Particular Exhaust Nozzle Feature Patents (Class 60/770)
-
Patent number: 7866141Abstract: The invention relates to a dual-flow turbojet engine comprising an engine which is disposed in a nacelle and is provided with case which defines jointly with the said nacelle an annular passage through which a secondary flow supplied by a fan placed upstream of the engine can flow, a primary nozzle which is fixed to the case downstream of the engine, an internal wall for guiding the main hot flow supplied by the engine and an external wall contacting the secondary flow. Said invention is characterized in that sound attenuating means is provided for at least one part of the internal wall and the external wall is provided with means for cooling said internal wall.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2005Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: AircelleInventors: Thierry Jacques Albert Le Docte, Laurent Marcel Vicogne
-
Patent number: 7866158Abstract: A turbine engine exhaust nozzle is disclosed that includes an exhaust liner having a first attachment structure. A liner support member includes a second attachment structure. A pin cooperates with the first and second attachment structures and is configured to secure the exhaust liner relative to the liner support member. The pin includes first and second dimensions that are different than one another. The pin is inserted into apertures provided by the attachment structures, in one example. The pin is oriented to position the first and second dimensions in a manner providing increased clearance within the apertures. The pin is rotated to load the components and firmly secure the liner to the liner support member.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2007Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventor: Michael Joseph Murphy
-
Patent number: 7854123Abstract: The pattern relates to a cover for a turbomachine nozzle, the cover having a plurality of patterns each with an outline of triangular shape having a base and two vertices that are spaced downstream and interconnected by a side. For each pattern, the vertices present respective curved outlines and they are interconnected by a curved portion presenting a radius of curvature greater than the radii of curvature of the outlines of said vertices, each side being connected to the trailing edge of the cover via a curved outline presenting a radius of curvature greater than the radii of curvature of the outlines of the vertices and greater than the radius of curvature of the outline of the curved portion, and the vertices and the curved portion are inclined radially towards the inside of the cover, with the curved portion being radially offset outwards relative to the vertices.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2007Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: SnecmaInventors: Dax Au, Pascal Moise Michel Bigot, Pierre Briend, Pierre Philippe Marie Loheac
-
Patent number: 7854124Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2006Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Andreas Sadil, Timothy A. Swandon, Roger O. Coffey, Debora F. Kehret
-
Patent number: 7849670Abstract: The present invention relates to a propulsion system for a vehicle. The propulsion system has an airframe integrated hydrocarbon fueled airbreathing engine, such as a ramjet or a scramjet. The propulsion system further has at least one rocket positioned so as to use the aft body contour of the vehicle directly for flow expansion. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of rockets are arrayed across the width of the engine nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2003Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Stephen A. Beckel, James D. Blevins, Thomas Verdi
-
Publication number: 20100307163Abstract: A fabric-matrix composite structure [10] for making parts [13] suitable for use in hostile, high-temperature environments, such as rocket exhaust nozzles. The structure [10] includes a fabric [11] formed of polyacrylonitrile fiber, especially a polyacrylonitrile fiber that has been oxidized, and especially a combination of polyacrylonitrile fibers that have been oxidized to different degrees. The structure [10] also includes a binder [12] that impregnates the fabric [11]. The binder [12] might be a phenolic resin. The structure is formed [30], partially cured [40], formed into a product [50], and finish cured [60].Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2009Publication date: December 9, 2010Inventors: John W. Beard, Carl F. Varnerin
-
Patent number: 7845176Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2007Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventor: Keegan M. Martin
-
Patent number: 7845156Abstract: A turbofan exhaust system includes at least one exhaust nozzle with a trailing edge having an upper edge, a lower edge, an inner lateral edge-and an outer lateral edge. The upper edge is upstream with respect to the lower edge. The outer lateral edge of the exhaust nozzle is also upstream of the inner lateral edge. This arrangement makes it possible to reduce the noise perceived in the cabin of the aircraft at the same time as the noise perceived on the ground.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2007Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: SNECMAInventors: Pascal Moise Michel Bigot, Philippe Gerard Chanez
