阅读说明：本技术 排气喷嘴组件、采用其的推进系统和采用该系统的飞机 (Exhaust nozzle assembly, propulsion system employing same and aircraft employing same ) 是由 唐纳德·弗兰德 德里克·穆兹池卡 于 2021-04-08 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种排气喷嘴组件包括但不限于喷嘴主体,该喷嘴主体被配置为与发动机流体地耦合并且接收由发动机产生的射流。外罩覆盖喷嘴主体。可移动部件被设置和配置为当可移动部件移动时对射流或排气羽流具有影响。联动装置耦合到可移动部件并适于耦合到致动器。联动装置将力从致动器传递到可移动部件。在外罩的内表面和喷嘴主体的外表面之间存在间隙。联动装置小于致动器。间隙小于致动器的最小尺寸并大于联动装置。联动装置部分地设置在间隙内,并且排气喷嘴组件中没有致动器。(An exhaust nozzle assembly includes, but is not limited to, a nozzle body configured to fluidly couple with an engine and receive a jet produced by the engine. A cover covers the nozzle body. The movable member is arranged and configured to have an effect on the jet or the exhaust plume when the movable member is moved. A linkage is coupled to the movable member and adapted to be coupled to the actuator. The linkage transfers force from the actuator to the movable member. A gap exists between the inner surface of the outer shroud and the outer surface of the nozzle body. The linkage is smaller than the actuator. The gap is less than the minimum dimension of the actuator and greater than the linkage. The linkage is partially disposed within the gap and the exhaust nozzle assembly is devoid of an actuator.)

1. An exhaust nozzle assembly for use with a propulsion system of an aircraft, the propulsion system including an engine configured to generate a jet, the exhaust nozzle assembly comprising:

a nozzle body configured to fluidly couple with the engine and receive the jet;

a housing at least partially covering the nozzle body;

a movable member configured to move between a first position and a second position when a force is applied to the movable member, the movable member being arranged and configured to have an effect on one of the jet and an exhaust plume generated by the propulsion system when the movable member moves between the first position and the second position; and

a linkage coupled to the movable member and adapted to be coupled to an actuator configured to generate the force, the linkage transmitting the force to the movable member when the linkage is coupled with the actuator and when the actuator is actuated,

wherein a gap exists between an inner surface of the outer shroud and an outer surface of the nozzle body,

wherein the linkage is partially disposed within the gap, and

wherein the actuator is absent from the exhaust nozzle assembly.

2. The exhaust nozzle assembly of claim 1, wherein a cross-sectional dimension of the linkage is less than a minimum dimension of the actuator, and wherein a dimension of the gap is less than the minimum dimension of the actuator and greater than the cross-sectional dimension of the linkage.

3. The exhaust nozzle assembly of claim 1, wherein the movable component comprises a thrust reverser.

4. The exhaust nozzle assembly of claim 1, wherein the movable component comprises variable A8.

5. The exhaust nozzle assembly of claim 1, wherein the movable component comprises variable a 9.

6. A propulsion system for an aircraft, the propulsion system comprising:

an engine configured to generate a jet; and

an exhaust nozzle assembly disposed downstream of the engine, the exhaust nozzle assembly comprising:

a nozzle body fluidly coupled with the engine and configured to receive the jet;

a housing at least partially covering the nozzle body;

a movable member configured to move between a first position and a second position when a force is applied to the movable member, the movable member being arranged and configured to have an effect on one of the jet and an exhaust plume generated by the propulsion system when the movable member moves between the first position and the second position; and

a linkage coupled to the movable member and adapted to be coupled to an actuator, the actuator configured to generate the force, the linkage transmitting the force to the movable member when the linkage is coupled with the actuator and when the actuator is actuated,

wherein a gap exists between an inner surface of the outer shroud and an outer surface of the nozzle body,

wherein the linkage is partially disposed within the gap, and

wherein the actuator is absent from the exhaust nozzle assembly.

7. The aircraft propulsion system according to claim 6, wherein the linkage has a cross-sectional dimension that is less than a minimum dimension of the actuator, and wherein the gap has a dimension that is less than the minimum dimension of the actuator and greater than the cross-sectional dimension of the linkage.

