Variable geometry inlet design for scram jet engine
AssigneeUnited Technologies Corporation
InventorsDaniel P. Guinan, Alan Drake, Dean Andreadis, Stephen A. Beckel
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention relates to an improved variable geometry inlet for a scram jet engine having at least one combustor module. The variable geometry inlet comprises each combustor module having two sidewalls. Each of the sidewalls has a central portion with a thickness and a tapered profile forward of the central portion. The tapered profile terminates in a sharp leading edge. The variable geometry inlet further comprises each module having a lower wall and a movable cowl flap positioned forward of the lower wall. The movable cowl flap has a leading edge and the leading edges of the sidewalls intersect the leading edge of the cowl flap.
Claims20
A variable geometry inlet for a scram jet engine having at least one combustor module, said inlet comprising:
- each said combustor module having two sidewalls;
- each said sidewall having a central portion with a thickness and a tapered profile forward of said central portion which terminates in a sharp leading edge;
- each said module having a lower wall and a movable cowl flap positioned forward of said lower wall;
- and
- said movable cowl flap having a leading edge.
A variable geometry inlet for a scram jet engine having a plurality of combustor modules, said inlet comprising:
- a pair of outboard sidewalls and at least one interior sidewall defining said combustor modules;
- and
- each of said outboard sidewalls and each said interior sidewall having a central portion with a thickness and a tapered profile forward of said central portion which terminates in a sharp leading edge.
A variable geometry inlet for a scram jet engine having a plurality of combustor modules, said inlet comprising:
- a pair of outboard sidewalls and at least one interior sidewall defining said combustor modules;
- each of said outboard sidewalls and each said interior sidewall having a central portion with a thickness and a tapered profile forward of said central portion which terminates in a sharp leading edge;
- and
- said tapered profile for each said outboard sidewall including an outer surface having a first wall portion extending in a first plane and a second wall portion tapered inwardly and an inner surface having a third wall portion extending substantially parallel to said first wall portion and a fourth wall portion tapering outwardly.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.