-
Patent number: 7845175Abstract: A heat shield for mounting on a heat-radiating object, particularly on a rocket engine comprises a first planar element having a front side and a back side. In its mounted state, the first planar element extending from the heat-radiating object toward the outside, with its front side being exposed to the heat radiation at least of a section of the heat-radiating object. A second insulating element having a front side and a back side is arranged on the back side of the first planar element in such a manner that a gap is formed between the back side of the first planar element and the front side of the second element. In the mounted state of the heat shield, the gap widens in the direction from the heat-radiating object toward the outside.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2006Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: Astrium GmbHInventors: Andreas Goetz, Gerhard Hartmann, Herbert Linner, Thomas Mattstedt, Stefan Menne
-
Publication number: 20100300067Abstract: A component configured for being subjected to a high thermal load during operation includes a wall structure with a tubular shape, wherein the wall structure includes a plurality of cooling channels for handling a coolant flow. The wall structure is divided in a plurality of sectors in a circumferential direction of the wall structure. Each sector includes at least two cooling channels and the wall structure is configured to prevent coolant flow communication between the cooling channels in adjacent sectors.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2008Publication date: December 2, 2010Applicant: Volvo Aero CorporationInventor: Arne Boman
-
Patent number: 7836700Abstract: An exhaust flow system for use with a turbofan jet engine that provides separate fan flow and core flow streams that are not mixed. The system includes a fan nozzle and a primary flow nozzle. The primary flow nozzle includes a downstream edge portion that is either beveled with one or more beveled surfaces, or that contains a curving edge surface or a combination of a beveled edge and a curved edge to help direct noise generated by the jet engine upwardly away from a ground surface during take-off and landing procedures. The primary exhaust nozzle can also be orientated with an elongated lip portion thereof formed by the beveled edge surface such that the lip portion is orientated between a top dead center and a bottom dead center position, to thus help direct noise away from a cabin area of a fuselage of a mobile platform during cruise conditions.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2008Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Inventor: Krishnamurthy Viswanathan
-
Publication number: 20100281874Abstract: One embodiment is an apparatus comprising an aircraft airflow duct, and a rotatable member disposed within the duct. The rotatable member is rotatable to vector airflow and is capable of being spun in different directions at a variety of rotational rates. Some embodiments include stationary rotatable members.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2008Publication date: November 11, 2010Inventor: Edward Claude Rice
-
Patent number: 7827802Abstract: The invention relates to a variable-section flow mixer for a double-flow turbojet for a supersonic airplane, the mixer comprising a central body, a primary cover, a secondary cover, and a nozzle extending the secondary cover. The nozzle has a plurality of external-air admission openings having mounted therein lobes that are movable between two positions: a closed position in which they close the openings; and a deployed position in which they disengage said openings and deploy into the nozzle so as to allow external air to be admitted. All of the lobes present a common azimuth component in a common direction, and the mixer further includes a plurality of longitudinal grooves occupying at least a portion of the central body, all of the grooves presenting a common azimuth component in a common direction that is opposite to the direction of the azimuth component of the lobes.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2008Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: SNECMAInventors: Laurent Christophe Dussillols, Olivier Roland Longeville, Alexandre Alfred Gaston Vuillemin
-
Publication number: 20100257865Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2006Publication date: October 14, 2010Inventor: Vinod G. Mengle
-
