Abstract: Nozzle exit configurations and associated systems and methods are disclosed. An aircraft system in accordance with one embodiment includes a jet engine exhaust nozzle having an internal flow surface and an exit aperture, with the exit aperture having a perimeter that includes multiple projections extending in an aft direction. Aft portions of individual neighboring projections are spaced apart from each other by a gap, and a geometric feature of the multiple can change in a monotonic manner along at least a portion of the perimeter.

Abstract: Air bleed device for cooling components in a turbine engine, including an annular conduit (18) having a radially internal portion swept by an airflow (22) and which comprises at least one air inlet orifice (20) formed in an upstream radial wall (38) of the conduit (18), a flap valve (40) for controlling the airflow entering through the orifice (20) and of which the flapper (41) includes a plate (42) applied against the wall (38) and capable of being moved by sliding on said wall (38) by a maneuvering member (50) mobile in translation parallel to the wall (38) between a position in which the plate (42) closes off the orifice (20) and a position in which the plate (42) opens said orifice.

Abstract: Device (10) for the tapping of air for the cooling of flaps of a turbojet nozzle, comprising an annular duct (18) having a radially internal wall (22) swept by a stream of air (24) and which comprises at least one air inlet orifice (20), a flap valve (40) for controlling the flow rate of air entering through the orifice (20), formed of an elastically deformable metal plate (42) of which a downstream end is fixed on an edge of the orifice (20), and of which an upstream end can be displaced by a manoeuvring member (46) mobile in translation parallel to the axis (52) of the orifice between a position where the plate (42) seals this orifice and a position where the plate (42) opens this orifice.

Abstract: A turbofan engine includes a variable geometry fan exit guide vane (FEGV) system having a multiple of circumferentially spaced radially extending fan exit guide vanes. Rotation of the fan exit guide vanes between a nominal position and a rotated position selectively changes a fan bypass flow path to permit efficient operation at various flight conditions.

Abstract: A composite article includes a composite member, a flexible member and at least one shape memory material member. The composite member has longitudinally extending fibers in a matrix material. The at least one shape memory material member extends substantially parallel to the composite member and the flexible member is positioned between the composite member and the at least one shape memory material member to bond the at least one shape memory material member to the composite member. The composite article is particularly suitable for use as a tab for an exhaust nozzle of a turbofan gas turbine engine.

Abstract: A jet engine adapted for reducing far-field noise levels is disclosed. The jet engine has a plurality of flap assemblies that are disposed around a perimeter of an exhaust port of the jet engine. Each flap assembly is movable between a first position and a second position. The jet engine also includes a plurality of actuators respectively coupled to the plurality of flap assemblies. Each actuator is configured to selectively move the coupled flap assembly between the first and second positions. The jet engine also includes a controller that is coupled to each actuator. The controller is configured to cause at least one actuator to move the coupled flap assembly between the first and second positions at a determined frequency.

Abstract: A variable fan nozzle for use in a gas turbine engine includes a nozzle section, such as an inflatable bladder, associated with a fan bypass passage for conveying a bypass airflow. The nozzle section has an internal fluid pressure that is selectively variable to influence the bypass airflow.

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 nozzle system includes a multitude of circumferentially distributed divergent seals that circumscribe an engine centerline. Each divergent seal includes a multiple of divergent seal intakes adjacent to a joint structure to receive cooling airflow. Each divergent seal body is manufactured of a metallic hot sheet inner skin and a metallic cold sheet outer skin. The skins form a multiple of longitudinal channels which communicate with a multiple of edge channels formed within the first longitudinal side and the second longitudinal side of each divergent seal. The multiple of edge channels are located transverse to the longitudinal axis and are raked aft to facilitate cooling of the gas path surface of each divergent seal and adjacent divergent flaps.

Abstract: A joint including a first component and a second component. The second component including a shape memory material component. The first component has a half dovetail shaped slot and the shape memory material second component has a half dovetail shaped attachment feature disposed in the half dovetail shaped slot in the first component.

