Managing spool bearing load using variable area flow nozzle
US7950237B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 25, 2007 |
| Grant date | May 31, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 25, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF05D2270/304
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A turbine engine provides a spool supporting a turbine. The spool is arranged in a core nacelle and includes a thrust bearing. A fan is arranged upstream from the core nacelle and is coupled to the spool. A fan nacelle surrounds the fan and core nacelle and provides a bypass flow path that includes a fan nozzle exit area. A flow control device is adapted to effectively change the fan nozzle exit area. A controller is programmed to monitor the thrust bearing and command the flow control device in response to an undesired load on the thrust bearing. Effectively changing the fan nozzle exit area with the flow control device actively manages the bearing thrust load to desired levels.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.