Expandable Exhaust Cone for Gas Turbine Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engines face challenges in efficiently managing exhaust systems, particularly in air vehicles where space constraints require collapsible exhaust cones to fit within limited compartments without compromising performance or increasing component sizes.
Innovation Solution
An expandable exhaust cone assembly comprising a fixed cone segment, movable cone segments, and a cone mover that transitions from a collapsed to an expanded position in response to engine startup or pressure increases, allowing for efficient gas flow and reduced overall length during storage, while expanding for optimal thrust.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the exhaust cone is made collapsible to fit within limited compartments, then the storage space requirement is reduced, but the exhaust system performance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust cone is divided into multiple segments (first cone segment, second cone segment, third cone segment) that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows the exhaust cone to collapse into a compact configuration for storage while maintaining the ability to expand to full size for optimal exhaust performance during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The exhaust cone transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one with movable segments that can change position. The second cone segment is configured to move between a retracted position (reducing volume for storage) and an extended position (increasing volume for performance), allowing the system to adapt its geometry based on operational requirements.
2Length of moving object
If the exhaust cone is made collapsible to reduce overall length, then the fit within compartments is improved, but the gas flow efficiency may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust cone employs dynamic segments that can change length. The second cone segment moves axially to adjust the overall length of the exhaust cone, enabling it to fit within compartment constraints during storage while restoring full length for optimal gas flow efficiency during engine operation.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the exhaust cone into movable sections, the design allows individual segments to adjust their positions independently. This enables the middle segment to be retracted during storage to reduce overall length, while during operation, all segments extend to their full positions to restore the continuous, smooth geometry needed for efficient gas flow.
3Power
If the exhaust cone is expanded to influence gas flow and enhance thrust, then the engine performance is improved, but the space required for storage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust cone is designed as a dynamic structure where the second cone segment can extend to increase the overall volume and surface area of the exhaust system during operation. This expansion enhances thrust by improving gas flow characteristics, while during storage, the segment retracts to minimize the volume occupied.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable second cone segment can be nested within or alongside the first and third cone segments during storage, creating a compact configuration. When operation is required, the nested segment extends outward to increase the exhaust cone's volume and optimize its geometry for enhancing thrust and gas flow efficiency.
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 expandable exhaust cone assembly enables efficient storage within limited spaces without reducing fuel capacity, maintaining performance by expanding to influence gas flow and enhance thrust upon deployment, thus avoiding adverse effects on missile range and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The expandable substantially airtight tube may be configured to drive the plurality of movable cone segments to the expanded position in response to a pressure increase within the expandable substantially airtight tube
Implementation Method 2
The mover rod may include a threaded portion that engages threads of the threaded plate. The mover rod may be coupled to the plurality of movable cone segments so that the mover rod is configured to drive the plurality of movable cone segments to the expanded position in response to rotation of the turbine rotor
Data Source
AI summary
An expandable exhaust cone assembly is described which is able to move from a collapsed position to an expanded position.