Rotatable Aircraft Propulsion Strut for Flow Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft propulsion system strut assemblies lack efficient control mechanisms to optimize strut positions based on fluid flow direction, leading to suboptimal fluid flow efficiency and increased pressure loss.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a strut assembly with a leading and trailing strut portion, where the leading strut portion is rotatable relative to the trailing strut portion, and a controller communicates with pressure sensors to adjust the rotational position of the leading strut portion to align with the fluid flow direction, reducing pressure differences and optimizing fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the leading strut portion is made rotatable relative to the trailing strut portion, then fluid flow efficiency is improved by aligning with flow direction, but device complexity increases due to additional rotational mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The leading strut portion is designed to be rotatable relative to the trailing strut portion, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that can adapt its orientation. This rotational capability allows the strut to dynamically align with varying fluid flow directions, improving flow efficiency while the controller automates the adjustment process
Solution Approach 2:
Pressure sensors are positioned to detect pressure differences across the leading strut portion, providing feedback signals to the controller. The controller processes this feedback and adjusts the rotational position of the leading strut portion accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes fluid flow alignment based on real-time pressure measurements
2Measurement precision
If pressure sensors are positioned at the first side surface and second side surface of the leading strut portion, then fluid flow direction detection is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves as an intermediary that processes pressure data from multiple sensors and compensates for minor positioning variations. By using differential pressure measurements and computational algorithms, the system can accurately determine fluid flow direction even with tolerances in sensor placement, reducing the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements
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 enhances fluid flow efficiency by minimizing flow separation and pressure loss, improving the performance of both air intake and exhaust sections in the propulsion system.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of pressure sensors includes a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor. The first pressure sensor is disposed at the first side surface and the second pressure sensor is disposed at the second side surface.
Implementation Method 2
controlling strut positions of a plurality of struts of the strut assembly by rotating a leading strut portion of each strut relative to a trailing strut portion of each strut and positioning the leading strut portion of each strut to extend in the fluid flow direction
Data Source
AI summary
A strut assembly for an aircraft propulsion system includes an outer case, an inner case, a plurality of struts, and a plurality of pressure sensors. Each strut extends between and to the outer case and the inner case. A first strut of the plurality of struts includes a leading strut portion and a trailing strut portion. One or both of the leading strut portion and the trailing strut portion is rotatable. The leading strut portion extends between a first axial end and a second axial end. The first axial end forms a leading edge of the first strut. The leading strut portion includes a first side surface and a second side surface. The plurality of pressure sensors includes a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor. The first pressure sensor is disposed at the first side surface and the second pressure sensor is disposed at the second side surface.