Variable Flowpath Wall Assembly for Turbofan Tip-Speed Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing turbofan engine flowpath geometries with fixed peripheral boundaries fail to optimize engine performance across various operating modes, necessitating a compromise in performance.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of an inflatable bladder with a deformable face skin and an actuation system, including an air system and mechanical actuators, to dynamically adjust the flowpath geometry by inflating or deflating the bladder and mechanically deforming the face skin, allowing for adaptable geometry changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed peripheral boundaries are used in flowpath geometry, then structural simplicity and manufacturing ease are maintained, but engine performance cannot be optimized across various operating modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static fixed peripheral boundaries into dynamic adjustable boundaries. The flowpath geometry is made variable through movable walls and adjustable geometric parameters, allowing the engine to adapt its flowpath configuration to different operating modes and optimize performance across various conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by enabling modification of key geometric parameters such as flowpath radius, wall positions, and cross-sectional dimensions. These parameters can be adjusted dynamically to change the flowpath geometry, allowing optimization of engine performance for different operating conditions without requiring complete redesign of the structure.
2Productivity
If fixed flowpath geometry is used, then manufacturing precision is easier to maintain, but propulsor section efficiency cannot be optimized for varying rotor blade tip speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the flowpath geometry dynamic by incorporating movable walls and adjustable components that can change the flowpath configuration during operation. This allows the propulsor section efficiency to be optimized for varying rotor blade tip speeds by adjusting the flowpath geometry to match different operating conditions, while the manufacturing process maintains precision through controlled adjustment mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adaptable flowpath geometry is implemented, then engine performance is optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing actuation mechanisms that can serve multiple functions - adjusting different geometric parameters, controlling various sections of the flowpath, and adapting to different operating modes. This multi-functionality reduces the overall complexity by consolidating control capabilities into integrated systems rather than separate mechanisms for each adjustment.
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
Enhances engine performance by optimizing propulsor section efficiency and thrust generation across varying rotor blade tip speeds, facilitating improved aero loading and Mach number management.
Implementation Method 1
The air system is configured to regulate air pressure within the interior volume to deform the deformable face skin and change a geometry of the exterior surface
Implementation Method 2
The actuator is configured to mechanically apply a force to the deformable face skin to further change the geometry of the exterior surface
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
An assembly is provided for an aircraft propulsion system. This assembly includes a flowpath wall (98) and an actuation system (146). The flowpath wall (98) includes an inflatable bladder (104) with a deformable face skin (106) and an interior volume (110). The deformable face skin (106) includes an exterior surface that forms a peripheral boundary of a flowpath (76) along the flowpath wall (98). The interior volume (110) extends within the inflatable bladder (104) to the deformable face skin (106). The actuation system (146) includes an air system (116) and an actuator (132). The air system (116) is fluidly coupled to the interior volume (110). The air system (116) is configured to inflate or deflate the inflatable bladder (104) to change a geometry of the exterior surface. The actuator (132) is disposed in the interior volume (110). The actuator (132) is configured to mechanically apply a force to the deformable face skin (106) to further change the geometry of the exterior surface.