High-Mach Plug Nozzle Thrust Reverser for Noise Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Integrating exhaust nozzle structures that provide reverse thrust in supersonic aircraft while minimizing noise production is challenging.

Innovation Solution

An exhaust nozzle design featuring a nozzle plug and thrust reverser panels that redirect exhaust gases, with a mechanism to lock the panels in the reverse-thrust configuration using panel catches and retainers, allowing for noise reduction and efficient thrust reversal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If thrust reverser structures are integrated in the exhaust nozzle, then reverse thrust capability is provided, but noise production increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereverse thrust capabilityVSAvoidnoise production

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The exhaust nozzle is segmented into multiple functional components: a fixed outer nozzle case, a movable nozzle plug, and deployable thrust reverser panels. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently - the nozzle plug controls exhaust flow for thrust optimization while the thrust reverser panels can be deployed only when reverse thrust is needed, minimizing noise during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The thrust reverser panels are designed to be dynamically deployable rather than permanently fixed. They can be stowed flush with the outer nozzle case surface during normal flight to minimize noise, and deployed to engage the nozzle plug only when reverse thrust is required. This dynamic configuration resolves the contradiction between providing reverse thrust capability and minimizing noise production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If thrust reverser panels are deployed to engage the nozzle plug, then reverse thrust is provided, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereverse thrust functionVSAvoidpanel locking mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The panel retainer and panel catch mechanism is designed to be self-locking. When the thrust reverser panels are deployed to engage the nozzle plug, the panel retainers automatically engage with the panel catches on the nozzle plug, creating a self-sustaining locked position that requires no additional actuators or complex control systems to maintain. The system uses the force of the exhaust gases themselves to maintain the engaged position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The panel catches on the nozzle plug serve as intermediary elements that mediate between the deployable thrust reverser panels and the fixed outer nozzle case. These catches provide a simple mechanical interface that translates panel deployment into a secure locked position, reducing the complexity that would otherwise be required in the panel retainers themselves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12460601B2Plug nozzle and thrust reverser for high mach gas turbine engines

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 ROLLS ROYCE NORTH AMERICAN TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

A propulsion unit includes a gas turbine engine and an exhaust nozzle coupled to an aft end of the gas turbine engine. The exhaust nozzle is configured to interact with exhaust gases exiting the gas turbine engine in an aft direction. The exhaust nozzle includes an outer nozzle case and an inner plug that cooperate to define an exhaust flow path therebetween. The exhaust nozzle is configured to manipulate the exhaust gases to provide different thrust capabilities for the gas turbine engine. The exhaust nozzle includes a thrust reverser configured to be retained by the inner plug.