Abstract: A mechanism included in a convergent-divergent nozzle connected to an aftward portion of a gas turbine engine, which mechanism includes at least one actuator configured to be connected to the aftward portion of the engine and to move through one or more positions, a first link pivotally connected to the at least one actuator, a convergent flap pivotally connected to the first link, a divergent flap rotatably connected to the convergent flap and configured to be kinematically connected to an annular ring connected to the at least one actuator, and at least one track configured to extend from the aftward portion of the engine and to movably and pivotally receive the pivotal connection between the convergent flap and the first link.

Abstract: A gas turbine exhaust component, such as an exhaust nozzle, is provided that includes circumferential ribs arranged along a longitudinal axis. Longitudinal strakes are supported by the circumferential ribs and arranged about the longitudinal axis. Fastening elements are used to secure the longitudinal strakes to one another to provide a desired exhaust component contour. In one example, fastening elements are used to secure the longitudinal strakes to the circumferential ribs using a bracket. The longitudinal strakes are preformed into the desired exhaust component contour, using low cost forming methods. The longitudinal strakes are formed to fit the circumferential ribs and provide the desired exhaust component contour. The longitudinal strakes are secured to one another to maintain the desired exhaust component contour. The longitudinal strakes may be provided by a low cost steel, in one example.

Abstract: Disposed at or toward the trailing edge of one or more nozzles associated with a jet engine are injection ports which can selectively be made to discharge a water stream into a nozzle flow stream for the purpose of increasing turbulence in somewhat of a similar fashion as mechanically disposed chevrons have done in the known art. Unlike mechanically disposed chevrons of the known art, the fluid flow may be secured thereby increasing the engine efficiency. Various flow patterns, water pressures, orifice designs or other factors can be made operative to provide desired performance characteristics.

Abstract: Nozzle exit configurations and associated systems and methods are disclosed. An aircraft system in accordance with one embodiment includes a jet engine exhaust nozzle having an internal flow surface and an exit aperture, with the exit aperture having a perimeter that includes multiple projections extending in an aft direction. Aft portions of individual neighboring projections are spaced apart from each other by a gap, and a geometric feature of the multiple can change in a monotonic manner along at least a portion of the perimeter.

Abstract: An exhaust nozzle for a gas turbine engine includes a modular chevron. The chevron includes dual skins fixedly joined together at a base flange, and at a rim extending along the trailing edge of the chevron between the base and apex thereof.

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: In one example, a gas turbine engine includes an exhaust nozzle. The exhaust nozzle includes a flap supported relative to a static structure by a strut. The flap includes a backbone providing a slot. A slider interconnects a strut end to the backbone. In one example, the slider includes a body that is slidingly received within the slot. A boss extends from the body and provides a first feature. The strut end includes a second feature that cooperates with the first feature to prevent relative rotation between the slider and a portion of the strut end.

Abstract: A nacelle assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a nacelle, a variable area fan nozzle, a sensor that detects a windmilling condition and a controller that communicates with the sensor. The variable area fan nozzle is moveable between a first position having a first discharge airflow area and a second position having a second discharge airflow area greater than the first discharge airflow area in response to detecting the windmilling condition.

Abstract: A sprung seal assembly includes a flexible sprung seal having a center section disposed between opposing curved and cantilevered first and second end sections. First and second free edges of the first and second end sections respectively are trapped within a retainer. First and second sliding lugs attached to the first and second free edges respectively are slidably disposed in first and second channels respectively. The first and second free edges are trapped in the retainer by the first and second sliding lugs disposed in the first and second channels between a mounting surface and the retainer attached to the mounting surface. The center section may have a wear strip. The sprung seal assembly may be disposed between a relatively fixed sidewall and a relatively movable flap of a nozzle assembly. The retainer is mounted to the flap and the center section is in sealing engagement with a sealing surface of the sidewall.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine has the convergent flaps and seals of an adjustable cross-sectional area nozzle connected to associated liners with a thermally compliant bracket. The bracket includes spaced feet with an intermediate notch spaced away from the liner. In this manner, a temperature gradient along the liner can be easily compensated at the connection of the bracket to the liner by adjustment within the notch. In other features, the bracket is riveted to the liner, providing further resistance to thermal expansion due to temperature gradiations.