8. The aircraft propulsion system of claim 6, wherein the movable component comprises a thrust reverser.

9. The aircraft propulsion system according to claim 6, wherein the movable component comprises variable A8.

10. The aircraft propulsion system according to claim 6, wherein the movable component comprises variable A9.

11. An aircraft, comprising:

a body;

a wing coupled to the fuselage;

an actuator; and

a propulsion system mounted to one of the fuselage and the wing, the propulsion system comprising:

an engine configured to generate a jet, an

An exhaust nozzle assembly disposed downstream of the engine, the exhaust nozzle assembly comprising:

a nozzle body fluidly coupled with the engine and configured to receive the jet,

a housing at least partially covering the nozzle body,

a movable member configured to move between a first position and a second position when a force is applied to the movable member, the movable member being disposed and configured to have an effect on one of the jet and an exhaust plume generated by the propulsion system when the movable member moves between the first position and the second position, and

a linkage coupled to the movable member and further coupled to the actuator, the actuator configured to generate the force, the linkage transmitting the force to the movable member when the actuator is actuated,

wherein a gap exists between an inner surface of the outer shroud and an outer surface of the nozzle body,

wherein the linkage is partially disposed within the gap, and

wherein the actuator is absent from the exhaust nozzle assembly.

12. The aircraft of claim 11, wherein a cross-sectional dimension of the linkage is less than a minimum dimension of the actuator, and wherein a dimension of the gap is less than the minimum dimension of the actuator and greater than the cross-sectional dimension of the linkage.

13. The aircraft of claim 11, further comprising a pylon coupling the propulsion system to the wing.

14. The aircraft of claim 11, further comprising a pylon coupling the propulsion system to the fuselage.

15. The aircraft of claim 11, wherein the movable component is one of a thrust reverser, variable A8, and variable a 9.

16. An aircraft, comprising:

a body;

a wing coupled to the fuselage;

an actuator; and

a propulsion system mounted to one of the fuselage and the wing, the propulsion system comprising:

an engine configured to generate a jet, an

An exhaust nozzle assembly disposed downstream of the engine, the exhaust nozzle assembly comprising:

a nozzle body fluidly coupled with the engine and configured to receive the jet,

a housing at least partially covering the nozzle body,

a movable member configured to move between a first position and a second position when a force is applied to the movable member, the movable member being disposed and configured to have an effect on one of the jet and an exhaust plume generated by the propulsion system when the movable member moves between the first position and the second position, and

a linkage coupled to the movable member and further coupled to the actuator, the actuator configured to generate the force, the linkage transmitting the force to the movable member when the actuator is actuated,

wherein a gap exists between an inner surface of the outer shroud and an outer surface of the nozzle body,

wherein the linkage is partially disposed within the gap, and

wherein the actuator is mounted to an outer surface of the nozzle body proximate a mounting location,

wherein the mounting location comprises a location on an outer surface of the nozzle body at which the propulsion system is mounted to the one of the fuselage and the wing,

wherein the propulsion system is mounted to the one of the fuselage and the wing by a mounting structure, and

wherein the actuator is enclosed within a fairing associated with the mounting structure.

17. The aircraft of claim 16, wherein a cross-sectional dimension of the linkage is less than a minimum dimension of the actuator, and wherein a dimension of the gap is greater than a cross-sectional dimension of the linkage.

18. The aircraft of claim 16, wherein the mounting structure comprises a pylon.

19. The aircraft of claim 16, wherein the movable component is one of a thrust reverser, variable A8, and variable a 9.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to aircraft and, more particularly, to exhaust nozzle assemblies, propulsion systems for aircraft, propulsion systems employing exhaust nozzle assemblies, and aircraft employing propulsion systems.

Background

Aircraft performance (e.g., maximum speed; specific fuel consumption at cruise speed) is constrained by drag and other factors. It is therefore desirable to reduce the drag on the aircraft to the extent possible. The propulsion system of an aircraft may contribute significantly to the drag acting on the aircraft. The larger the radial periphery of the propulsion system (e.g., its diameter), the greater the amount of drag that will be placed on the propulsion system. Therefore, it is desirable that the radial periphery of the propulsion system of the aircraft is as small as possible. This principle applies with equal force to each discrete component of the propulsion system that is in direct contact with the free stream, including but not limited to the nozzle assembly of the propulsion system.

