Fiberglass Rupture Constraint for Aircraft Bleed-Air Duct Leaks
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-temperature, high-pressure gas ducts in aircrafts are prone to rupture, causing damage to composite structures and existing air barriers, which fail to effectively contain escaping gas and prevent damage to wing structures.
Innovation Solution
An air-permeable fiberglass sheet with a tight-weave fiberglass strap forming diamond-shaped patterns, coupled with an impermeable air barrier and fastener mechanism, is applied around the duct to absorb kinetic energy from ruptures and direct escaping air, preventing damage to surrounding structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an air barrier is used to contain escaping gas, then gas containment is improved, but the air barrier fails to protect composite structures from high-temperature damage
Solution Approach 1:
The protection system is divided into two distinct layers: an inner air-permeable rupture constraint mechanism that contains the rupture and directs gas flow, and an outer air barrier that prevents hot gas contact with composite structures. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The air-permeable sheet acts as an intermediary between the ruptured duct and the outer air barrier. It allows gas to pass through in a controlled manner, directing the flow away from the composite structures while the tight-weave strap contains the rupture. This intermediary protects the composite structures from direct exposure to high-temperature gas.
2Strength
If a tight-weave strap is used to contain rupture, then rupture containment is improved, but gas flow restriction is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses different materials with different permeability characteristics in different locations. The tight-weave strap provides localized reinforcement at critical points where rupture containment is most needed, while the air-permeable sheet maintains overall gas flow capability. This local quality approach allows the system to achieve both rupture containment and gas flow restriction.
3Ease of operation
If a removable rupture constraint mechanism is used, then inspection accessibility is improved, but structural integrity during operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The rupture constraint mechanism is pre-installed and secured around the duct before operation, ensuring structural integrity is established in advance. The connection members are firmly attached to both the sheet and the duct, creating a reliable structural barrier. This preliminary action allows the mechanism to maintain structural integrity during operation while remaining removable for inspections.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and system for containing a rupture of a duct. The apparatus includes an air-permeable sheet, such as a wide-weave fiberglass sheet. The air-permeable sheet includes a strap arranged on a first side of the sheet such that it forms diamond-shaped patterns along a longitudinal axis. The strap can be made of a tight-weave fiberglass. Laterally-spaced corners of the diamond-shaped patterns include connection members that can be engaged to affix the strap and the air-permeable sheet around a duct. Various aspects include an air-impermeable air barrier surrounding the wide-weave fiberglass sheet and strap. The air barrier can include a window that directs air from a ruptured duct. Various aspects can be used on a bleed-air duct of an aircraft. The window of the air barrier can be aimed at a temperature sensor. A valve can close the bleed-air duct if the temperature sensor detects a high temperature leak.