Variable Area Thrust Nozzle Flap for VTOL Gas Turbine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thrust nozzles in gas turbine engines lack the ability to adapt to varying gas flow volumes and directions, particularly during reheat operations, which can lead to insufficient outlet area and inefficiencies in thrust vectoring.
Innovation Solution
A variable area thrust nozzle with a tubular structure and a pivotally mounted flap that can change its position to adjust the outlet area, allowing for rotation and increased gas flow capacity, utilizing a ram and link mechanism for actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional fixed area thrust nozzle is used, then the structure is simple, but the outlet area cannot adapt to varying gas flow volumes during reheat operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing a movable flap that can pivot between different positions to dynamically adjust the nozzle outlet area. The flap transitions from a fixed structure to a dynamic component that can change the flow passage area in response to varying gas flow conditions, particularly during reheat operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle outlet area is segmented into controllable sections by dividing it with a flap that can independently pivot. This segmentation allows partial adjustment of the outlet area rather than requiring complete redesign of the entire nozzle structure, thereby managing complexity while improving adaptability.
2Quantity of substance
If the outlet area is increased for reheat operations, then gas flow capacity is sufficient, but the nozzle cannot maintain optimal performance for varying thrust directions
Solution Approach 1:
The movable flap creates a dynamic flow control system that can adjust the effective outlet area based on gas flow volume requirements. During reheat operations, the flap pivots to increase the outlet area for higher gas flow capacity, while during normal operations it can be positioned to optimize thrust vectoring performance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a variable area mechanism is added to the nozzle, then adaptability to gas flow conditions improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A movable flap with pivot mechanism provides variable area control through a relatively simple rotational joint compared to more complex variable geometry systems. The flap can be actuated by various means (manual, mechanical, pneumatic) while maintaining a straightforward structural design that minimizes overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Elbow nozzles in VTOL aircraft engines, are highly stressed when operating, in that they act as high pressure vessels.The invention provides a means for varying the outlet area of such a nozzle without weakening its structure. A single flap is inserted inside the nozzle and connected to the nozzle extremity for pivoting about an axis which lies across the outlet between a position wherein its edges seal against the nozzle side and so restrict the nozzle outlet area and, a position wherein it lies parallel with a wall of the nozzle so that exhaust gas can pass both sides and out of a bigger outlet.