Magnetic-Fluid Variable Nozzle for Shock-Free Mass Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional variable geometry nozzles lack efficient control over mass flow and expansion in fluidic systems, often resulting in shock waves and inefficient propulsion due to limited control over nozzle geometry.
Innovation Solution
The use of magnetic fluid, such as ferromagnetic or magnetorheological fluid, within a nozzle assembly with a flexible inner wall and an adjustable magnetic field, allowing the fluid to change viscosity and maintain a desired geometry, thereby controlling the nozzle's throat area and flow efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional variable geometry nozzles are used with mechanical actuation, then the nozzle geometry can be changed, but the control over mass flow and expansion is inefficient and causes shock waves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical actuation systems with a magnetic field-based control system. Magnetic fluid is introduced into the nozzle walls, and by applying magnetic fields through coils, the viscosity of the magnetic fluid changes, allowing the nozzle geometry to be adjusted without mechanical moving parts. This eliminates the inefficiencies and shock waves associated with conventional mechanical actuation while maintaining precise control over mass flow and expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the nozzle walls by using magnetic fluid whose viscosity can be dynamically adjusted through magnetic field strength. By varying the magnetic field intensity, the viscosity of the magnetic fluid changes, which in turn changes the effective geometry of the nozzle passage. This allows continuous and smooth adjustment of nozzle parameters (area, shape) to optimize mass flow control and prevent shock wave formation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical thrust vectoring nozzles are used, then jet thrust can be vectored, but the device complexity increases due to actuated hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical thrust vectoring hardware with a magnetic field-based system. By controlling the viscosity of magnetic fluid in different sections of the nozzle walls using independent magnetic coils, the nozzle geometry can be dynamically adjusted to vector the jet thrust in different directions. This eliminates the need for mechanical actuators, linkages, and other complex hardware while maintaining full thrust vectoring capability.
3Device complexity
If nozzle geometry is fixed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the control over expansion and mass flow is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains a relatively simple fixed structural framework but introduces magnetic fluid into the nozzle walls that can change its viscosity parameter in response to magnetic fields. This allows the effective geometry of the nozzle passage to be dynamically adjusted without changing the overall structural complexity. By controlling the magnetic field strength, the nozzle can adapt its expansion ratio and mass flow characteristics while retaining a simple fixed structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction where the nozzle walls are formed with magnetic fluid embedded in a matrix material. This composite structure combines the simplicity of a fixed nozzle framework with the adaptability of variable viscosity magnetic fluid. The magnetic fluid acts as a programmable material that can change the effective geometry of the passage without requiring mechanical moving parts, thus maintaining structural simplicity while providing full control over expansion and mass flow.
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
This solution enables high-efficiency expansion and mass flow control with reduced energy losses and the ability to maintain a stable geometry without oscillations, suitable for applications like micro-satellite propulsion and gas injectors.
Implementation Method 1
when the magnetic field of the two magnet members is turned on or increased, the magnetic fluid becomes a viscoelastic solid or semi-solid
Implementation Method 2
a yield stress of the magnetic fluid is controlled by varying an intensity of the magnetic field
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides variable geometry nozzle or valve assemblies utilizing magnetic fluid (e.g., ferromagnetic fluid; magnetorheological fluid; non-Newtonian magnetic fluid; general viscous magnetic fluid). More particularly, the present disclosure provides variable geometry nozzle or valve assemblies utilizing magnetic fluid for high efficiency expansion and/or mass flow control in fluidic systems (e.g., gas injectors; micro-satellite propulsion systems; gas burners; fluid injectors; etc.).