Abstract: A nozzle system includes a multitude of circumferentially distributed convergent flaps and seals that circumscribe an engine centerline. A cooling liner body cooperates with a cooling liner panel attached to respective convergent flaps and convergent seals to define an annular cooling airflow passageway which is movable therewith. Each cooling liner panels includes an arcuate cooling liner leading edge with a multiple of openings to distribute cooling airflow over both the inner “cold-side” and outer “hot-side” surfaces thereof. Through this backside cooling, thermal gradients are controlled at the attachment interface between the arcuate cooling liner leading edge and the main cooling liner body.

Abstract: A convergent/divergent nozzle for a gas turbine engine includes liners that are attached to the convergent flaps and seals. The liner is formed of two separate plates. By splitting the liner into two separate plates, a thermal break is provided between the two. Thermal stresses on a downstream plate are not as readily transferred to an upstream plate. External stresses on the upstream plate are not transferred as readily to the downstream plate. The two liner plate portions, and a separate backing plate all have faces that abut and are riveted together. These faces provide a flow blocker to maintain a lower pressure downstream of the flow blocker.

Abstract: A thrust vectorable fan variable area nozzle (FVAN) includes a synchronizing ring, a static ring, and a flap assembly mounted within a fan nacelle. An actuator assembly selectively rotates synchronizing ring segments relative the static ring to adjust segments of the flap assembly to vary the annular fan exit area and vector the thrust through asymmetrical movement of the thrust vectorable FVAN segments. In operation, adjustment of the entire periphery of the thrust vectorable FVAN in which all segments are moved simultaneously to maximize engine thrust and fuel economy during each flight regime. By separately adjusting the segments of the thrust vectorable FVAN, engine trust is selectively vectored to provide, for example only, trim balance or thrust controlled maneuvering.

Abstract: A nozzle system includes a multitude of circumferentially distributed convergent flaps, divergent flaps and inter-flap seals which circumscribe an engine centerline and define the radial outer boundary of an exhaust gas path. Each divergent flap includes longitudinal sides having a set of extension which are located at different longitudinal stations such that the extensions on adjacent divergent flaps interfit when the nozzle is in a minimum dilated position yet provide support for the intermediate flap seal when the nozzle is in a maximum dilated position to thereby provide a relative increase in the nozzle area ratio range.

Abstract: A quick change connection is provided for attaching a bracket and liner subassembly to convergent flaps and seals in an adjustable nozzle for a gas turbine engine. A threaded attachment member has a t-shaped head that is secured to prevent rotation by a washer. The washer is held in place in the convergent flaps and seals by spring fingers in a slot. By utilizing the washer, a simple threaded connection can be utilized even though the threaded attachment member must extend to a radially outer surface of the convergent flaps and seals, while a nut is threaded onto the threaded attachment member radially inwardly of the convergent flaps and seals. The washer prevents rotation of a head of the threaded attachment member, and thus allows the nut to be easily tightened to secure the components. This also facilitates maintenance as the threaded nut can be easily removed from the threaded attachment for replacement.

Abstract: The invention relates to an exhaust nozzle for a bypass turbomachine, the nozzle comprising a central body, a primary cowl surrounding the central body to define a primary channel, and a secondary cowl surrounding the primary cowl to define a secondary annular channel, the secondary cowl comprising a stationary portion and a movable portion disposed to extend the stationary portion and capable of moving longitudinally upstream and downstream relative to the stationary portion and relative to the primary cowl so as to vary the exhaust section and/or the throat section of the nozzle, the stationary portion of the secondary cowl presenting a plurality of spaced-apart repetitive patterns disposed extending its trailing edge, and the movable portion of the secondary cowl including in its outside surface a plurality of indentations of shapes complementary to the patterns of the stationary portion.