Some of the mechanisms necessary to facilitate operation of the various functions of the nozzle assembly have typically been installed within the structure of the nozzle assembly and disposed below the hood (cowl) of the nozzle assembly. The cover of the nozzle assembly forms an Outer Mold Line (OML) of the nozzle assembly, and the mechanism (e.g., actuator) discussed above is located in a gap formed between the outer surface of the nozzle body and the inner surface of the cover. For example, the nozzle assembly typically includes actuators for controlling movement of various movable components associated with the nozzle assembly, such as, but not limited to, a variable nozzle throat (referred to in the art as the A8 station), a variable exit plane (referred to in the art as the a9 station), and a thrust reverser. Typically, these actuators are mounted to the structure of the nozzle assembly, but are not visible during normal operation of the propulsion system, as these mechanisms are covered by the hood of the nozzle assembly. For this reason, the cover is typically shaped/dimensioned to accommodate these mechanisms. This makes the periphery of the mask larger than it would have if it were not necessary to accommodate these mechanisms. As mentioned above, the larger periphery negatively impacts the drag imparted by the nozzle assembly and even the entire propulsion system. However, these mechanisms cannot be simply omitted since they are necessary to perform various functions of the nozzle assembly.

It is therefore desirable to continue to provide the function of these actuators without having to enlarge the periphery of the nozzle assembly to accommodate their presence. It is also desirable to provide a method of manufacturing a propulsion system that employs a nozzle assembly having a reduced periphery. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics will become apparent from the subsequent summary and the detailed description, and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing technical field and background.

Disclosure of Invention

Disclosed herein are exhaust nozzle assemblies for use with a propulsion system of an aircraft, propulsion systems employing the exhaust nozzle assemblies, and methods of assembling the propulsion systems.

In a first non-limiting embodiment, an exhaust nozzle assembly intended for use with a propulsion system having an engine configured to generate a jet includes, but is not limited to, a nozzle body configured to fluidly couple with the engine and receive the jet. The exhaust nozzle assembly also includes, but is not limited to, a shroud at least partially covering the nozzle body. The exhaust nozzle assembly also includes, but is not limited to, a movable member configured to move between a first position and a second position when a force is applied to the movable member. The movable member is disposed and configured to have an effect on one of the jet and the exhaust plume generated by the propulsion system when the movable member moves between the first position and the second position. The exhaust nozzle assembly still further includes, but is not limited to, a linkage coupled to the movable member and adapted to be coupled to an actuator configured to generate a force. The linkage transmits a force to the movable member when the linkage is coupled with the actuator and when the actuator is actuated. A gap exists between the inner surface of the outer shroud and the outer surface of the nozzle body. The linkage is partially disposed within the gap. The exhaust nozzle assembly is devoid of an actuator.

In another non-limiting embodiment, a propulsion system of an aircraft includes, but is not limited to, an engine configured to generate a jet. The propulsion system also includes, but is not limited to, an exhaust nozzle assembly disposed downstream of the engine. Nozzle assemblies include, but are not limited to: a nozzle body fluidly coupled to the engine and configured to receive a jet; a housing at least partially covering the nozzle body; a movable member configured to move between a first position and a second position when a force is applied to the movable member, the movable member being arranged and configured to have an effect on one of the jet and the exhaust plume generated by the propulsion system when the movable member moves between the first position and the second position; and a linkage coupled to the movable member and adapted to be coupled to the actuator, the actuator configured to generate a force, the linkage transmitting the force to the movable member when the linkage is coupled with the actuator and when the actuator is actuated. A gap exists between the inner surface of the outer shroud and the outer surface of the nozzle body. The linkage is partially disposed within the gap. The exhaust nozzle assembly is devoid of an actuator.

