Abstract: An improved composite structure and method for making same has been provided. The provided improved composite structure has locally strengthened areas within a reinforcement region. The locally strengthened areas within the reinforcement region have load distribution devices to redistribute load in order to (i) locally strengthen an area around damage induced by an initial momentary and direct transmitted load, and (ii) limit growth and propagation of damage induced by an initial momentary and direct transmitted load during a subsequent unbalance load. The improved composite structure reduces the impact of the fan blade out phenomenon in a weight efficient manner.

Abstract: A system and method is provided that combines fan bypass components and minimizes assembly interfaces in a turbofan engine. The system and method provide a front frame structure of reduced weight that slidably installs/removes from within the combined fan bypass components.

Abstract: Fan blade containment systems and methods for producing the same are provided. The fan blade containment system comprise a first ballistic material configured to be wrapped in overlapping layers around a fan casing to form a containment covering of a fan containment case for the fan casing. A plurality of patches comprised of a second ballistic material are configured to be loosely disposed between adjacent overlapping layers of the first ballistic material with each patch partially overlapping a circumferentially adjacent patch.

Abstract: An improved composite structure and method for making same has been provided. The provided improved composite structure has locally strengthened areas within a reinforcement region. The locally strengthened areas within the reinforcement region have load distribution devices to redistribute load in order to (i) locally strengthen an area around damage induced by an initial momentary and direct transmitted load, and (ii) limit growth and propagation of damage induced by an initial momentary and direct transmitted load during a subsequent unbalance load. The improved composite structure reduces the impact of the fan blade out phenomenon in a weight efficient manner.

Abstract: A system and method is provided that combines fan bypass components and minimizes assembly interfaces in a turbofan engine. The system and method provide a front frame structure of reduced weight that slidably installs/removes from within the combined fan bypass components.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for coupling a nacelle inlet assembly to an engine fan housing structure that provides adequate clearance and access for removing a blisk fan from a turbofan engine. This is accomplished by utilizing a nacelle inlet forward compartment, referred to herein as the “D-lip”and an acoustic liner that are inseparable and removable as an integral unit, providing sufficient clearance for removable of the blisk fan. The nacelle inlet assembly may be slidably coupled to the engine fan housing structure, minimizing assembly interfaces and therefore overall aircraft engine weight.

Abstract: Fan blade containment systems and methods for producing the same are provided. The fan blade containment system comprise a first ballistic material configured to be wrapped in overlapping layers around a fan casing to form a containment covering of a fan containment case for the fan casing. A plurality of patches comprised of a second ballistic material are configured to be loosely disposed between adjacent overlapping layers of the first ballistic material with each patch partially overlapping a circumferentially adjacent patch.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for an engine core of a turbomachine is provided. The coupling assembly comprises a duct having a substantially circular shape and surrounding the engine core, and a plurality of coupling struts, each coupling strut extending only in a substantially vertical direction relative to the direction of gravity when the engine core is at a rest position with zero pitch and zero roll, each of the plurality of coupling struts coupling the engine core to the duct.

Abstract: Ballistic materials for enhanced energy absorption and fan casings for turbine engines including the same are provided. A hybrid ballistic material comprises a first ballistic fabric and at least one individual member woven through at least a portion of the first ballistic fabric. The fan casing comprises at least one layer of a first crushable material circumscribing a fan containment case. A ballistic material comprising a net-like ballistic material or the hybrid ballistic material circumscribes the at least one layer of the first crushable material. At least one layer of a second crushable material may circumscribe the ballistic material with the ballistic material disposed between the at least one layer of the first and second crushable materials. A containment covering is an outermost layer of the fan casing.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for an engine core of a turbomachine is provided. The coupling assembly comprises a duct having a substantially circular shape and surrounding the engine core, and a plurality of coupling struts, each coupling strut extending only in a substantially vertical direction relative to the direction of gravity when the engine core is at a rest position with zero pitch and zero roll, each of the plurality of coupling struts coupling the engine core to the duct.

Abstract: A method for loading a coupling assembly is provided. The coupling assembly comprises a first coupled member and a second coupled member, to a predetermined preload. The method comprises determining a compression distance of a resilient annular member of the coupling assembly corresponding to the predetermined preload, determining a rotation angle of a threaded fastener of the coupling assembly corresponding to the compression distance, inserting a threaded member of the coupling assembly through the resilient annular member, coupling the threaded fastener to the threaded member, and rotating the threaded fastener by the rotation angle.