Patent number: 7810335Abstract: The invention relates to a core exhaust mixer, having a variable area, for turbo-fan jet engines of supersonic aircraft, comprising a nozzle (24) intended to be arranged about a gas generator of the jet engine, the nozzle comprising a plurality of external air intake apertures (30) emerging in a convergence zone between cold and hot flows from the gas generator and in which lobes (32), movable between two positions, are mounted; a first position in which they block the apertures (30) of the nozzle (24) and a second position, different from the first, in which they unblock said apertures and extend radially into the nozzle (24) in order to admit external air, the lobes (32) having an azimuthal component in the same direction in order to give a swirling motion to the external air admitted into the convergence zone when the lobes are in the second position.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2007Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: SnecmaInventors: Laurent Dussillols, Alexandre Alfred Gaston Vuillemin
-
Publication number: 20100251724Abstract: A nozzle allowing the reduction of noise generated by aircraft jet engines having at least one output ring which disturbs the propulsion jet, and having at least one pair of conduits from which the propulsion of jet air is ejected at the output of the nozzle. The conduits of each pair are disposed convergent with respect to each other in order to generate a triangle of interaction of the air jets at the output ring.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2007Publication date: October 7, 2010Inventors: Jean-Paul Bonnet, Joel Delville, Peter Jordan, Estelle Laurendeau
-
Patent number: 7793504Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention includes a nozzle defining a passage to receive and discharge working fluid to produce thrust. The nozzle includes the first wall structure opposite a second wall structure. The first wall structure includes a first convergent flap pivotally connected to a first divergent flap. The second wall structure includes a second convergent flap pivotally connected to a second divergent flap. The first wall structure and the second wall structure define the throat along the passage and are reconfigurable to adjust dimensional area of the throat. One or more control valves modulate flow of the pressurized fluid into the passage through a first opening in the first wall structure and a second opening in the second wall structure approximate to the throat to change effective area of the throat by fluidic control.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2006Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: Rolls-Royce CorporationInventors: Von David Baker, Baily Ramachandra Vittal
-
Patent number: 7788899Abstract: A thrust augmentation system for a mixed exhaust turbofan engine comprises an augmentation duct, a combustion system and a fixed area exhaust nozzle. The augmentation duct receives primary and secondary air of the turbofan engine and is positioned co-axially with an exhaust case of the turbofan engine. The combustion system increases the thrust produced by the mixed exhaust of the turbofan. The fixed area exhaust nozzle has a throat area larger than that which would maximize the non-augmented thrust.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2005Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventor: Jesse Walter Smith
-
Patent number: 7784283Abstract: A sound-absorbing exhaust nozzle center plug for an aircraft gas turbine engine can include an outer skin and at least one forward cavity within the outer skin. At least one aft cavity can be located within the outer skin and substantially aft of the forward cavity. A perforated wall including a plurality of first openings can be disposed between the forward and aft cavities. The outer skin can include a second plurality of openings providing an acoustic pathway through the outer skin and into the forward cavity. The forward and aft cavities can be configured to absorb and dissipate relatively low-frequency sound energy emitted from an aircraft gas turbine engine's combustor.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2006Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: Rohr, Inc.Inventors: Jia Yu, Eugene W. Chien
-
Patent number: 7784284Abstract: A propulsion gas exhaust assembly in an aircraft propelled by hot gases produced along the axis of the latter by a gas generator is disclosed. The exhaust assembly includes a duct which forms a vertical elbow and a nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2007Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: SNECMAInventors: Edgar Brunet, Thomas Daris, Alain Pierre Page, Jackie Raymond Julien Prouteau
-
Patent number: 7784285Abstract: An exhaust flow nozzle for use with a jet engine. The exhaust flow nozzle includes a beveled downstream edge portion that helps to direct noise generated by the jet engine upwardly away from a ground surface during takeoff and landing operations. One specific embodiment makes use of a linearly moveable flow altering component that is positioned outside the final flow nozzle. When the flow altering component is in its retracted position it has no effect on the exhaust flow leaving the flow nozzle. Alternative embodiments involve the use of varying edge shapes for the final flow nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2008Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Krishnamurthy Viswanathan
-
Patent number: 7775048Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2006Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Leonard Paul Grammel, Jr.
