Abstract: An ejector nozzle (10) including an first cowling (12), a second cowling (14), and opposed upright sidewalls (16) that together form an internal nozzle exhaust path is provided. A reconfigurable plug assembly (18) having separable first and second diverters (20), (22) is located in the exhaust path to direct engine exhaust (24) in either dual paths formed around diverter outer surfaces (76), or dual paths formed between the diverter inner surfaces (74) and centerbody exterior surfaces. When the diverters direct exhaust airflow between themselves, first and second ejectors (26), (28) formed in the first and second cowlings (12), (14), respectively, are available to entrain ambient air (30) into the exhaust stream (24). The preferred ejectors include translatable aft flaps (32), (34). Mixing devices, such as a lobed mixer (90) are incorporated into the diverters (20), (22) to improve engine noise suppression.

Abstract: A moderately high bypass ratio turbofan engine nozzle (36) is provided including an outer structure (46) and one or more ejectors (38). The ejectors (38) include inner and outer doors (82), (80) for closing off an ejector passage (76) extending through the outer structure (46). The ejectors (38) are sized to entrain exterior air (40) at aspiration ratios of generally less than 60%. The exterior air (40) is mixed with engine exhaust (42), resulting in a lower combined airflow velocity which in turn reduces jet exhaust noise. Mixing components formed as turning vanes (108) are located in the ejector passage (76) for encouraging further mixing of the airflows (40), (42). In preferred embodiments, the nozzle (36) further includes a translatable centerbody (52), an aft flap assembly (112), and a control system (122) for controlling the movements of the nozzle components.

Abstract: A thrust reverser system including a reverse thrust airflow duct (44) extending through an outer structure (46) of an aircraft engine aft nozzle (32) is disclosed. The reverse thrust duct (44) connects a nozzle exhaust duct (34) with the surrounding atmosphere (46). The duct (44) includes an inlet (72) and an outlet (70). A plurality of slats (50) are located within the reverse thrust duct to direct nozzle exhaust (38) from the nozzle exhaust duct (34) in an outward and/or forward direction. One or more outer doors (54) are formed near the outer structure exterior surface (90) for closing off the reverse thrust duct outlet (70) to the atmosphere. One or more inner doors (56) are provided for closing off the duct inlet (72) at the exhaust duct (34). An actuation system moves the inner and outer doors (56), (54) between open and closed positions. In the open position, the inner and outer doors (56), (54) are moved away from the duct (44) to open the airflow duct inlet and outlet.

Abstract: An aircraft ejector nozzle includes a plug assembly (26) located between upper and lower cowlings (18, 20) and upright sidewalls (22). The plug assembly (26) includes separable upper and lower diverters (28, 30). Each diverter includes multiple subsections pivotably attached end-to-end. In one embodiment, first, second, and third subsections (90, 92, 94) are provided. Stationary ejectors (40, 42) located in the cowlings (18, 20) input ambient airflow (44) into an exhaust stream (32). Preferably the ejectors (40, 42) include mixing components (46). Upper and lower aft flaps (48, 50) further tailor the exhaust path shape. An actuation assembly (52) moves the diverters (28, 30) and aft flaps (48, 50) between their various positions. One actuation assembly embodiment includes a number of rotatable disks (118, 120, 132, 134, 142) for guiding the upper and lower diverters (28, 30) and the aft flaps (48, 50).