In another non-limiting embodiment, the aircraft includes, but is not limited to, a fuselage. The aircraft also includes, but is not limited to, wings coupled to the fuselage. The aircraft also includes, but is not limited to, an actuator associated with one of the fuselage and the wing. The aircraft further includes, but is not limited to, a propulsion system mounted to one of the fuselage and the wing. The propulsion system includes, but is not limited to, an engine configured to generate a jet, and an exhaust nozzle assembly disposed downstream of the engine. Exhaust nozzle assemblies include, but are not limited to: a nozzle body fluidly coupled to the engine and configured to receive a jet; a housing at least partially covering the nozzle body; a movable member configured to move between a first position and a second position when a force is applied to the movable member, the movable member being arranged and configured to have an effect on one of the jet and the exhaust plume generated by the propulsion system when the movable member moves between the first position and the second position; and a linkage coupled to the movable member and also coupled to the actuator, the actuator configured to generate a force, the linkage transmitting the force to the movable member when the actuator is actuated. A gap exists between the inner surface of the outer shroud and the outer surface of the nozzle body. The linkage is partially disposed within the gap. The exhaust nozzle assembly is devoid of an actuator.

In yet another non-limiting embodiment, the aircraft includes, but is not limited to, a fuselage. The aircraft also includes, but is not limited to, wings coupled to the fuselage. The aircraft also includes, but is not limited to, an actuator associated with one of the fuselage and the wing. The aircraft further includes, but is not limited to, a propulsion system mounted to one of the fuselage and the wing. The propulsion system includes, but is not limited to, an engine configured to generate a jet, and an exhaust nozzle assembly disposed downstream of the engine. Exhaust nozzle assemblies include, but are not limited to: a nozzle body fluidly coupled to the engine and configured to receive a jet; a housing at least partially covering the nozzle body; a movable member configured to move between a first position and a second position when a force is applied to the movable member, the movable member being arranged and configured to have an effect on one of the jet and the exhaust plume generated by the propulsion system when the movable member moves between the first position and the second position; and a linkage coupled to the movable member and also coupled to the actuator, the actuator configured to generate a force, the linkage transmitting the force to the movable member when the actuator is actuated. A gap exists between the inner surface of the outer shroud and the outer surface of the nozzle body. The linkage is partially disposed within the gap. The actuator is mounted to an outer surface of the nozzle body proximate the mounting location. The mounting location includes a location on an outer surface of the nozzle body where the propulsion system is mounted to one of the fuselage and the wing. The propulsion system is mounted to one of the fuselage and the wing by a mounting structure. The actuator is enclosed within a fairing associated with the mounting structure.

Drawings

The present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and:

FIG. 1 is a schematic top view of a non-limiting embodiment of an aircraft made in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein;

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a non-limiting embodiment of a nozzle assembly and propulsion system made in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein;

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an alternative non-limiting embodiment of a nozzle assembly and propulsion system made in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein;

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating another alternative embodiment of a non-limiting embodiment of a nozzle assembly and propulsion system made in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein;

FIG. 5 is a perspective fragmentary view showing an arrangement of actuators engaged with portions of a nozzle assembly made in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a non-limiting embodiment of a method of manufacturing a propulsion system according to the teachings disclosed herein; and

FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating another alternative non-limiting embodiment of a nozzle assembly and propulsion system made in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein.

Detailed Description

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background or the following detailed description.

Disclosed herein are improved aircraft, improved propulsion systems for use with the aircraft, improved nozzle assemblies for use with the propulsion systems, and methods of assembling the propulsion systems. To reduce the size of the radial periphery of the nozzle assembly, the invention disclosed herein entails repositioning the actuator mechanism(s) (also referred to herein as "actuators") for the movable component(s) of the nozzle from the nozzle assembly itself to some other location on the aircraft, and further providing a linkage extending from the actuator mechanism(s) to the movable component(s). Because the actuator for the movable component of the nozzle assembly is typically disposed in the gap between the nozzle body and the shroud covering the nozzle body, removing the actuator from the gap provides an opportunity to narrow the gap between the nozzle body and the shroud. This in turn results in a reduced radial periphery of the nozzle assembly along the longitudinal axis of the nozzle assembly. Where the actuator is provided at a location spaced from the nozzle assembly (e.g., the actuator and a portion of the linkage may be disposed in a cradle for mounting the propulsion system to the aircraft, or the actuator may be mounted to the fuselage and the associated linkage routed through the cradle to the movable component), the gap need only be large enough to accommodate the linkage. By reducing the size of the gap, the shroud effectively "shrink-wraps" as much as possible around the nozzle body, thereby reducing the cross-sectional profile of the nozzle assembly, reducing drag, improving fuel consumption, reducing the size of any resulting sonic boom, and improving the overall performance of the propulsion system and the aircraft in which it is installed.