-
Patent number: 7775460Abstract: A fluid flow system for use with a gas turbine engine includes an exhaust nozzle, a primary air supply valve, a distribution manifold connected to the primary fluid supply valve and in fluid communication therewith, and a plurality of fluid injector assemblies positioned at the exhaust nozzle and connected in fluid communication with the distribution manifold. Each fluid injector assembly includes a first tube, a secondary air valve positioned at least partially within the first tube and in fluid communication with the distribution manifold, a fuel valve positioned at least partially within the first tube and located downstream of the air valve, an igniter extending into the first tube downstream of the fuel valve, and an outlet in fluid communication with the first tube and connected in fluid communication with the exhaust nozzle. The outlet has a different geometry than the first tube.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2006Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Gerald R. Berg, Nathan L. Messersmith, Gary L. Lidstone, John Hinkey
-
Patent number: 7770399Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2006Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Andrew D. Burdick, Kyle J. Osga, Paul R. Senofonte, Richard F. Norman, Alex J. Simpson
-
Publication number: 20100192590Abstract: A material includes inner and outer skins joined together by a core. The core has a different thermal conductivity than the inner skin to balance heat conduction therethrough.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2009Publication date: August 5, 2010Inventors: Michael Robert Johnson, Rudolph Morris Tisdale, Ronald Lance Galley
-
Patent number: 7739872Abstract: An example exhaust duct assembly includes a front liner, an intermediate liner and a rear liner. Each of the front, intermediate and rear liners include an inner liner exposed to combustion gases and an outer liner spaced radially apart from the inner liner. An air passage defined between the inner liner and the outer liner provides cooling air utilized for insulating an inner surface of the exhaust duct assembly. A closeout member is provided between the inner and outer liner and defines a portion of an air passage between the closeout member and the inner liner. Air flowing through the air passage is injected into a joint to provide cooling. The closeout member includes a horizontal leg that is bendable in a radial direction to accommodate relative movement between the inner liner and the outer liner.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2005Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Michael J. Murphy, Jeffrey Lavin, Jorge Farah, Luis Coreano, Henry Huizinga, Andrew Burdick
-
Publication number: 20100146980Abstract: A masking arrangement for a gas turbine engine includes a plurality of annular elements arranged overlapping one another when these are viewed in an axial direction so as to mask at least a substantial portion of any interior hot and rotating gas turbine engine part at an aft end of the gas turbine engine from rear view when the masking arrangement is applied downstream the interior part in the gas turbine engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2007Publication date: June 17, 2010Applicant: VOLVO AERO CORPORATIONInventors: Linda Ström, Hans Martensson, Jonas Larsson, Lena Andersson
-
Publication number: 20100139284Abstract: In a jet engine having a plug nozzle and a plug extending rearwardly from the nozzle exit, the improvement comprising a plug having successive cross sections spaced apart rearwardly of the nozzle exit, the cross sections transitioning from circular or near circular at the exit plane defined at the nozzle exit, to progressively non-circular, rearwardly.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2009Publication date: June 10, 2010Inventors: James D. Chase, German Andres Garzon
-
Patent number: 7721549Abstract: A fan variable area nozzle (FVAN) includes a flap assembly which varies a fan nozzle exit area through a cam drive ring. The flap assembly generally includes a multiple of flaps, flap linkages and an actuator system. The actuator system rotationally translates the cam drive ring relative an engine centerline axis which results in a follower of the flap linkage following a cam surface to pivot each flap such that the flap assembly dilates about the circumferential hinge line. Rotation of the cam drive ring adjusts dilation of the entire fan nozzle exit area in a symmetrical manner. Another cam drive ring includes a multiple of movable cams which engages the follower of the flap linkage of each flap such that pivotable movement of a particular number of the multiple of movable cams about a respective cam pivot results in vectoring of the FVAN.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2007Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventor: Kenneth C. Baran
-
Publication number: 20100108436Abstract: An acoustically treated exhaust centerbody comprising a body including a body fore portion and a body aft portion. An internal passageway extends through the body in the axial direction. A resonator in the body fore portion includes a plurality of acoustic chambers. A plurality of ribs in the resonator form fore/aft walls of the acoustic chambers. Each rib is shaped substantially as a section of an annulus. A plurality of radial fins extend between adjacent ribs. The fins form sidewalls of the acoustic chambers. A skin overlies the acoustic chambers and forms an outer surface of the resonator.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2008Publication date: May 6, 2010Inventors: Mark D. Gilcreest, Trevor G. Sleath, Daniel F. Gelzer, Merlin C. Windels
