Aircraft Thrust Reverser Partition for Acoustic Panel Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shorter thrust reversers on aircraft engine assemblies have reduced surfaces for acoustic panels, leading to insufficient noise reduction, as builders aim for more compact designs.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a separating partition with a sliding connection between the inner fixed structure, torque box, and translating cowl, which increases the surface area for acoustic panels and enhances mechanical performance by forming additional airflow streams, thereby improving noise reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the thrust reverser is made shorter to improve aircraft performance, then the pod length is reduced, but the surface area for acoustic panels becomes insufficient for desired noise reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The thrust reverser is divided into two sub-assemblies (first and second sub-assemblies) with an additional separating partition between them. This segmentation creates more internal surfaces within the compact structure, providing adequate acoustic panel area even when the overall pod length is reduced.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If acoustic panels are added to reduce noise, then noise reduction is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separating partition serves multiple functions: it structurally divides the thrust reverser into two sub-assemblies, creates additional surfaces for acoustic panels to reduce noise, and participates in mechanical performance. This multi-functionality achieves noise reduction without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Area of stationary object
If the number of separate parts is increased to provide more acoustic panel surfaces, then noise reduction is improved, but the manufacturing and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separating partition is integrated with the inner fixed structure and torque box through rigid fixed connections, merging multiple structural elements into a unified assembly. This reduces the number of separate parts that need to be manufactured and assembled while still providing the necessary acoustic panel surfaces.
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 solution provides a more effective noise reduction and mechanical performance by increasing the surface area for acoustic panels and optimizing airflow, allowing for better noise absorption and mechanical strength without increasing the number of separate parts.
Implementation Method 1
at least a portion of the surface of the separating partition comprises an air-porous outer layer and an inner layer defining chambers, the chambers being closed by the outer layer
Data Source
AI summary
A thrust reverser for an aircraft engine assembly, comprising two sub-assemblies configured to surround an engine, each of the sub-assemblies comprising an inner fixed structure, a translating cowl, a torque box, a substantially vertical 12 o'clock bifurcation, and a substantially vertical 6 o'clock bifurcation. At least one of the sub-assemblies comprises at least one separating partition extending between the inner fixed structure, the translating cowl and the torque box of the sub-assembly, the separating partition being rigidly fixed to the inner fixed structure and the torque box, and connected to the translating cowl via a sliding connection.