Variable geometry nozzle utilizing magnetic fluid
AssigneeHamilton Sundstrand Corporation
InventorsViktor Kilchyk, Darryl Colson
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Abstract
The present disclosure provides variable geometry nozzle or valve assemblies utilizing magnetic fluid (e.g., ferromagnetic fluid; magnetorheological fluid; non-Newtonian magnetic fluid; general viscous magnetic fluid). More particularly, the present disclosure provides variable geometry nozzle or valve assemblies utilizing magnetic fluid for high efficiency expansion and/or mass flow control in fluidic systems (e.g., gas injectors; micro-satellite propulsion systems; gas burners; fluid injectors; etc.).
Claims20
A nozzle assembly comprising:
- an outer wall and a flexible inner wall defining an enclosed cavity between the outer wall and the flexible inner wall;
- and
- a portal of the outer wall for inputting or outputting magnetic fluid to or from the enclosed cavity;
- wherein when geometric variation of an inner passageway of the nozzle assembly is desired, a magnetic field of two magnet members positioned proximal to the inner passageway is turned off or reduced, thereby allowing deformation of the flexible inner wall to create a variable geometry of the inner passageway via flow of input fluid to the inner passageway;
- and
- wherein when the magnetic field of the two magnet members is turned on or increased, the magnetic fluid becomes a viscoelastic solid or semi-solid, thereby allowing the solidified or semi-solidified magnetic fluid to remain in a desired or achieved geometry relative to the inner passageway.
A valve assembly comprising:
- an outer wall and a flexible inner wall defining an enclosed cavity between the outer wall and the flexible inner wall;
- and
- a portal of the outer wall for inputting or outputting magnetic fluid to or from the enclosed cavity;
- wherein when geometric variation of an inner passageway of valve assembly is desired, a magnetic field of two magnet members positioned proximal to the inner passageway is turned off or reduced, thereby allowing deformation of the flexible inner wall to create a variable geometry of the inner passageway via flow of input fluid to the inner passageway;
- and
- wherein when the magnetic field of the two magnet members is turned on or increased, the magnetic fluid becomes a viscoelastic solid or semi-solid, thereby allowing the solidified or semi-solidified magnetic fluid to remain in a desired or achieved geometry relative to the inner passageway or relative to a valve positioned in the inner passageway.
A method for utilizing a nozzle assembly comprising:
- providing an outer wall and a flexible inner wall defining an enclosed cavity between the outer wall and the flexible inner wall;
- positioning a portal of the outer wall for inputting or outputting magnetic fluid to or from the enclosed cavity;
- inputting the magnetic fluid to the enclosed cavity via the portal;
- and
- positioning two magnet members proximal to an inner passageway of the nozzle assembly;
- wherein when geometric variation of the inner passageway is desired, turning off or reducing a magnetic field of the two magnet members, thereby allowing deformation of the flexible inner wall to create a variable geometry of the inner passageway via flow of input fluid to the inner passageway;
- and
- wherein when the magnetic field of the two magnet members is turned on or increased, the magnetic fluid becomes a viscoelastic solid or semi-solid, thereby allowing the solidified or semi-solidified magnetic fluid to remain in a desired or achieved geometry relative to the inner passageway.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.