-
Patent number: 7698896Abstract: An eductor assembly is provided that includes a primary nozzle, a cooler plenum, and a surge plenum. In one embodiment, and by way of example only, the primary nozzle is configured to accelerate and discharge turbine exhaust gas therefrom and the cooler plenum surrounds the primary nozzle and includes at least a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The surge plenum partially surrounds the primary nozzle and the cooler plenum and includes at least a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The surge plenum fluid outlet axially aligns and is coterminous with the cooler plenum fluid outlet.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2005Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Yogendra Y. Sheoran, Cristopher Frost
-
Patent number: 7690186Abstract: The gas turbine engine comprises at least one electrical generator and an electrical heater associated with a gas path of the engine. The heater is powered by the generator to selectively add heat to the gas turbine cycle.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2005Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.Inventor: Kevin Allen Dooley
-
Patent number: 7685825Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2006Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Paul R. Senofonte, Andrew D. Burdick, Richard F. Norman, Kyle J. Osga
-
Patent number: 7685806Abstract: An aircraft engine is provided with at least one pulse detonation device connected to an engine exhaust nozzle portion with a plurality of supersonic injectors. The flow from the pulse detonation device is passed through the supersonic injectors into the primary engine flow path. The injector flow is injected at a velocity such that the injected flow penetrates into the primary flow path. This injected flow creates a virtual obstacle for the primary flow, and their interaction creates a virtual surface or an aero-lobe, thus controlling the nozzle exit area to reduce engine noise.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2005Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Anurag Gupta, Seyed Saddoughi
-
Patent number: 7681400Abstract: A propulsion gas exhaust assembly in an aircraft propelled by hot gases produced along an axis of the aircraft by a gas generator is disclosed. The propulsion gas exhaust assembly includes a transition element emerging in two duct elements each communicating with an ejection half-nozzle, wherein each of the two duct elements forms an elbow downstream of the transition element.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2007Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: SNECMAInventors: Thomas Daris, Jackie Raymond Julien Prouteau, Frederic Henri Paul Schenher, Edgar Brunet
-
Patent number: 7681399Abstract: A turbofan engine assembly is provided. The turbofan engine assembly includes a core gas turbine engine, a core cowl which circumscribes the core gas turbine engine, a nacelle positioned radially outward from the core cowl, a fan nozzle duct defined between the core cowl and the nacelle, and an inner core cowl baffle assembly positioned within the fan nozzle duct. The inner core cowl baffle assembly includes a first core cowl baffle coupled to a portion of the core cowl within the fan nozzle duct, a second core cowl baffle coupled to a portion of the core cowl and positioned a distance radially inward from the first core cowl baffle, and an actuator assembly configured to vary the throat area of the fan nozzle duct by selectively repositioning the second core cowl baffle with respect to the first core cowl baffle. A method for operating the turbofan engine assembly is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2006Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Robert Joseph Orlando, Thomas Ory Moniz, Jorge Francisco Seda
-
Patent number: 7677026Abstract: A mixer for a separate-stream turbojet nozzle, the mixer comprising along a longitudinal axis (X-X?) both a fastener shroud (10) for connecting said mixer to the exhaust casing of the nozzle, and a lobe structure (20) presenting a succession of inner and outer lobes (22 and 21) distributed circumferentially around the longitudinal axis (X-X?) of the mixer. The lobe structure (20) is made of a ceramic matrix composite material and further comprises a stiffener ring (30) that forms a connection between at least some of the lobes of said structure. Thus, the major portion of the mixer, i.e. the lobe structure, is made of a ceramic matrix composite material, thereby significantly reducing the weight of the mixer, and consequently reducing the weight of the nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2005Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: Snecma Propulsion SolideInventors: Eric Conete, Eric Philippe, Laurent Baroumes
-
