Supersonic Turbofan Nozzle Struts for Load Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Convergent-divergent thrust nozzles for turbofan engines in supersonic aircraft face challenges such as high complexity, increased weight, noise generation, and intensive maintenance due to the need for adjustable geometry and actuators, which complicate the mounting of central bodies and distribute loads inefficiently.
Innovation Solution
A thrust nozzle design featuring a central body connected to the thrust nozzle wall via radially extending struts, which directly transmit loads into the thrust nozzle wall and upstream coupling regions, eliminating the need for adjustable geometry and reducing the number of components, weight, and maintenance requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a central body is mounted at rear regions of the core engine with adjustable geometry, then the nozzle can adapt to different flight conditions, but the device complexity increases due to actuators and mounting mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the central body axially displaceable relative to the thrust nozzle wall through displaceable struts, allowing the nozzle geometry to adapt to different flight conditions while avoiding complex actuators. The struts can extend or retract axially to adjust the central body position, providing geometric adaptability through a simple mechanical displacement mechanism rather than complex actuated systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a central body is mounted at rear regions of the core engine, then the nozzle can be adjusted, but the weight increases due to actuators and mounting structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heavy actuators and complex mounting structures from the thrust nozzle system by mounting the central body directly to the thrust nozzle wall via simple struts. This removal of unnecessary heavy components achieves weight reduction while maintaining the essential adjustability function through the displaceable strut mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If loads are introduced into core engine and rotor bearing structures, then the central body can be mounted, but the maintenance requirement increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the load path from the core engine and rotor bearing structures by introducing loads directly into the thrust nozzle wall through the struts. This separation isolates the thrust nozzle system from the core engine, reducing maintenance requirements and improving reliability by preventing load interference with critical engine components.
4Stability of the object's composition
If multiple struts are used to connect central body to thrust nozzle wall, then the structure is more stable, but the air resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies streamlined profiling to the struts, giving them a curved, aerodynamic shape that reduces air resistance while maintaining structural stability. The streamlined profile allows the struts to cut through the gas flow more efficiently, minimizing drag and turbulent wake effects while preserving the structural integrity and stability provided by the multi-strut configuration.
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 design minimizes air resistance, reduces weight, and simplifies maintenance by dissipating forces directly into the thrust nozzle wall, thereby reducing noise and complexity while maintaining efficient operation across varying flow conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one strut, the thrust nozzle wall and the upstream coupling region are in this case arranged such that forces acting on the central body are conducted via the at least one strut and the thrust nozzle wall into the upstream coupling region
Implementation Method 2
The profile is aerodynamically optimized in order to minimize the air resistance generated by the struts
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a propelling nozzle for a turbofan engine on a supersonic aircraft, the propelling nozzle including: a propelling nozzle wall, a duct, which is radially outwardly bounded by the propelling nozzle wall, and a central body arranged in the duct. According to the invention, the central body is connected to the propelling nozzle wall via at least one brace.