Abstract: A vortex suppressing flow eductor apparatus having a vortex filament producing flow eductor is provided with corresponding vortex destroying plates positioned and extending sufficiently downstream from a point within educted flow and deep enough into the vortex filament so as to essentially destroy the vortex filament. A particular embodiment provides a freestream sensor scoop, for use in an aircraft gas turbine engine inlet, having an eductor diffusing channel and a fairing surrounding a forward portion of the diffusing channel. A sensor supporting mast is provided for helping to measure freestream air characteristics. Vortex destroying plates are provided for suppressing vortex filaments generated by the channel, fairing, and mast.

Abstract: A means for improving the aerodynamic efficiency of the compressor of an axial flow turbomachine is disclosed. The compressor includes an airfoil relatively rotatable with respect to a radially disposed surface which bounds a flowpath for aft moving fluid. The surface has a circumferentially extending recess radially disposed relative to the airfoil. The recess has a generally aft facing wall and a generally forward facing wall. The aft facing wall is oriented so as to provide a barrier to the forward flow of fluid in the clearance between airfoil and surface. The forward facing wall is oriented so as to provide an aerodynamically smooth transition from the recess into the flowpath.