A better understanding of the aircraft, propulsion systems, and nozzle assemblies discussed above, as well as the methods of manufacturing the propulsion systems, may be obtained through a review of the illustrations accompanying this application, as well as a review of the detailed description that follows.

Fig. 1 is a schematic plan view of an aircraft 20 made in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the aircraft 20 is a conceptual supersonic aircraft capable of traveling at speeds in excess of mach 1. However, it should be understood that the teachings disclosed herein are not limited to supersonic aircraft, but are also suitable for use with subsonic aircraft. Furthermore, although the teachings herein are disclosed and discussed in the context of fixed-wing aircraft, they are also compatible with rotary-wing aircraft. Further, the teachings disclosed herein are not limited to use with aircraft, but are also compatible with other types of vehicles, such as spacecraft, watercraft, and land-based vehicles. Further, any type of vehicle and any other machine or mechanism that utilizes a propulsion system or any kind of mechanical device that would benefit from a tighter arrangement between the propulsion system or machine and the housing, hood, or any kind of enclosure in one aspect may employ the teachings disclosed herein.

The aircraft 20 has a fuselage 22 and a pair of wings 24. The aircraft 20 has been equipped with two propulsion systems: a propulsion system 26 and a propulsion system 28. As shown, propulsion system 26 has been mounted to one of wings 24, and propulsion system 28 has been mounted to the rear of fuselage 22. This is done to simplify the present disclosure by showing a number of common mounting schemes without providing a number of corresponding illustrations. It should be understood that in a practical implementation of an aircraft having multiple propulsion systems employing the invention disclosed herein, all of the propulsion systems will most likely be mounted only to the aircraft wing or only to the aircraft fuselage. However, the teachings herein should be construed as any configuration for mounting a propulsion system to an aircraft, whether or not they follow this general approach.

FIG. 1 shows propulsion system 26 having been mounted to an upper surface of wing 24 via a pylon 30. It should be understood that in other embodiments, propulsion system 26 may be mounted to the underside of wing 24 without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure. In yet another embodiment, propulsion system 26 may be partially or fully embedded within wing 24 without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

Propulsion system 28 has been mounted to the side of fuselage 22 at a location aft of the pair of wings 24 via a pylon 32. In other embodiments, propulsion system 28 may be mounted to any other circumferential location about the circumference of fuselage 22. Additionally, propulsion system 28 may alternatively be mounted at any other longitudinal location along the longitudinal length of fuselage 22 without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

With continued reference to fig. 1, fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a propulsion system 42 equipped with a nozzle assembly 40. In some non-limiting embodiments, propulsion system 26 and/or propulsion system 28 may include a propulsion system 42. Thus, the propulsion system 42 may be mounted to an upper surface of a wing of an aircraft, to a side of an aft portion of a fuselage, or at any other suitable location on the aircraft without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure. To avoid confusion, the aircraft components 74 discussed in detail below are not part of the propulsion system 42.

In the non-limiting embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the nozzle assembly 40 and propulsion system 42 are axisymmetric assemblies. In other embodiments, rather than having an axisymmetric configuration, the nozzle assembly 40 and propulsion system 42 may have a non-axisymmetric configuration. Further, it should be understood that the teachings of the present disclosure are not in any way limited to use with a propulsion system having the configuration shown in fig. 2. Rather, the configuration shown in fig. 2 is merely exemplary and is selected for ease of illustration.

As shown in fig. 2, the nozzle assembly 40 includes a nozzle body 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle body 50 has a frustoconical configuration that tapers in a rearward direction. In other embodiments, the nozzle body 50 may have a frustoconical configuration that flares in a rearward direction. In other embodiments, the nozzle body 50 may have a cylindrical (toroidal) configuration that neither tapers nor flares in the aft direction, but rather has a constant cross-sectional size and/or configuration. In yet another embodiment, the nozzle body 50 may have any other suitable configuration without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure. The nozzle body 50 has an inner wall 51 defining a path 53. The path 53 receives and directs a jet emitted by the engine and directed by the engine into the nozzle body 50.