Abstract: An exhaust nozzle assembly includes a plurality of interfitting flap assemblies that are moveable between a maximum area ratio and a minimum area ratio. Each of the pluralities of flap assemblies includes a slot and a wing. The wing fits within an adjacent slot of an adjacent flap assembly. Each of the flap assemblies includes a divergent element that provides a specific geometric shape forming the trailing edge surfaces. The flap element is attached to the divergent element and extends to a static structure. The flap element and the divergent element combine to form a continuous faceted outer surface of the exhaust nozzle assembly substantially void of gaps throughout the range of motion between the maximum and minimum area ratios.

Abstract: A bracket for attaching a liner to the divergent flaps and seals in a gas turbine engine convergent/divergent nozzle includes a rivet connection. There is clearance between a rivet and an opening in the bracket. This clearance allows for thermal expansion in both an axial and a radial invention.

Abstract: A variable-section turbomachine nozzle comprises a plurality of moving flaps, and a moving flap control system comprising control levers each associated with a respective moving flap, the control levers comprising both controlled levers that are actuated directly by actuators, and follower levers that are actuated by the controlled levers via transmission links. When the nozzle is at rest, the flaps associated with the follower levers present a radial offset relative to the flaps associated with the controlled levers.

Abstract: A convergent turbojet exhaust nozzle comprising a ring of hinged flaps made up of controlled flaps and of follower flaps disposed in alternation and co-operating at their upstream ends with a peripheral sealing gasket arranged at the outlet from an afterburner channel, each flap being made out of a ceramic-matrix composite material, and at its upstream end, each flap being made integrally with bearing means for bearing against the above-mentioned peripheral gasket, and with spherical-joint means between their upstream ends.

Abstract: A variable area nozzle comprising a concentric support and a plurality of convexly contoured self sealing vanes is disclosed and claimed. The vanes are circumferentially and rotatably mounted to the concentric support forming a nozzle infinitely positionable between a first position corresponding to a minimum area nozzle and a second position corresponding to a maximum area nozzle. A closer, which is preferably a shape memory alloy (SMA), urges the nozzle toward the first position corresponding to a minimum area nozzle. Periodically spaced openers act between adjacent vanes to urge the nozzle to a second position corresponding to a maximum area nozzle.

Abstract: A turbojet comprises at least a fan, a compressor, a combustion chamber, a turbine, and a rigid substantially-cylindrical jacket fastened at its upstream end to an intermediate casing and at its downstream end to an exhaust casing, the jacket serving to transmit forces between the intermediate casing and the exhaust casing.

Abstract: An axisymmetric nozzle for a gas turbine engine has divergent flaps and seals disposed about a central longitudinal axis thereof. The divergent flaps and seals each have an inner surface defining cooling air inlet holes at an upstream portion, cooling air exit holes at a downstream portion, and cooling air channels disposed within the divergent flap and seal, and communicating at a first end with the inlet holes and at a second end with the exit holes for conducting cooling air therethrough. Some of the exit holes of the divergent flap are disposed along lateral edge regions thereof. The divergent seals are interposed between adjacent divergent flaps, and each include lateral edge regions extending laterally beyond the exit holes. The lateral edge regions of each divergent seal have an outer surface overlying at least a portion of the exit holes of an adjacent divergent flap.

Abstract: A method of assembling a turbine engine is provided. The method includes providing a bushing including at least one retaining mechanism formed integrally therewith, coupling a shim to the bushing such that at least one retainer extending from the shim is received within the bushing retaining mechanism, and coupling the bushing and shim within the turbine engine to facilitate aligning a first engine component relative to a second engine component.

Abstract: A method facilitates assembling a flap system for a gas turbine engine exhaust nozzle including at least one backbone assembly. The method comprises providing a basesheet including a pair of circumferentially-spaced sides coupled together by an upstream side and a downstream side, forming at least one relief cut in the basesheet that extends at least partially across the basesheet from at least one of the circumferentially-spaced sides, and coupling the basesheet to the backbone assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ventilation system for a convergent divergent exhaust nozzle in a bypass turbojet comprising an afterburn chamber surrounded by an annular passage through which circulates a stream of cooling air, a convergent divergent axisymmetric nozzle arranged downstream of said afterburn chamber, each circle of flaps comprising alternately a plurality of controlled flaps, and a plurality of follower flaps, a circle of cold flaps arranged radially outside said nozzle and hinged at their upstream end to a conical shell linked to the downstream part of the casing.

