External Actuation for Vectoring Nozzle Exhaust Plume
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exhaust systems for aircraft face challenges in achieving high thrust coefficient, quick response, low weight, and affordability while maintaining peak thrust performance and vectoring capability, as conventional mechanical and fluidic vectoring systems are either heavy and complex or sacrifice thrust performance for vectoring capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The system employs external actuation methods, such as fluidic and mechanical actuation, or their combination, to vector the exhaust plume by manipulating the flowfield and plume externally, allowing optimization of internal nozzle geometry for peak thrust without compromising vectoring performance, using features like external sidewalls and fluid injectors to create virtual aerodynamic surfaces and vortices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical vectoring systems are used with large actuating surfaces, then thrust and vectoring performance are improved, but weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical vectoring surfaces with fluidic effectors that use high-speed jets to manipulate the exhaust plume. Fluidic injection creates vortices and Coanda effects to achieve thrust vectoring without large mechanical moving parts, significantly reducing weight and complexity while maintaining vectoring capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses fluidic injection systems where high-pressure gas or liquid jets are injected into the exhaust stream to control plume direction. This pneumatic/hydraulic approach replaces mechanical actuation, using fluid dynamics principles (Coanda effect, vortex formation) to achieve thrust vectoring with minimal moving mass
2Weight of moving object
If fluidic vectoring systems are used, then weight and complexity are reduced, but peak thrust performance is sacrificed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs fluidic effectors that inject fluid only when vectoring is required, rather than continuously modifying the nozzle geometry. This partial action allows the nozzle to operate at peak thrust during normal operation, while providing vectoring capability when needed, thus avoiding continuous thrust penalty
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the flow parameters (pressure, velocity, injection timing) of the fluidic effectors to optimize the balance between thrust performance and vectoring capability. By controlling injection pressure and timing, the system can minimize interference with the main exhaust flow while achieving desired vectoring effects
3Adaptability or versatility
If engine bleed is used to supply fluid injectors, then vectoring capability is achieved, but engine performance is penalized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the fluidic effector system to utilize exhaust gases already present in the system, rather than requiring additional engine bleed. The exhaust plume itself serves as the working fluid for vectoring, eliminating the need to extract additional mass flow from the engine core and avoiding associated performance penalties
Solution Approach 2:
The invention recovers and utilizes the kinetic energy and mass flow of the exhaust plume that would otherwise be discarded. By injecting fluid into the existing exhaust stream rather than creating new flow from engine bleed, the system converts waste exhaust energy into useful vectoring control
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 approach enables efficient thrust vectoring with reduced weight and complexity, optimizing internal nozzle geometry for peak thrust while maintaining vectoring capability, and reduces the need for engine bleed, thus enhancing overall performance and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
Varying the contour of one or both sidewalls creates a significant asymmetric span-wise flow component, thereby vectoring the exhaust plume
Implementation Method 2
These effectors may be fluid injectors employing a flow source such as engine bleed, with or without fuel addition and combustion
Data Source
AI summary
A vectoring nozzle with external actuation generates thrust vectoring by applying mechanical or fluidic actuation, or both, on the nozzle deck, external sidewalls, and/or air vehicle aft body to produce changes in the aft body flowfield and/or exhaust plume. An external mechanical sidewall may be integrated into a nozzle deck or side walls without the need for engine bleed to supply fluid injectors. An external fluidic vectoring system uses injectors or plasma devices located aft of the nozzle exit to vector the exhaust plume with no external moving parts. Elements of both mechanical and fluidic systems may be combined for a given application.