In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle assembly 40 also includes a central body 52. In the illustrated embodiment, the central body 52 has a diamond configuration. In other embodiments, the nozzle assembly 40 may have any other suitable configuration without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure. In yet another embodiment, the nozzle assembly 40 may omit the center body 52 entirely without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure. The rear of the central body 52 includes a nozzle plug configured to control the expansion of the jet as it exits the nozzle assembly 40. To avoid confusion, as used herein, the term "jet" refers to the high energy mass flow produced by an engine of a propulsion system, starting from the point where it crosses the exit plane of the engine exhaust, and continuing until it reaches the exit plane of the nozzle. The term "plume" or "exhaust plume" refers to a high energy mass flow after passing through the exit plane of the nozzle and interacting with the free stream. In the illustrated embodiment, the center body 52 is mounted to the nozzle body 50 via struts 54. In other embodiments, any other suitable mounting mechanism that effectively supports central body 50 within pathway 53 may be employed. In the illustrated embodiment, upper and lower portions of the strut 54 protrude through the inner wall 51. In other embodiments, upper and lower portions of the strut 54 may be mounted within a channel defined in the inner wall 51. In yet another embodiment, upper and lower portions of the strut 54 may engage the inner wall 51 or any other portion of the nozzle assembly 40 that allows for a sliding or translating arrangement to allow for movement of the central body 52, as discussed in detail below.

The nozzle throat 58 is formed at a position where the distance between the inner wall 51 and the center body 52 is minimum. In other words, the nozzle throat 58 is the portion of the pathway 53 where the cross-sectional area of the pathway 53 is smallest. Engine designers typically design the location and size of the nozzle throat so that the jet flow through the throat is blocked (i.e., reaches a local speed of sound). The location and size of the nozzle throat is based on the expected flow pressure and other factors. The nozzle throat is known in the art as the A8 station.

In the illustrated embodiment, the central body 52 is configured to translate in a longitudinal direction as indicated by double-headed arrow 56. In an embodiment, the struts 54 may be configured to slide within slots defined in the inner wall 51 to move the central body 52 between a forward position (shown in solid lines) and a rearward position (shown in phantom lines). In the illustrated embodiment, longitudinal translation of the central body 52 will have an effect on the size of the nozzle throat 58. In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle throat 58 will expand as the center body 52 moves toward the forward position, and the nozzle throat 58 will contract as the center body 52 moves toward the rearward position. Varying the size of the nozzle throat 58 provides a means to control the pressure and thrust of the jet and exhaust plume passing through the path 53 and exiting the nozzle assembly 40, respectively.

It will be appreciated that the above disclosed embodiments of the variable nozzle throat are exemplary in nature and are not intended to limit the application of the invention disclosed herein to variable nozzle throats having the configuration shown. Rather, the invention disclosed herein is compatible for use with any suitable mechanism effective to vary the size of the nozzle throat. Further, it is not intended that the application of the invention disclosed herein be limited to nozzle assemblies having variable nozzle throats. Rather, the invention disclosed herein is compatible for use with nozzle assemblies having other moving parts that require actuation, regardless of whether the nozzle throat may be varied.

The nozzle assembly 40 also includes a shroud 59. The cover 59 is an outer skin covering and surrounding the nozzle body 50. Shroud 59 interacts with the free air flow through nozzle assembly 40 and has a smooth aerodynamic shape designed to reduce and/or minimize induced drag on nozzle assembly 40. As shown, a gap 61 is provided between the inner surface of the cap 59 and the outer surface of the nozzle body 50.

The nozzle assembly 40 further includes an expandable outlet plane including a pivotable flap 62 configured to pivot about a hinge 63. As shown in fig. 2, the pivotable vanes 62 are aligned with the wall forming the nozzle body 50 to form an outlet plane having a first dimension. As the pivotable flaps 62 pivot about the hinges 63 in an outward direction (i.e., away from the central body 52), the outlet plane of the nozzle assembly 40 expands. Conversely, when the pivotable flaps 62 are rotated in an inward direction (i.e., toward the central body 52), the exit plane contracts. It may be necessary to expand or contract the outlet plane to accommodate an under-expanded exhaust plume or an over-expanded exhaust plume, respectively.