Abstract: A divergent flap assembly of a gas turbine engine includes a hotsheet, a backbone structure for supporting the hotsheet, and a plow portion secured to the backbone structure to bridge a gap between the hotsheet and an external flap. The plow portion is fabricated from CMC material and has external geometry to complement and substantially continue geometry of the external flap to minimize plane detection. The plow portion is attached to the backbone structure such that when the backbone structure thermally expands, the plow portion is shifted to minimize an offset between a trailing edge of the hotsheet and the plow portion. The plow portion is fastened to the backbone structure by a plurality of fasteners, which are arranged to minimize thermal stresses.

Abstract: A nozzle system includes a multiple of circumferentially distributed convergent flaps, divergent flaps and inter-flap seals which circumscribe an engine centerline and define the radial outer boundary of a gas path. Each divergent flap includes a multiple of cooling channels with respective intakes and outlets. As the nozzle transitions between positions, the divergent flap seals move relative a divergent flap longitudinal axis to modulate the cooling airflow which enters the separate intakes.

Abstract: A fan thrust reverser includes an outer louver door joined to an inner blocker door by a drive link in a bifold configuration. The louver door is stowed closed in the outer skin of a fan nacelle outside the blocker door stowed closed in the inner skin of the nacelle. An actuator deploys open the louver and blocker doors, with the louver door extending radially outwardly and the blocker door extending radially inwardly for reversing fan exhaust flow during thrust reverse operation.

Abstract: A variable geometry exhaust nozzle 10 for a turbine engine includes convergent and divergent flaps 12, 18 that circumscribe a gaspath 26 and define convergent and divergent nozzle sections 30, 32 with a throat 34 therebetween. A projection 56, which resides on the divergent flaps, extends radially inwardly from the nozzle. The nozzle also includes a coolant flowpath comprising an interior space 44 in the nozzle, an intake 58 for admitting coolant C into the interior space, and a coolant outlet 60 aft of the intake for discharging the coolant from the interior space. The intake resides forward of the throat. During operation, a coolant film flows along the radially inner surface of the nozzle. The projection encourages a portion of the coolant film to enter and flow through the the coolant flowpath to convectively cool the nozzle.

Abstract: A method for assembling a flap and seal system for a gas turbine engine exhaust nozzle including a plurality of backbone assemblies facilitates attaching a basesheet to a backbone. The method includes attaching an attachment system including at least one strap to a basesheet, and coupling the basesheet to a backbone using the attachment system strap.

Abstract: A convergent-divergent nozzle with an exit area control mechanism includes convergent and divergent petals extending from a nozzle structure on which a synchronising ring is allowed to rotate and to move in a radial direction. Angled lever arms pivot on the nozzle structure and extend from the synchronising ring to compression struts that connect with the divergent petals so that, when the synchronising ring rotates around the nozzle structure, the rotation is converted by the angled lever arms into a predominantly axial displacement of the compression struts, resulting in opening or closure of the divergent petals.

Abstract: A steerable nozzle for a reaction engine comprises a fixed portion (1) for connection to the engine, a plurality of steerable flaps (21) mounted on one end (11) of the fixed portion, and flap steering means (3, 4, 22, 31). The nozzle is characterized in that the flap steering means comprise a resilient ring (3) having a first circumference secured to said end (11) of the fixed portion and a second circumference connected to the flaps (21), and control means (4) for moving the second circumference of the resilient ring.

Abstract: An axisymmetric, converging-diverging exhaust nozzle swiveled by a guided vectoring ring (20). The guides comprise three axial apertures (44) which are each located in a base firmly joined to relatively fixed structure and of which the center planes intersect along the longitudinal axis of the turbojet-engine. The side walls (45) of the apertures (43) guide three mutually equidistant spherical rollers (41) fastened to radial stubs (40) firmly affixed to the vectoring ring (20).

