Turbofan engine cowl assembly
US7673442B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 14, 2006 |
| Grant date | Mar 9, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 12, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF02K1/72
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method for operating a turbofan engine assembly is provided. The turbofan engine assembly includes a core cowl which circumscribes the core gas turbine engine, a nacelle positioned radially outward from the core cowl, a fan nozzle duct having an area defined between the core cowl and a portion of the nacelle, a first cowl and a second cowl that define a portion of the nacelle wherein the second cowl is repositionable with respect to the first cowl, and a thrust reverser assembly wherein the second cowl surrounds the thrust reverser assembly. The method includes varying an operating speed of the fan assembly from a first operating speed to a second operating speed. The method further includes selectively positioning the second cowl between a first operational position and a second operational position to vary the area of the fan nozzle duct to facilitate improving engine efficiency at the second operating speed. The method further includes selectively positioning the second cowl between the second operational position and a third operational position to vary an amount of air flowing through the fan nozzle duct and the thrust reverser assembly, wherein the second operational positi…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.