shutter element is divided into a first portion and second portion that can be selectively positioned to control different sections of the nozzle flow area, allowing variable area control without requiring a complete redesign of the entire nozzle system.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle system transitions from a static fixed area design to a dynamic variable area design by incorporating movable shutter elements that can be positioned in different locations. The shutter elements are actuated by a control system that responds to engine operating conditions, enabling real-time adjustment of the nozzle flow area to optimize performance during different flight phases.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a shutter vector system is used to control nozzle area, then variable area control is achieved, but airflow disturbance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter elements are designed with differentiated local qualities - each element has a first portion and second portion with different positioning capabilities and aerodynamic characteristics. This allows selective control of specific nozzle regions while maintaining smoother airflow in other areas, reducing overall turbulence while achieving variable area control.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter elements and their positioning mechanisms incorporate curved and rounded geometries to facilitate smoother airflow transitions. The actuator arms and positioning mechanisms are designed with curved paths that minimize abrupt changes in flow direction, thereby reducing turbulence and airflow disturbance while maintaining effective nozzle area control.
Data Source
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AI summary
An aircraft gas turbine engine (10) includes an exhaust nozzle (30) having a nozzle flowpath, and a nacelle (26) of the gas turbine engine (10) at least partially defining an exhaust nozzle flow area of the exhaust nozzle (30). The nacelle (26) extends axially along an engine central longitudinal axis (12) of the gas turbine engine (10) and circumferentially around the engine central longitudinal axis (12). A shutter vector apparatus (50) is attached to the nacelle (26) and is operable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The shutter vector apparatus (50) is configured to modulate the exhaust nozzle flow area when the shutter vector apparatus (50) is moved between the stowed position and the deployed position. The shutter vector apparatus (50) includes a plurality of shutter elements (54), each shutter element having at least one aerodynamic surface extending into the nozzle flowpath of the exhaust nozzle (30) when the shutter vector apparatus (50) is in the deployed position.