Flying Wing Retractable Canard Circulation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flying wing aircraft designs lack a retractable canard system for pitch control at low speeds, and existing lift augmentation systems do not effectively utilize airflow over both canards and main wing flaps for circulation control.
Innovation Solution
A flying wing aircraft design featuring a retractable canard with a Coanda effect airfoil cross-section and extendable flaps, powered by a turbofan engine-based air distribution system that controls airflow over the canard and flaps using high-pressure air from both fan and compressor sources to enhance lift and pitch control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a retractable canard system is added to provide pitch control at low speeds, then pitch control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The canard is designed to be retractable, transitioning between extended and retracted positions based on flight regime. During takeoff and landing, the canard extends to provide pitch control, while during cruise it retracts to reduce drag and simplify the airframe. This dynamic configuration resolves the contradiction by providing pitch control capability only when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The canard structure serves multiple functions: it provides pitch control during low-speed operations, and when retracted, it reduces interference with the main wing airflow. The same structural element (canard) performs different functions based on its position, eliminating the need for separate pitch control mechanisms.
2Force
If circulation control systems with blown flaps and canards are implemented, then lift augmentation is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation control system utilizes the aircraft's own engine exhaust gases to provide the high-pressure air needed for blown flaps and canards. The system extracts air from the engine exhaust, directing it through nozzles on the flaps and canard surfaces. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate power sources, as the engine's exhaust energy is reused for lift augmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The circulation control system operates continuously during takeoff and landing phases, maintaining effective airflow over the wings throughout the maneuver. The high-pressure air from the engine exhaust is continuously directed over the flaps and canard surfaces, ensuring sustained lift augmentation without interruption.
3Ease of operation
If high-pressure air distribution systems are added to control airflow over canard and flaps, then pitch control and lift augmentation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air distribution system merges the engine exhaust air supply with the circulation control requirements. High-pressure air from the engine exhaust is distributed through a network of ducts and nozzles that serve both the main wing flaps and the canard. This unified approach eliminates the need for separate air sources and control systems, reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The air distribution system acts as an intermediary, taking the high-pressure air from the engine exhaust and delivering it to the appropriate locations (flaps and canard nozzles) through a network of ducts and control valves. This intermediary system enables precise airflow control while utilizing the engine's existing air supply.
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 system provides improved lift augmentation and pitch control during takeoff and landing by varying airflow over the canard and flaps, enabling efficient operation with reduced engine power and ensuring reliable airflow even in case of engine failure.
Implementation Method 1
A canard is mounted near the nose. The canard has a Coanda effect airfoil cross-section
Implementation Method 2
Various means for providing circulation control of the wing and the canard may be employed. In this description an air distribution system is mounted in the flying wing for providing high pressure air over the canard and the flaps
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is an aircraft that includes a flying wing having a plurality of extendable flaps mounted on the trailing edge of the flying wing. A canard is mounted on the nose of said flying wing. A system is mounted in the flying wing for providing high pressure air over the canard and the flaps. A second system is provided for controlling the flow of air over the canard to provide pitch control of the aircraft.