Fan nacelle flow control
US8529188B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 17, 2007 |
| Grant date | Sep 10, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 11, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T50/60
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
This disclosure relates to a gas turbine engine including a core engine that drives a fan. A fan nacelle surrounds the fan and provides an inner surface facing the fan. The fan nacelle includes an inlet lip adjoining the inner surface. A ring is arranged at the inner surface and is axially upstream from the fan. The ring includes a deployed position in which the ring is spaced radially inwardly from the inner surface to provide a gap therebetween through which air flows. The ring also includes a stowed position in which the ring is arranged radially inwardly from the deployed position and proximate to the inner surface. The ring is commanded to the deployed position in response to detecting a first condition, which corresponds to a flow separation condition at the fan nacelle inlet. The ring may be stowed during cruise conditions, for example.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.