Thrust Reverser Panel Segmentation for Post-Shutdown Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engines face challenges in managing temperature and fluid accumulation after shutdown, leading to potential corrosion and increased component temperatures due to the absence of bypass cooling flow, necessitating effective venting and drainage systems.
Innovation Solution
A thrust reverser system with movable components, including a transcowl and vents/drainage assemblies, controlled by a processor-based system that adjusts positions based on temperature and resistance sensors to vent hot gases and drain fluids, ensuring safe temperature management and fluid removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the thrust reverser system is kept closed after engine shutdown, then the structural integrity and aerodynamic smoothness are maintained, but hot gases accumulate causing excessive component temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The thrust reverser system is segmented into multiple independent panels (first panel, second panel, third panel, fourth panel) that can be selectively opened or closed. This segmentation allows specific panels to be opened for hot gas venting while maintaining the closed position of other panels, thereby reducing component temperatures without requiring complete system opening and maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The thrust reverser system transitions from a static closed state to a dynamic partially-open state after engine shutdown. The control system automatically activates selected panels to open, enabling hot gas venting. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to post-shutdown thermal conditions, effectively managing component temperatures while maintaining overall system integrity.
2Reliability
If the thrust reverser system remains closed after shutdown, then aerodynamic smoothness is maintained, but fluids accumulate causing corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The thrust reverser system is divided into multiple panels with individual drainage capabilities. Each panel can be independently configured with drainage paths, allowing fluids to be drained from specific accumulated locations without requiring complete system disassembly or complex centralized drainage infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The thrust reverser panels are designed with inherent drainage features that enable automatic fluid drainage through gravity and pressure differentials. The system utilizes its own structural configuration to facilitate fluid egress, reducing the need for additional active drainage components and simplifying the overall drainage system while effectively preventing corrosion.
3Temperature
If vents are opened to vent hot gases, then component temperatures are reduced, but the thrust reverser system structure is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The thrust reverser system is segmented into multiple panels that can be selectively opened. Only specific panels (first and second panels) are opened for hot gas venting, while other panels (third and fourth panels) remain closed to maintain structural integrity and aerodynamic smoothness. This selective opening approach vents hot gases effectively while preserving overall structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
Different panels of the thrust reverser system are assigned different operational states based on local requirements. Panels exposed to hot gas accumulation are opened for venting, while panels in less critical thermal zones remain closed. This localized quality approach ensures effective temperature management in critical areas while maintaining structural integrity in non-critical areas.
4Reliability
If drains are opened to drain fluids, then corrosion is prevented, but the sealing integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The thrust reverser system is divided into multiple panels with independent drainage control. Drains are positioned at specific locations on individual panels where fluid accumulation is most likely to occur. This segmented approach allows drainage to be activated only where needed, preventing corrosion at critical locations while minimizing the risk of fluid leakage to the external environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The drainage system utilizes the thrust reverser panels themselves as intermediary structures that guide and control fluid flow. The panels are designed with integrated drainage paths that channel fluids from accumulation points to designated discharge locations, preventing uncontrolled leakage while effectively removing fluids that could cause corrosion.
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 component temperatures and prevents corrosion by venting hot gases and draining fluids, enhancing the operational safety and longevity of gas turbine engine components.
Implementation Method 1
the body is movable between a first, open position and a second, closed position based on a pressure differential across the thrust reverser system
Implementation Method 2
the hot gases from the gas turbine engine and engine components may vent to the ambient surroundings
Data Source
AI summary
A thrust reverser system for a gas turbine engine includes at least one hinge coupled to the thrust reverser system so as to be adjacent to at least one opening defined in the thrust reverser system. The thrust reverser system includes at least one body coupled to the at least one hinge. The at least one body has a first body end and an opposing second body end. The body pivotally coupled to the hinge such that a portion of the body is positionable within the at least one opening and the body includes at least one counterweight at the first body end or the second body end. The body is positioned within the at least one opening based on an operating condition of the gas turbine engine.