Fan variable area nozzle with adaptive structure
OwnerZaffir Chaudhryinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A fan variable area nozzle (FVAN) includes a flexible adaptive segment which defines the fan nozzle exit area. The flexible adaptive segment generally includes a multiple of flexible sections, a linkage and an actuator system to morph the flexible adaptive segment between a converged shape and a diverged shape. The flexible adaptive segments seal an interface between sectors to provide an asymmetrical fan nozzle exit area.
Claims18
A nacelle assembly for a gas turbine engine comprising:
- a core nacelle defined about an axis;
- and
- a fan nacelle mounted at least partially around said core nacelle, said fan nacelle having a fan variable area nozzle with a flexible adaptive segment which varies a fan exit area between said fan nacelle and said core nacelle.
A gas turbine engine comprising:
- a core engine defined about an axis;
- a gear system driven by said core engine;
- a fan driven by said gear system about said axis;
- a core nacelle defined at least partially about said core engine;
- and
- a fan nacelle mounted around said fan and at least partially around said core nacelle, said fan nacelle having a fan variable area nozzle with a flexible adaptive segment which defines a fan exit area downstream of said fan between said fan nacelle and said core nacelle.
A method of varying a fan exit area of a gas turbine engine comprising the steps of:
- (A) locating a fan variable area nozzle to define a fan exit area between a fan nacelle and a core nacelle;
- and
- (B) morphing a flexible adaptive segment of the fan variable area nozzle between a first shape and a second shape to vary the fan exit area.
A method as recited in claim 14, wherein said step (B) further comprises:
- (a) increasing the fan exit area during takeoff.
A method as recited in claim 14, wherein said step (B) further comprises:
- (a) flexing a flexible skin of the flexible adaptive segment.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.