Thrust Reverser Inner-Wall Cooling With an Integrated Air Plenum
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal protection systems for aircraft thrust reversers fail to adequately insulate the carbon epoxy inner wall from excessive temperatures, leading to potential thermal degradation.
Innovation Solution
A panel assembly comprising an isogrid panel with an inner heat shield, an air plenum, and an outer skin, featuring air inlet and outlet vent holes for passive cooling, which directs cool air from the fan duct to dissipate heat from the engine core compartment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a carbon epoxy panel is used for thermal protection, then thermal insulation is provided, but the material cannot withstand excessive temperatures when lapses in coverage occur
Solution Approach 1:
An air plenum is introduced as an intermediary cooling chamber between the inner wall and the engine core. This plenum receives cooling air through inlet holes and distributes it to cool the inner wall, acting as a thermal buffer that protects the carbon epoxy panel from excessive temperatures while maintaining the insulation benefits of the original material.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes pneumatic cooling by introducing compressed or pressurized cooling air into the air plenum through inlet vent holes. This pressurized air flow actively cools the inner wall surface, providing dynamic thermal protection that adapts to varying thermal loads from the engine core.
2Temperature
If traditional thermal protection systems are used, then insulation is provided, but the system complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inner wall structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the thrust reverser, acts as a thermal barrier, and incorporates integrated cooling channels (air plenum with inlet/outlet holes) for active thermal management. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate insulation layers and cooling systems, reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system is merged directly into the inner wall structure by forming the air plenum as an integral part of the panel assembly. The inlet and outlet vent holes are formed directly through the inner wall, combining the thermal protection and cooling functions into a single integrated component rather than separate assemblies.
3Temperature
If carbon epoxy materials are used for the inner wall, then thermal protection is achieved, but weight and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the thermal parameters of the inner wall by introducing active cooling air flow through the plenum. This allows the use of lighter materials with lower inherent thermal resistance, as the active cooling compensates for the reduced passive insulation capability, thereby reducing weight while maintaining thermal protection.
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 effectively reduces thermal degradation by passively cooling the thrust reverser inner wall, maintaining structural integrity while reducing weight and manufacturing costs compared to composite materials.
Implementation Method 1
An air plenum is disposed between the isogrid panel and the inner heat shield. One or more air inlet vent holes are formed through the isogrid panel and the outer skin. The one or more air inlet vent holes fluidly couple to the air plenum.
Data Source
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AI summary
An engine of an aircraft includes a thrust reverser having an inner wall, which is formed by a panel assembly including an isogrid panel. An inner heat shield is coupled to a first side of the isogrid panel. An air plenum is disposed between the isogrid panel and the inner heat shield. An outer skin is coupled to a second side of the isogrid panel. The second side is opposite from the first side. One or more air inlet vent holes are formed through the isogrid panel and the outer skin. The one or more air inlet vent holes fluidly couple to the air plenum. One or more air outlet vent holes are formed through the isogrid panel and the outer skin. The one or more air outlet vent holes fluidly couple to the air plenum.