Flexible Slat Trailing Edge for Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerodynamic bodies used as leading edge flaps or slats on aircraft generate turbulent eddies when deployed, leading to excessive noise and increased fuel consumption due to elevated flow resistance, and can cause vibrations and wear on aircraft components.
Innovation Solution
An aerodynamic body with a skin section that can change curvature from concave to convex, reducing or eliminating turbulent eddies by smoothing airflow between the aerodynamic body and the main wing, using a flexible skin section connected to the main body structure via adjustable devices to minimize gap size and maintain laminar flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the aerodynamic body is deployed to improve flow characteristics, then the gap between the aerodynamic body and main wing allows airflow to stream through, supporting aerodynamic conditions and slowing flight, but this generates turbulent eddies that produce excessive noise and increase flow resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The skin section is designed to be dynamically deformable, transitioning between a first configuration when the aerodynamic body is retracted and a second configuration when deployed. This dynamic adaptation allows the skin section to optimize the gap geometry at different operational states, reducing turbulent eddies during deployment while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The skin section changes its geometric parameters (curvature, thickness distribution) by deforming between two configurations. By altering these parameters, the skin section modifies the flow characteristics in the gap, transforming turbulent flow into more laminar flow and reducing the harmful effects of turbulent eddies
2Ease of operation
If the aerodynamic body is deployed to slow flight and improve stability, then airflow through the gap supports aerodynamic conditions, but this causes excessive noise inside the aircraft
Solution Approach 1:
The skin section dynamically adjusts its shape between retracted and deployed configurations, optimizing the gap geometry to reduce turbulent flow and associated noise during flight operations
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the skin section's geometric parameters through deformation, the gap geometry is optimized to reduce turbulent eddies and noise while maintaining the aerodynamic benefits of the deployed configuration
3Ease of operation
If the aerodynamic body is deployed to improve flow characteristics, then airflow through the gap reduces flight speed and increases stability, but this generates vibrations on individual assemblies increasing wear
Solution Approach 1:
The skin section dynamically deforms between configurations to optimize the gap geometry, reducing turbulent flow that causes vibrations and wear on components during deployed operations
Solution Approach 2:
The skin section changes its geometric parameters to reduce turbulent eddies and associated vibrations, thereby protecting components from wear while maintaining flight stability benefits
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 solution effectively reduces or eliminates turbulent eddies, minimizing noise and fuel consumption while reducing wear on aircraft components by ensuring a smooth airflow transition, even when deployed as a leading edge flap or slat.
Implementation Method 1
maintain laminar flow
Implementation Method 2
reduces or eliminates turbulent eddies
Implementation Method 3
the skin section is at least partially flexible... can be reversibly molded between a folded state having a first curvature and a deployed state having a second curvature
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention relate to an aerodynamic body with an extension in the spanwise direction, wing chord direction and wing thickness direction for coupling to a wing of an aircraft. This aerodynamic body can here be used for a leading edge flap or slat of an aircraft wing. To improve the flow characteristics, the rear side of the aerodynamic body is provided with a skin section that can be molded between a convex curvature and concave curvature.