Patent number: 7673458Abstract: A method for operating a turbofan engine assembly including a core gas turbine engine is provided. The method includes varying an operating speed of the turbofan engine assembly from a first operating speed to a second operating speed. The method also includes selectively positioning a first arcuate portion and a second arcuate portion of a split cowl assembly to vary a throat area of a fan nozzle duct defined downstream from the core gas turbine engine to facilitate improving engine efficiency at the second operating speed. The split cowl assembly is downstream from the core gas turbine engine and inside the fan nozzle duct. A turbofan engine assembly and nozzle assembly are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2006Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Paul D. Kemper, Thomas Ory Moniz, Jorge Francisco Seda
-
Publication number: 20100050651Abstract: A turbine exhaust nozzle includes an inner shell disposed coaxially inside an outer shell to define a flow duct terminating in an outlet at a trailing edge of the outer shell. The inner shell is non-axisymmetric and varies in axial slope angle circumferentially around the duct.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2008Publication date: March 4, 2010Inventors: Mustafa Dindar, Scott Andrew Burton, Keith Edward James Blodgett, Richard David Cedar
-
Patent number: 7669404Abstract: A device for controlling fluid flow. The device includes an arc generator coupled to electrodes. The electrodes are placed adjacent a fluid flowpath such that upon being energized by the arc generator, an arc filament plasma adjacent the electrodes is formed. In turn, this plasma forms a localized high temperature, high pressure perturbation in the adjacent fluid flowpath. The perturbations can be arranged to produce vortices, such as streamwise vortices, in the flowing fluid to control mixing and noise in such flows. The electrodes can further be arranged within a conduit configured to contain the flowing fluid such that when energized in a particular frequency and sequence, can excite flow instabilities in the flowing fluid. The placement of the electrodes is such that they are unobtrusive relative to the fluid flowpath being controlled.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2008Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: The Ohio State UniversityInventors: Mohammad Samimy, Igor Adamovich
-
Publication number: 20100037623Abstract: A by-pass turbofan gas turbine engine, comprises: a by-pass fan with a by-pass fan outlet; a generally annular core engine duct with a core engine duct inlet coupled to the by-pass fan outlet and a core engine duct outlet; a generally annular by-pass duct situated in a generally coaxial relationship with the core engine duct with a by-pass duct inlet coupled to the by-pass fan outlet and a by-pass duct outlet; an upstream axial compressor with an axial upstream compressor inlet coupled to the core engine duct outlet and an axial upstream compressor outlet; a downstream radial compressor with an axial downstream compressor inlet coupled to the upstream compressor outlet and a radial downstream compressor outlet; a generally annular recuperator with a cool side inlet coupled to the downstream compressor outlet, a cool side outlet, a warm side inlet and a warm side outlet; a generally annular combustor with a combustor inlet coupled to the recuperator cool side outlet and a combustor outlet; a radial turbine witType: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2008Publication date: February 18, 2010Inventors: Gordon F. Jewess, Charles Travelbee
-
Publication number: 20100024428Abstract: A rocket motor for one or more of limited re-use or single use, including a rocket motor housing, the motor housing adapted to contain propellant; an aft closure with a nozzle, the aft closure connected or connectable to the housing; a forward closure connected or connectable to the housing; wherein one or both of the aft closure and the forward closure are connectable to the housing in manner adapted for one or both of limited re-use or single use.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2007Publication date: February 4, 2010Inventor: Gary C. Rosenfield
-
Publication number: 20100005807Abstract: A liquid propellant rocket engine with a propulsion chamber shutter, the rocket engine comprises a combustion chamber, a propellant injector device placed at an upstream first end of the combustion chamber, a nozzle throat disposed at a downstream second end of the combustion chamber remote from the upstream first end, and a diverging portion disposed downstream from the nozzle throat. A selective shutter device for the nozzle throat comprises an axially-symmetrical shutter member placed downstream from the nozzle throat, and axial rod for controlling the shutter member, a first short centering member for the control rod situated at the upstream first end of the combustion chamber level with the propellant injector device, a second short centering member for the control rod situated in the combustion chamber in the vicinity of the nozzle throat and upstream therefrom, and a system for returning the control rod of the selective shutter device for the nozzle throat to the closed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2009Publication date: January 14, 2010Applicant: SNECMAInventor: Hervé Goislot
-
Publication number: 20100005806Abstract: A power plant includes a gas turbine engine contained at least partially within an enclosure; an eductor system in communication with the gas turbine engine; and a blower system in communication with the enclosure and the eductor system. A method of communicating an exhaust from a gas turbine engine includes pressurizing a secondary airflow from the enclosure with a blower system and communicating the pressurized secondary airflow into an eductor system.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2008Publication date: January 14, 2010Inventor: Brian G. Donnelly
