Variable area nozzle for gas turbine engines driven by shape memory alloy actuators
US6735936B2 · kind B2 · utility
29Cited by
14References
7Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 2, 2001 |
| Grant date | May 18, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 6, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/20
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A gas turbine engine includes a variable area nozzle having a plurality of flaps. The flaps are actuated by a plurality of actuating mechanisms driven by shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators to vary fan exist nozzle area. The SMA actuator has a deformed shape in its martensitic state and a parent shape in its austenitic state. The SMA actuator is heated to transform from martensitic state to austenitic state generating a force output to actuate the flaps. The variable area nozzle also includes a plurality of return mechanisms deforming the SMA actuator when the SMA actuator is in its martensitic state.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.