Abstract: A powered augmented fluid turbine for generating electricity from a fluid in motion comprising: a central annular ducted channel extending between an inlet distribution header and an outlet distribution header, the channel comprising a converging section configured to accelerate the fluid received at the inlet distribution header, a turbine assembly for generating electricity, and a diffuser section configured to decelerate the fluid before it exits at the outlet distribution header; a recycle line for transporting the exiting fluid to the inlet distribution header in a closed-loop configuration, the recycle line comprising a recycle line propulsor controllable by a recycle line controller and a recycle line heat exchanger; and a compressed fluid distribution line configured to pressurize the fluid in motion by transporting a compressed fluid from a compressed fluid source to the inlet and outlet distribution headers, the compressed fluid distribution line controllable by at least one pressure controller.

Abstract: A method for converting a turbofan engine including providing a turbofan engine and converting the turbofan engine. The turbofan engine includes a core engine (including at least one high pressure spool assembly and a combustion chamber), and an unmodified fan configured for providing at least a bypass flow bypassing the core engine, the fan being mechanically coupled to a low pressure turbine that is in turn driven by the core engine. The conversion includes modifying or replacing the unmodified fan to provide a modified fan, the modified fan configured for generating a reduced bypass flow with respect to said fan bypass flow during operation of the converted turbofan engine corresponding to at least one set of engine conditions, enabling said low pressure turbine to generate an excess shaft power above a baseline shaft power required for driving the modified fan during operation of the converted turbofan engine.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine with a compressor supplying compressed air. A combustor receives the compressed air and fuel and generates a flow of combusted gas. A turbine receives a core flow of the combusted gas to rotate a turbine rotor. A turbine inlet nozzle directs the combusted gas to the turbine rotor. Vanes are disposed in the turbine inlet nozzle and rotate to vary a flow area through which the core flow passes. The vanes adjust a pressure ratio of the gas turbine engine to compensate for changing operational requirements of the gas turbine engine by rotating to positions matching the changing operational requirements.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine has a fan case exit and an inner core housing exit. At least one of the exits is provided with a fiber optic sensing unit. The fiber optic sensing unit includes a fiber optic sensing member surrounding a circumference of the at least one of the exits. A control is programmed to calculate a nozzle area at the at least one of the exits based upon the displacement of the fiber optic sensing member. The calculated nozzle area is utilized to update nozzle area information at an electronic engine controller for the engine, and the electronic engine controller is programmed to control at least one associated component on a gas turbine engine based upon the updated nozzle area. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An exhaust duct for an engine includes an outer exhaust duct and a nested exhaust duct capable of having at least two configurations. The nested exhaust duct is circumferentially surrounded by the outer exhaust duct for a first length of the nested exhaust duct in a first configuration. The nested exhaust duct is circumferentially surrounded by the outer exhaust duct for a second length of the nested exhaust duct in a second configuration, which is less than the first length.

Abstract: Apparatus for trajectory control and/or position control of a missile (99), comprising a controllable gas generator (109, 200) with a fuel flow control valve (124, 213), an injector head (112, 202), a combustion chamber (111) and at least one outflow nozzle (103, 204) or at least one throttle.

Abstract: A microfabricated valve with no moving parts. In one embodiment, the valve includes a reservoir of a liquid that is in fluid communication with an outlet channel having a throat that is less than 100 microns wide. Preferably, the channel is an elongated slit. The configuration of channel is adapted and configured such that surface tension of the liquid prevents flow out of the channel. A heater increases the temperature of the meniscus of the fluid, until a portion of the fluid is ejected from the channel. The ejection of the fluid creates both a thrusting effect and a cooling effect.

Abstract: A combustion system includes at least one plasma actuator disposed along a substrate at a plasma location, and at least one fuel injector disposed along the substrate at an injection location. The fuel injector disperses fuel toward the plasma location. The plasma from plasma actuator ignites fuel from the fuel injector proximate the plasma location.

Abstract: A power plant (10) having a first and second turboshaft engines (11, 16) and an emergency system (20) for injecting fluid into said engines (11, 16). First and second pressurization pipes (26, 28) connect a tank (21) to each gas generator of the engines. In addition, the system (20) includes an injector device (35, 40) for each engine, which device comprises an injector pipe (36, 41) connecting said tank (21) to at least one injector nozzle (31). A distributor (51, 52) is arranged on each injector pipe (36, 41), each valve (51) feeding one of the engines while being connected to the gas generator of the other engine.

