Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses are provided herein useful to sealing a gap, such as a gap between a gas turbine engine nozzle flap and sidewall. An apparatus for sealing such a gap may be a plunger seal that includes a plunger, a retaining element, a guide pin, and a biasing element. The plunger includes a sealing edge and an actuating edge having at least one recess and an opening formed therein. The biasing element and a portion of the guide pin are nested in the recess. The retaining element anchor the plunger to the retaining element. The retaining element also anchors the plunger seal to the housing When installed in a gap, the housing engages the flap and the plunger engages the sidewall. The biasing element is under compression and urges the guide pin into the actuating edge to urge the plunger toward the sidewall and seal the gap.

Abstract: A composite airfoil having a non-metallic leading edge protective wrap is provided. In one aspect, the airfoil has a composite core having a pressure sidewall and a suction sidewall each extending between a core leading edge and a core trailing edge. A leading edge protective wrap protects the core leading edge and includes a trailing wrap and a leading wrap. The trailing wrap wraps around the core leading edge and is connected to the composite core. The leading wrap wraps around the core leading edge and is connected to the trailing wrap. The trailing and leading wraps both have leading edges that are spaced from one another. A filler is positioned between the leading edges of the trailing and leading wraps. A protective nose is connected to the leading edge of the leading wrap. The components of the leading edge protective wrap are formed of non-metallic materials.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses are provided herein useful to sealing a gap, such as a gap between a gas turbine engine nozzle flap and sidewall. An apparatus for sealing such a gap may be a plunger seal that includes a plunger, a retaining element, a guide pin, and a biasing element. The plunger includes a sealing edge and an actuating edge having at least one recess and an opening formed therein. The biasing element and a portion of the guide pin are nested in the recess. The retaining element anchor the plunger to the retaining element. The retaining element also anchors the plunger seal to the housing When installed in a gap, the housing engages the flap and the plunger engages the sidewall. The biasing element is under compression and urges the guide pin into the actuating edge to urge the plunger toward the sidewall and seal the gap.

Abstract: A composite airfoil having a non-metallic leading edge protective wrap is provided. In one aspect, the airfoil has a composite core having a pressure sidewall and a suction sidewall each extending between a core leading edge and a core trailing edge. A leading edge protective wrap protects the core leading edge and includes a trailing wrap and a leading wrap. The trailing wrap wraps around the core leading edge and is connected to the composite core. The leading wrap wraps around the core leading edge and is connected to the trailing wrap. The trailing and leading wraps both have leading edges that are spaced from one another. A filler is positioned between the leading edges of the trailing and leading wraps. A protective nose is connected to the leading edge of the leading wrap. The components of the leading edge protective wrap are formed of non-metallic materials.