It will be appreciated that the embodiments of the expandable outlet plane disclosed herein are exemplary in nature and are not intended to limit the application of the invention disclosed herein to variable outlet planes having the configurations shown. Rather, the invention disclosed herein is compatible for use with any suitable mechanism that effectively changes the dimensions of the outlet plane. Further, it should be understood that the application of the invention disclosed herein is not intended to be limited to nozzle assemblies having variable outlet planes. Rather, the invention disclosed herein is compatible for use with nozzle assemblies having static exit planes.

The nozzle assembly 40 also includes a linkage 55. In a non-limiting embodiment, the linkage 55 may comprise a cylindrical rod made of a metallic material and configured to transmit force. In other embodiments, linkage 55 may be made of any other suitable material and may have any other suitable configuration that effectively transmits force. In fig. 2, the linkage 55 is disposed within the gap 61 and is configured to move longitudinally back and forth in the directions indicated by the double-headed arrow 57. The linkage 55 is coupled at its rear end with the pillar 54. As the linkage 55 moves longitudinally back and forth through the gap 61, force is transmitted through the linkage 55 to the strut 54. This in turn causes the central body 52 to also move longitudinally back and forth in a corresponding manner.

Propulsion system 42 includes a nozzle assembly 40 and an engine 60. In the illustrated embodiment, the engine 60 includes a gas turbine engine configured to generate a jet (i.e., high pressure, high energy mass flow). In other embodiments, the engine 60 may include any engine configured to produce a jet that is capable of propelling or contributing to the propulsion of a vehicle (such as, but not limited to, the aircraft 20). In some embodiments, the engine 60 may have an engine bypass or some other feature (or additional feature) that causes the engine to produce multiple streams. For the sake of brevity, the term "jet" as defined herein, when used herein, should be construed to include the combination of all streams discharged and/or otherwise expelled by the engine 60 and directed into the nozzle assembly 40. The nozzle body 50 is fluidly coupled to the rear of the engine 60. Coupled in this manner, the nozzle body 50 is arranged and positioned to receive the jet discharged by the engine 60. Once the jet is received by the nozzle body 50, the jet proceeds downstream through the nozzle body 50 along a path 53.

Propulsion system 42 may include additional components. For example, propulsion system 42 may include a compression surface to slow the approaching supersonic free air flow. Propulsion system 42 may also include an inlet that directs a free air flow to the front of engine 60. Propulsion system 42 may also include a nacelle to provide an aerodynamic shell for engine 60 and a portion of nozzle assembly 40 to reduce drag and minimize the generation of shocks that would otherwise be generated as free air flows through propulsion system 42. Propulsion system 42 may also include an afterburner disposed within nozzle assembly 40 to reheat the jet, thereby adding energy thereto and enhancing the thrust that the jet is capable of imparting. The propulsion system 42 may also include various other components and features without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure. For simplicity, these various components and features have been omitted from the figures.

As shown in fig. 2, the front end of the linkage 55 is coupled with the actuator 70 via an actuator arm 72. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 70 is configured to move the actuator arm 72 in the following manner: a force is applied to the linkage 55 in a longitudinal direction, thereby causing longitudinal movement of the linkage 55 as indicated by double-headed arrow 57. The actuator 70 may comprise a linear actuator, a rotary actuator, a mechanical lock actuated by deactivation, or any other type of actuator effective to apply a force to the linkage 55 that results in the longitudinal movement indicated by double-headed arrow 57.

The actuator 70 is mounted to an aircraft component 74. The aircraft component 74 may include any part, portion, or component of the aircraft 20 that is spaced apart from the nozzle assembly 40. For example and without limitation, the aircraft component 74 may comprise a portion of the wing 24 or a portion of the fuselage 22. In other embodiments, aircraft component 74 may include hanger 30 or hanger 32. In yet another embodiment, the aircraft component 74 may include any part, portion, or component of the aircraft 20 other than the propulsion system 42.