Abstract: Systems and methods for utilizing gas turbine compartment ventilation discharge air. In one embodiment, a system may include a gas turbine engine having a compressor. The system also may include a gas turbine compartment disposed about the gas turbine engine. Moreover, the system may include an inlet bleed heat (IBH) manifold in fluid communication with the compressor. The gas turbine compartment may be in fluid communication with the IBH manifold for providing the IBH manifold with ventilation discharge air from the gas turbine compartment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mechanical system that modulates airflow in an aircraft inlet diffuser that is used in conjunction with an aircraft engine that integrates both a center turbine engine and a high Mach engine such as a constant volume combustor (CVC) arrangement or ramjet arrangement with intakes formed co-centrically about the turbine. The modulation system uses an articulating cone. When in a retracted position the articulating cone allows the aircraft to operate in low speed mode as only the turbo jet receives airflow. At its widest expanse, the articulating cone completely covers the turbo jet circular intake face, precluding operation of the turbine engine.

Abstract: A power generation system includes a ram air turbine that is connected to a generator. The power generation system may be located in a pod, for example a pod for mounting on an aircraft. The ram air turbine receives air that passes through an air path through the pod, going in through an air inlet, through the turbine to turn the turbine, and out through an air outlet. The system includes a deployable flow obstruction, such as one or more airbags, that are deployable to suddenly obstruct the flow through the air path. The obstruction may be used to cut off flow (or greatly reduce flow), when overspeed of the ram air turbine is detected. The obstruction deploys (for example, airbags deploy in an air inlet of the system) to prevent continuation of the overspeed operation of the turbine, which may damage parts of the system.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention includes a nozzle defining a passage to receive and discharge working fluid to produce thrust. The nozzle includes the first wall structure opposite a second wall structure. The first wall structure includes a first convergent flap pivotally connected to a first divergent flap. The second wall structure includes a second convergent flap pivotally connected to a second divergent flap. The first wall structure and the second wall structure define the throat along the passage and are reconfigurable to adjust dimensional area of the throat. One or more control valves modulate flow of the pressurized fluid into the passage through a first opening in the first wall structure and a second opening in the second wall structure approximate to the throat to change effective area of the throat by fluidic control.

Abstract: A hot-gas thruster is actuated using a relatively small electric motor. The hot-gas thruster includes a pressure assisted pilot shaft to keep electric power demand to only a few hundred watts peak and only tens of watts on average, while exhibiting relatively fast response times.

Abstract: An exemplary gas turbine engine assembly includes a fan casing within a nacelle, a variable area fan nozzle. A controller is operable to move the variable area fan nozzle to influence a discharge airflow area associated with the variable area fan nozzle in response to an airfoil flutter condition. A gear train reduces a rotational speed of a fan in the gas turbine engine relative to another portion of the gas turbine engine.

Abstract: A turbofan engine control system is provided for managing a low pressure compressor operating line. The engine includes a low spool having a low pressure compressor housed in a core nacelle. A turbofan is coupled to the low spool. A fan nacelle surrounds the turbofan and core nacelle and provides a bypass flow path having a nozzle exit area. A controller is programmed to effectively change the nozzle exit area in response to an undesired low pressure compressor stability margin which can result in a stall or surge condition. In one example, the physical nozzle exit area is decreased at the undesired stability condition occurring during engine deceleration. A low pressure compressor pressure ratio, low spool speed and throttle position are monitored to determine the undesired stability margin.

Abstract: (A1) A turbofan engine (10) is provided that includes a spool (14). The spool (14) supports a turbine (18) and is housed within a core nacelle (12). A fan (20) is coupled to the spool (14) and includes a target operability line. The target operability line provides desired fuel consumption, engine performance, and/or fan operability margin. A fan nacelle (34) surrounds the fan (20) and core nacelle (12) to provide a bypass flow path (39) having a nozzle exit area (40). A controller (50) is programmed to command a flow control device (41) for changing the nozzle exit area (40). The change in nozzle exit area (40) achieves the target operability line in response to an engine operating condition that is a function of airspeed and throttle position. A change in the nozzle exit area (40) is used to move the operating line toward a fan stall or flutter boundary by manipulating the fan pressure ratio.

