Core-protecting fan modules and turbofan engines containing the same
US10670040B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 22, 2017 |
| Grant date | Jun 2, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 12, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T50/60
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Embodiments of a core-protecting fan module are provided, as are embodiments of a turbofan engine containing such a fan module. In an embodiment, the core-protecting fan module contains a nose member, a fan rotor downstream of the nose member, a full span stator downstream of the fan rotor, and a splitter structure downstream of the fan rotor. The fan rotor includes a plurality of fan blades, which extends from a rotor hub and which is angularly spaced about a rotational axis. Certain fundamental angular relationships are observed between the angles formed by rotational axis, the nose member, the fan rotor, and a leading edge of the splitter structure to reduce contaminant ingestion by the core flow path and to promote moisture shedding to reduce susceptibility to icing within the fan module, while further avoiding or minimizing negative impacts to other structural and functional aspects of the turbofan engine.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.