Patent · US Active

Shape memory alloy actuated adaptive exhaust nozzle for jet engine

US8245516B2 · kind B2 · utility

27Cited by
16References
5Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateAug 11, 2009
Grant dateAug 21, 2012
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 14, 2030

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02T50/60
  • WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

The proposed adaptive exhaust nozzle features an innovative use of the shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators for actively control of the opening area of the exhaust nozzle for jet engines. The SMA actuators remotely control the opening area of the exhaust nozzle through a set of mechanism. An important advantage of using SMA actuators is the reduction of weight of the actuator system for variable area exhaust nozzle. Another advantage is that the SMA actuator can be activated using the heat from the exhaust and eliminate the need of other energy source. A prototype has been designed and fabricated. The functionality of the proposed SMA actuated adaptive exhaust nozzle is verified in the open-loop tests.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.