Abstract: A positional measurement system for a fan variable area nozzle (FVAN) remotely determines the position of each flap or set of flaps relative a core nacelle. The positional measurement system includes a sensor system with a multiple of transceivers located within the core nacelle to remotely measure the position of each flap or set of flaps without the heretofore necessity of moving measurement components.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aircraft jet engine comprising a nozzle (2) intended to eject a gas stream, and a system for reducing the noise (3) generated by the ejection of the gas stream. This system comprises several ducts (11a) which each, on the one hand, are connected upstream to a recess divided into several chambers and, on the other hand, open, downstream, at the outlet of nozzle (2). In this way, each duct ejects a fluid jet deriving from the recess and which interacts with the gas stream of the engine. The system also comprises a pulsation means (12) for the fluid jet which brings about its ejection at the nozzle outlet and/or modulates its speed by varying the volume contained in the recess. The system is configured in particular for balancing static pressures between the chambers.

Abstract: A rocket thruster of this invention includes a nozzle and a valve assembly. The valve subassembly includes a pintle with a head portion, which has a truncated substantially conical surface region facing and concentric with converging and throat regions of the nozzle to provide a variable effective throat area therebetween. The truncated portion of the head portion has an outer edge defining a bleed passageway opening communicating with a primary bleed passage leading through the head portion to a bleed cavity located on an opposite side of the head portion. During activation of a rocket motor to which the rocket thruster is coupled, gases imparting a load on the head portion pass through the primary bleed passage to the opposite side of the head portion for counterbalancing loads acting on the head portion. A thrust control subassembly moves the pintle axially for changing the effective throat area.

Abstract: A turbofan engine deicing system includes a core nacelle (12) housing a turbine. A turbofan (20) is arranged upstream from the core nacelle. A controller (50) manipulates the turbofan in response to detecting an icing condition for avoiding undesired ice buildup on the turbofan engine (10) and nacelle parts. In one example, a variable area nozzle (40) is actuated to generate pressure pulses or a surge condition to break up any ice buildup. The icing condition can be determined by at least one sensor (52) and/or predicted based upon icing conditions schedules.

Abstract: A fluid flow control device (26, 28) comprising a guide member (30) to guide a fluid passing through a duct (22, 24, 76), the guide member (30) being movable between first and second positions; and an urging arrangement (32) capable of providing an urging force (F1) to urge the guide member (30) towards the first position, characterised in that the urging arrangement (32) is a resilient torsion bar that is formed so as to allow the guide member (30) to be moved towards the second position by a pressure force (F2) exceeding and opposite to the urging force (F1), the pressure force (F2) being provided by a pressure difference across the guide member (30).

Abstract: A turbine engine provides a spool supporting a turbine. The spool is arranged in a core nacelle and includes a thrust bearing. A fan is arranged upstream from the core nacelle and is coupled to the spool. A fan nacelle surrounds the fan and core nacelle and provides a bypass flow path that includes a fan nozzle exit area. A flow control device is adapted to effectively change the fan nozzle exit area. A controller is programmed to monitor the thrust bearing and command the flow control device in response to an undesired load on the thrust bearing. Effectively changing the fan nozzle exit area with the flow control device actively manages the bearing thrust load to desired levels.

Abstract: A turbine engine provides a spool supporting a turbine. The spool is arranged in a core nacelle and includes a thrust bearing. A fan is arranged upstream from the core nacelle and is coupled to the spool. A fan nacelle surrounds the fan and core nacelle and provides a bypass flow path that includes a fan nozzle exit area. A flow control device is adapted to effectively change the fan nozzle exit area. A controller is programmed to monitor the thrust bearing and command the flow control device in response to an undesired load on the thrust bearing. Effectively changing the fan nozzle exit area with the flow control device actively manages the bearing thrust load to desired levels.

Abstract: A balance pressure control is provided for flaps which pivot in a rear of a gas turbine engine nozzle to change the cross-sectional area of the nozzle. An actuator drives a sync ring to move the flaps through a linkage. A supply of pressurized air is also provided to the sync ring to assist the actuator in resisting forces from high pressure gases within the nozzle. When those forces are lower than normal the flow of air to the rear of the sync ring is reduced or blocked. A ring rotates with another ring to control both this air flow, and a supply of cooling air to an interior of the nozzle.

Abstract: A rocket thruster of this invention includes a nozzle and a valve assembly. The valve subassembly includes a pintle with a head portion, which has a truncated substantially conical surface region facing and concentric with converging and throat regions of the nozzle to provide a variable effective throat area therebetween. The truncated portion of the head portion has an outer edge defining a bleed passageway opening communicating with a primary bleed passage leading through the head portion to a bleed cavity located on an opposite side of the head portion. During activation of a rocket motor to which the rocket thruster is coupled, gases imparting a load on the head portion pass through the primary bleed passage to the opposite side of the head portion for counterbalancing loads acting on the head portion. A thrust control subassembly moves the pintle axially for changing the effective throat area.