-
Publication number: 20100000219Abstract: A system and method for supplying cooling air to the turbine section of a gas turbine. The system may include a compressed air supply, an ambient air supply, and an ejector for entraining the ambient air supply with the compressed air supply to form a cooling air supply. In a gas turbine including a compressor section and a turbine section, the method may include extracting compressed air from the compressor section, entraining ambient air with the compressed air to form cooling air, and directing the cooling air to the turbine section.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2008Publication date: January 7, 2010Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Daniel David Snook, Joseph Benjamin LaBelle
-
Publication number: 20090320446Abstract: A device and method for improving the performance of a pulse detonation engine. The device includes at least one of an exhaust structure and an ejector. The exhaust structure can be configured as a straight, converging or diverging nozzle device, and connected to the engine to control the flow of a primary fluid produced during a detonation reaction. The ejector is fluidly coupled to the engine, using the movement of the primary fluid to promote entrainment of a secondary fluid that can be mixed with the primary fluid. The secondary fluid can be used to increase the mass flow of the primary fluid to increase thrust, as well as be used to cool engine components. Device positioning, sizing, shaping and integration with other engine operating parameters, such as fill fraction, choice of fuel and equivalence ratio, can be used to improve engine performance. In addition to thrust augmentation and enhanced cooling, the disclosed device can be used for engine noise reduction.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2006Publication date: December 31, 2009Inventors: Ephraim J. Gutmark, Daniel C. Allgood
-
Publication number: 20090320486Abstract: An exhaust nozzle includes a conical duct terminating in an annular outlet. A row of vortex generating duplex tabs are mounted in the outlet. The tabs have compound radial and circumferential aft inclination inside the outlet for generating streamwise vortices for attenuating exhaust noise while reducing performance loss.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2008Publication date: December 31, 2009Inventors: Ephraim Jeff Gutmark, Steven Martens
-
Publication number: 20090314885Abstract: A fluidic effector provides enhanced plume mixing for an aircraft engine. Air jet injectors are located on both the external and internal cowl surfaces and angled in opposite directions to induce large scale vortices in the exhaust plume. The vortices mix actuation air with the exhaust plume to produce ejector action. The plume mixes out quickly, thereby lowering jet noise and jet exhaust temperature. The injectors have orientations and injection rates that are adjustable to allow variable mixing rates for use at different flight and engine conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2008Publication date: December 24, 2009Applicant: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATIONInventors: Bradley C. Leland, David M. Wells
-
Patent number: 7631481Abstract: A cooled exhaust duct for use in gas turbine engines is provided. The cooled exhaust duct includes an axial centerline, a circumference, an annulus, and a plurality of radially expandable bands. The annulus is disposed between a first wall and a second wall, and extends along the axial centerline. The first wall is disposed radially inside of the second wall. Each of the plurality of radially expandable bands extends circumferentially within the annulus. The bands are axially spaced apart from one another. Each band includes a first portion attached to the first wall, a second portion attached to the second wall and an intermediate portion connected to the first and second portions. The bands create circumferentially extending compartments that inhibit axial travel of the cooling air within the annulus.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2004Date of Patent: December 15, 2009Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Curtis C Cowan, Jorge I. Farah, Debora F. Kehret, Stanley Keysa, Jeffrey R. Lavin, Michael Murphy, Stephen A. Paul, Richard Scott
-
Patent number: 7628356Abstract: The invention relates to a yaw control device for an aircraft fitted with a supersonic nozzle having a rectangular or flat section comprising a supersonic throat extended by a diverging portion in which supersonic flow occurs. In order to enable the aircraft to be controlled in yaw in the absence of a vertical fin, the device of the invention makes use of jet control surfaces in the form of airfoils disposed in the diverging portion of the nozzle. The control surfaces are movable about respective pivot axes in order to generate a lateral force when in a deflected position, so as to enable the aircraft to turn about its yaw axis.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2006Date of Patent: December 8, 2009Assignee: Snecma Propulsion SolideInventors: François Buffenoir, André Lafond