Abstract: An axisymmetric, converging-diverging turbojet-engine exhaust nozzle for jet deflection. The diverging flaps are connected by linkrods to a vectoring ring (13). The vectoring ring (13) is driven by linear actuators (20) anchored in the stationary structure (2). The linear actuators (20) are connected by a swivel (22) to the vectoring ring (13) and are affixed to the stationary structure (2) to absorb the tangential loads applied by the exhaust gases on the diverging flaps and to allow positioning the vectoring ring (13). Preferably the linear actuator (20) is connected by a sheath (25) to the vectoring ring (13), the sheath (25) slidable on the actuator case (26) and being displaceable in a radial plane passing through the turbojet-engine's axis.

Abstract: A nozzle for a gas turbine engine is provided which includes an outer casing, a convergent section, a divergent section, an external fairing, and a collapsible seal member. The divergent section has an aft end and a forward end, and the forward end of the divergent section is pivotally attached to the convergent section. The external fairing has an aft end and a forward end. The forward end of the external fairing is pivotally attached to the outer casing and the aft end of the external fairing is pivotally attached to the aft end of the divergent section. The external fairing is disposed radially outside of the divergent section. The collapsible seal member extends between the outer casing and the divergent section, circumferentially around and outside of the divergent section.

Abstract: A stream of primary gas flowing through a bi-stable thrust vectoring nozzle becomes attached to a first or second surface extending downstream of the nozzle, each surface incorporating one or more control ports for controlling to which surface the stream is attached, wherein relative to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle, the angle of discharge from the first surface is substantially different from the angle of discharge from the second surface, preferably with the first surface substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the nozzle. In one embodiment, a plurality of nozzles are arranged with the respective first surfaces substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the nozzle combination and each of the respective second surfaces arranged to laterally deflect a respective portion of the stream of primary gas in a respective direction along each of two orthogonal lateral axes.

Abstract: The horsepower requirements for the actuation system for a convergent/divergent exhaust nozzle for a gas turbine engine is reduced by the judicious selection of the crank arms and their location on a torque shaft that rotates to move a connecting link attached to the convergent flap of the nozzle. A pressure balancing hood is attached to the top surface on the forward end of the convergent flap to augment the lowering of the horsepower requirements. In another embodiment a tie rod/end cup arrangement and two piece torque shaft are utilized for ease of removal of the actuation system from the exhaust nozzle assembly.

Abstract: An axially symmetric turbojet-engine exhaust nozzle which is directable as a unit. The exhaust nozzle is situated downstream of an exhaust duct (1) fitted with a spherical wall (5). A single control ring (12) driven by linear actuators (30) allows regulation of the nozzle cross section and direction. Converging flaps (7) are guided on an upstream side by the spherical wall (5) and are supported at a downstream side by a control lever (13) which hinges on the control ring (12) and rests upstream on an external surface (16) of the spherical wall (5). Diverging flaps (10) hinge on the converging flaps (7) to form an inner ring of hot flaps. The diverging flaps (10) are situated downstream in an extension of the converging flaps (7) and further hinge on an outer ring of cold flaps (11), which in turn hinge on the control ring (12).

Abstract: A vectoring ring support and actuation apparatus is provided for transferring the side loads acting on a vectoring ring and generated by a gas turbine engine thrust vectoring nozzle to a relatively stationary portion of the engine and tilting the vectoring ring to vector the thrust of the nozzle. The apparatus includes an axially pivotable first link pivotably mounted on a relatively stationary first portion of the engine, an axially pivotable second link pivotably supported by and connected to the first link, and a vectoring ring connected to an aft end of the second link. An actuator is operably mounted between a relatively stationary second portion of the engine (spaced axially apart from the stationary first portion of the engine) and the second link to axially pivot the first link with respect. Preferably a first joint links the actuator to the second link and has at least first and second rotational degrees of freedom with corresponding first and second perpendicular axes of rotation.