Abstract: A fixed sized bell rocket nozzle is lined with a layer of combustible material that is ignited during launch ignition and burns to outgas into the rocket exhaust for spatially variably confining the exhaust and perfecting an effective variably sized altitude compensating exhaust nozzle that maximizes lift during the launch of a spacecraft into orbit.

Abstract: The thrust of a rocket motor can be varied to optimize Nozzle Pressure Ratio (NPR) using a design that allows for adjusting the relative position of a plug and a combustion chamber exit. The plug or the exit may be attached to an adaptive control system for position modification. The relative position of the plug and exit may be adjusted to optimize NPR to account for changing propellant flow and/or changing ambient pressure.

Abstract: The thrust of a rocket motor can be varied while maintaining efficiency over a range of pressure ratios using a design that allows for changing the relative position of a plug and a combustion chamber exit. The plug or the chamber exit may be attached to an adaptive control system for position modification. The plug may be positioned in a plug nozzle configuration or in an expansion-deflection (ED) configuration. In either configuration, the elongated downstream portion of the plug allows for efficiency over a wide range of pressure ratios, while ability to change plug position with respect to the chamber exit allows adjustment of rocket thrust.

Abstract: A gas turbine propulsion engine reheat system having a variable area exhaust nozzle comprising a nozzle area control system including means for accelerating increases of nozzle area

Abstract: A turbofan engine includes a fan variable area nozzle having a multiple of vents through a fan nacelle and rotatable elements rotatable within the vents by an actuator system. Rotation of the rotatable element within each vent changes the effective area of the fan nozzle exit area to permit efficient operation at a multiple of flight conditions.

Abstract: A turbofan nacelle includes forward and aft cowls adjoining at a joint, and including an exhaust duct having a main outlet for discharging exhaust. A variable nozzle surrounds the exhaust duct and includes a secondary outlet around the main outlet. A thrust reverser bridges the forward and aft cowls upstream from the variable nozzle. The variable nozzle is inductively powered and controlled across the closed joint, and is uncoupled inductively from the forward cowl when the joint is open.

Abstract: An exhaust nozzle includes an exhaust duct with an outlet and a row of radial apertures upstream therefrom. A radial frame surrounds the duct upstream from the apertures. A row of flaps are hinged to the frame to selectively cover and uncover the apertures for controlling exhaust flow discharged therethrough. An arcuate unison bar surrounds the duct adjacent to the frame and includes circumferentially spaced apart cam followers engaging corresponding cams affixed to the flaps. An actuator is joined to the bar for selective rotation thereof between opposite first and second directions to pivot open and closed the flaps atop the apertures.

Abstract: A side thruster valve of an aerospace craft is improved to reduce torque of a servo-motor, etc. needed for nozzle opening and closing to thereby realize a compact and light weight device. The side thruster valve comprises a valve plug having its back directed to an axis of the aerospace craft and independently movable between a fully opened position and a fully closed position of the valve plug in a plane orthogonal to the axis of the aerospace craft, an actuating means for moving the valve plug in an axial direction of the valve plug and an elastic member for activating the valve plug in the axial direction of the valve plug. In a side thruster device comprising a plurality of the side thruster valves, the side thruster valves are arranged independently of each other to thereby broaden freedom of combustion control and improve fuel consumption.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assessing damage to machine components is provided. The method includes calculating an expected parameter value based on a first parameter value indicator, calculating an estimate of an actual parameter value based on a second parameter value indicator, the second parameter value indicator being different than the first parameter value indicator, determining if the calculated expected parameter value is different than the calculated estimate of the actual parameter value by a predefined limit, and generating a damage flag based on a result of the comparison. The apparatus includes a computing device including a processor and a memory communicatively coupled to the processor, the processor programmed to execute a software product code segment that includes a detection boundary module, an estimator, and a comparator wherein the computing device is programmed to assess damage within an engine.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a system for altering a fluid flow includes a nozzle having a fluid flow and including a converging portion, a diverging portion downstream of the converging portion, and a throat coupling the converging portion to the diverging portion, at least one port located in a wall of the nozzle and angled with respect to the fluid flow, and at least one pulse detonation device operable to inject a plurality of detonation waves in a pulsed manner through the port and into the fluid flow. The pulsed detonation waves operate to alter the fluid flow.

