Acoustically-Enhanced Separators for Aircraft Engines

Abstract

Engine inlets are disclosed that include an intake opening for the ingress of incoming air and acoustic filtration means for generating an acoustic wave that separates or clarifies material from the incoming air. The acoustic filtration means can include at least one ultrasonic transducer with a piezoelectric material configured to be driven to create an acoustic wave, such as a multi-dimensional acoustic wave or angled acoustic wave. Physical filtration means, such as an inertial or vortical separator, can be provided. Other engine inlets are also disclosed in which the acoustic filtration means are located within the physical filtration means. Further disclosed are methods for separating material from air employing acoustic separation means and physical filtration means.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.