Turbofan

About: Turbofan is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 4114 publications have been published within this topic receiving 39490 citations. The topic is also known as: fanjet & turbofan engine.

Strut supported inlet

Abstract: A high bypass turbofan engine is coupled to a wing strut by a spaceframe thrust linkage. The linkage transfers the axially oriented thrust-induced loads to the strut along the axial horizontal centerplane of the engine. The inlet to the engine is supported by a combined triangular and tetrahedral linkage system which suspends the inlet and transfers axial, vertical, and side loads directly from the inlet to the strut. The inlet is coupled to the engine fan case via a plurality of fluid-filled piston and cylinder assemblies that transmit only axially oriented loads from the inlet to the fan case. Additionally, the linear actuators for the annular thrust reverser are coupled to the inlet so that the axial thrust reversing loads are first transferred to the inlet, from which the axial loads are effectively transferred to the fan case along the engine centerline and hence to the strut via the spaceframe linkage.

Serrated fan blade

Abstract: A turbofan engine includes a row of fan blades disposed upstream from a row of stator vanes, and is powered by a core engine. The fan blades are serrated for mixing wakes therefrom to attenuate fan noise.

Interpretation of gas turbine response due to dust ingestion

Abstract: A measurement program currently underway at Arvin/Calspan Advanced Technology Center has been used in the evaluation of observed engine behavior during dust ingestion. The Pratt and Whitney TF33 turbofan and J57 turbojet were used in the investigation. Solid particle ingestion was found to erode the compressor blades and result in substantial performance deterioration. The engines were found to have increased susceptibility to surge at low power settings. The roles that anti-ice and intercompressor bleed airplay in surge avoidance are discussed. A discussion of the fuel controller behavior in a deteriorated engine and its effect during steady-state engine operation is also presented. Experimental data obtained during testing were compared to a predictive capability developed to describe deteriorated engine response. The effects of tip clearance, blade profile, and secondary flows were taken into account. The results show good agreement with experimentally observed engine behavior.

Cowling arrangement for a turbofan engine

Abstract: A cowling arrangement is provided for a turbofan engine of the variable pitch fan blade type wherein the aft portion of the fan cowling has the ability both to slide axially with respect to the main forward portion, providing an annular intake to increase reverse airflow during reverse pitch fan operation, and to vary radially so as to adjust exit area during normal operation at forward pitch.

Systems and methods for starting aircraft engines

Abstract: Methods and systems for starting aircraft turbofan engines are disclosed. A system in accordance with one embodiment includes an electrically-powered starter motor coupled to a turbofan engine to provide power to the turbofan engine during an engine start procedure. The system can further include an on-board, deployable, ram air driven turbine coupled to an electrical generator, which is in turn coupled to the starter motor to provide electrical power to the starter motor. In other embodiments, the ram air driven turbine can be replaced with a fuel cell or a battery. In still further embodiments, a single controller can control operation of both the engine starter and other motors of the aircraft.