Abstract: The invention refers to an apparatus for controlling the flow separation line of rocket nozzles for reducing side loads. For obtaining this control it is suggested according to the invention that the inside of the nozzle (1) has circumferentially regular spaced areas (2) with increased surface roughness compared with the rest of the inside of the nozzle.

Abstract: The thrust device comprises a valve body (20) having a chamber (24) surrounding part of the needle, at least one gas admission opening (27) opening out into the chamber, and a gas outlet opening (25) opening out into the chamber and defined by a wall portion which co-operates with a nose portion (14) of a moving needle (10) to define an outlet section for gas leaving the chamber. Actuator means (40, 41, 43) control the position of the needle in the valve body by acting on a rear end portion of the needle. The nose (14) of the moving needle (10) has an aerodynamic concave profile (15) and the wall portion (29) which defines the outlet (25) from the chamber is shaped in such a manner as to be capable of directing the exiting gases essentially against the concave side of the nose of the needle, which needle acts as the main member for taking up thrust.

Abstract: A thruster valve has a continuously positionable piston between a closed position and a maximum open position. The piston moves in response to the difference in pressure between the pressure of the valve's inlet and thruster nozzle and the pressure behind the piston. A pivotable flapper valve regulates this pressure difference. When a change in thrust is required a force is applied to the flapper causing a change in this pressure difference which causes the piston to move until the desired thrust level is obtained.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting the flame exit velocity of a high velocity burner. The burner includes burner combustor chamber having a fluid accelerating nozzle and a burner combustor exhaust port. Fuel is delivered to the burner combustor through a fuel inlet. An ignitor is provided to initiate combustion of the fuel which is mixed with air from an air inlet. An adjusting device is provided to vary the flame exit area of the burner. The adjusting device includes an adjusting rod connected to an extension rod which preferably extends through the burner ignition chamber to the burner combustion exit port. For example, a tapered plug is attached to the end of the extension rod. The tapered plug is tapered in a direction decreasing toward the burner combustion exit port and can include fins attached around a periphery of the plug.

Abstract: A variable thrust nozzle system comprises a housing, a pair of nozzle skirts. attached to the outer surface of the housing so as to open in opposite directions, respectively, a pair of nozzle plugs disposed in the pair of nozzle skirts so as to define a nozzle throat between the outer surface of each nozzle plug and the inner surface of the corresponding nozzle skirt, a shaft supported for sliding in the housing and having opposite ends connected to the nozzle plugs, respectively, and an actuator linked to the shaft to drive the shaft for sliding motions to vary the sectional areas of the nozzle throats.

Abstract: A variable exhaust nozzle (26) for a turbine engine nacelle (16) includes a pair of semi-cowls (58, 60) disposed about a longitudinally extending central axis (14) and a pair of corresponding shells (36, 38) each of which is spaced radially inwardly from the corresponding semi-cowl and is pivotable about a pivot axis (42, 44) between an extended position and a retracted position. The semi-cowls and shells have curved, geometrically similar inner and outer surfaces (86, 100) respectively so that gap (108) between the shells and the cowl is uniform irrespective of the angular orientation of the shells. A seal (128) which includes longitudinally extending legs (128a, 128b) and an optional circumferential leg (128c) prevents detrimental air leakage. Pivotal movement of the shells effects large changes in the discharge area A.sub.D of the nozzle without compromising the external aerodynamic characteristics of the nacelle.

Abstract: An engine exhaust nozzle (36) is provided for reducing exhaust noise in an intermediate bypass ratio turbofan engine. The nozzle (36) includes a plurality of scoop ejectors (38) placed equal distances about the circumference of a nozzle outer structure (46). A translatable centerbody (52) is located within the outer structure (46). The annular space between the outer structure (46) and the centerbody (52) define a convergent-divergent exhaust duct (56). Each scoop ejector (38) has a forward inlet (71) and an aft outlet (72). The scoop ejectors are rotatably connected to the outer structure (46) at a pivot point located approximately midway along the ejectors. The axes of rotation (82) of the scoop ejectors lie transverse to the nozzle longitudinal centerline. In an open position, the scoop ejectors are rotated so that the inlets (71) extend into the ambient airstream and the outlets (72) extend into the exhaust duct (56). Aft nozzle flaps (114) are used to form the rearmost portions of the nozzle (36).

Abstract: Corrected fan speed (N1C2) and engine pressure ratio (EPR) are controlled, by controlling exhaust nozzle area (EA) according to a schedule or map so that as altitude increases (P2 decreases) the axial forces on the low rotor are sufficient to minimize low rotor vibrations. The altitude band (critical load region) is determined that produces loading levels in which vibrations appear. As this band is approached, conventional control of N1C2 and EPR is automatically over-ridden. N1C2 is decreased with altitude and exhaust area is reduced, thereby increasing the axial force (load) on the low rotor. When the upper limit of the band is reached, conventional control of N1C2 and EPR is automatically resumed, resulting in crossing the critical load region rapidly over a narrow altitude band.

Abstract: An after-burning turbo-fan engine system (10) includes turbo-fan engine (14) for producing exhaust gas (20), and jet thrust therefrom. After-burning chamber (16) receives turbo-fan exhaust and injects a controllable amount of fuel into turbo-fan exhaust to cause after burning of the turbo-fan exhaust to produce after-burned exhaust (20). Nozzle (18) associates with after-burning chamber (16) for receiving after-burned exhaust (20). Nozzle (18) has a fixed geometry. Nozzle (18) flow coefficient control mechanism (22 and 24) controls the approach of after-burned exhaust (20) through nozzle (18) to change the nozzle (18) flow coefficient. This controls the volumetric flow rate of after-burned exhaust (20) through the nozzle (18).

Abstract: A rocket motor nozzle has a nozzle core that defines a nozzle passage through which combustion products travel during flight. The erosive forces created by the combustion products are longitudinally distributed over the nozzle core so that the nozzle's smallest area remains substantially constant in spite of the erosion. An inner surface of the nozzle core defines the nozzle passage. The inner surface includes an entry region which defines a nozzle entry, an exit region which defines an exit, and an elongate erosion region which defines an erosion passage between the entry and exit. The erosion region length is greater than the average smallest passage diameter, thereby allowing the location of the erosion focus along the erosion region to vary over time as a result of erosion of the erosion region. The nozzle core is formed of a fibrous composite material which is selected according to the type of propellant used and which includes fibers oriented transverse to the erosion passage to resist erosion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a variable supersonic nozzle for a turbojet engine having an improved control system for varying the convergent and divergent nozzle flaps. All of the flaps are supported on several beams about the circumference of a gas passage. A control linkage interconnects hydraulic control cylinders, which are also mounted on the beams, with the convergent and divergent flaps such that, as the piston rod of the hydraulic control system extends and retracts, the angles of the flaps are varied accordingly. Additionally, cold flaps may be attached to the beams and interconnected with the linkage system such that their positions may also be varied by the control cylinder.

Abstract: A rocket motor is provided with a self-actuated nozzle throat control mechanism. The motor includes a casing that forms a combustion chamber and houses propellant. An exhaust nozzle extends from the motor casing and is fluidly coupled to the combustion chamber. A pintle assembly is provided to vary the throat area of the nozzle. The pintle assembly includes a pintle and a support member. The pintle is coupled to the support member for movement from a first position to a second position where the pintle extends farther into the throat than when in the first position. A locking member secures the pintle to the support member in the first position when the pressure in the combustion chamber is in a first range and releases the pintle from the support member when the pressure in the combustion chamber changes to a value in another range. With this construction, a multistep pintle, which moves in response to change in combustion chamber pressure, can be constructed without complex control instrumentation.

Abstract: A supersonic jet engine having a nozzle section into which ambient air can be selectively introduced for a noise suppressing mode of operation, with this ambient air being intermixed with engine exhaust flow, through passageway segments. Flow modulating plugs or vanes are positioned at the exhaust end of engine exhaust outlet segments in a mixing section, and these are operated during noise suppression mode to match engine requirements. There is a final nozzle section which during the noise suppressing mode is opened to present a relatively large cross sectional flow area to accommodate the mixed flow.During the non-noise suppressing mode, the final nozzle has a convergent/divergent configuration to control flow, and the plug or vane flow modulating means are positioned to permit unrestricted flow from the engine exhaust outlet segments.

Abstract: Circumferential and radial inlet pressure distortion on an aircraft gas turbine engine are detected by a plurality of static pressure sensors and a signal processor, which computes the total pressure for each sensor to determine a pressure distortion pattern which the processor correlates with stored data for the engine and inlet to determine if the airflow geometry should be altered during flight. Time varying changes in the pressure from one or more of the pressure sensors is used to determine a stall condition, causing a change in engine airflow geometry to increase stall margin.