As discussed above in the background section, in a conventional nozzle assembly, the actuator 70 would be mounted to the outer surface of the nozzle body 50. This requires that gap 61 be given a size large enough to accommodate actuator 70. In embodiments where all dimensions (e.g., length and width and height) of actuator 70 exceed the thickness of linkage 55, then by positioning actuator 70 at a location spaced from nozzle assembly 40, the size of gap 61 may be reduced as compared to the gap size on conventional nozzle assemblies. In the illustrated embodiment, the gap 61 is depicted as being many times greater than the thickness of the linkage 55 for ease of illustration. However, it should be understood that gap 61 need only be wide enough to accommodate the minimum size of linkage 55 to allow linkage 55 to move (e.g., translate longitudinally back and forth, or rotate, or pivot, or any combination thereof). Thus, a substantially reduced outer radial periphery of the nozzle assembly 40 may be achieved as compared to the outer radial periphery of conventional nozzle assemblies in which the actuator is disposed in the gap between the shroud and the nozzle body. This is the meaning in this context when the term "shrink wrap" is used. Alternatively, the technique also allows for an increase in the inner radial periphery of the nozzle assembly 40 (i.e., the outer radial periphery of the path 53) without increasing the outer radial periphery of the nozzle assembly 40, as compared to the outer radial periphery of a conventional nozzle assembly where the actuator is disposed in the gap between the shroud and the nozzle body.

With continued reference to fig. 1-2, fig. 3 illustrates a nozzle assembly 40 'and a propulsion system 42', which are alternative embodiments of the nozzle assembly 40 and the propulsion system 42, respectively. In the nozzle assembly 40 'and propulsion system 42', the linkage 55 is not configured to move the central body 52, but rather the linkage 55 is coupled with the hinge 63 and configured to control movement of the pivotable flaps 62, thereby controlling expansion and contraction of the expandable outlet plane 66. In the illustrated embodiment, the expandable outlet plane 66 is the location where the jet generated by the engine 60 exits the nozzle body 50, begins to interact with the surrounding environment, and becomes the exhaust plume (as explained and defined above). The expandable exit plane 66 is referred to by those of ordinary skill in the art as the a9 station.

As the actuator 70 moves the linkage 55 longitudinally in the rearward direction, the linkage 55 pivots the pivotable flaps 62 in the inward direction, thereby reducing the cross-sectional area of the expandable exit plane. As noted above, the present disclosure contemplates not only translation, but also other types of motion imparted to linkage 55, including but not limited to rotational motion, pivotal motion, any other type of motion, and/or combinations thereof. As the actuator 70 moves the linkage 55 in the longitudinally forward direction, the pivotable flaps 62 rotate in an outward direction, thereby expanding the cross-sectional area of the expandable exit plane. As with nozzle assembly 40, in nozzle assembly 40', actuator 70 is spaced apart from nozzle assembly 40'. This allows the size of the gap 61 to be reduced, thereby providing the advantages discussed above, including, but not limited to, allowing the nozzle assembly 40' to have a smaller radial periphery than conventional nozzle assemblies that position the actuator within the gap 61.

With continued reference to fig. 1-3, fig. 4 illustrates a nozzle assembly 40 "and a propulsion system 42", which are additional alternative embodiments of the nozzle assembly 40 and the propulsion system 42, respectively. In nozzle assembly 40 "and propulsion system 42", linkage 55 is coupled with translating hinge 80 and is configured to control the deployment of thrust reverser doors 82. Thrust reverser door 82 is incorporated into cowl 59 and is disposed substantially coplanar with cowl 59 when thrust reverser door 82 is in the stowed position. The linkage 55 is configured to move longitudinally back and forth in the directions indicated by double-headed arrow 84. As actuator 70 moves linkage 55 in the longitudinally rearward direction, linkage 55 applies a force to translation hinge 80 causing it to also move in the rearward direction. This causes the thrust reverser doors 82 to also move in the rearward direction.

When the translating hinge 80 reaches the end of its travel, it stops moving longitudinally rearward. After the translating hinge 80 has reached the limit of its longitudinal travel, the thrust reverser door 82 will rotate about the translating hinge 80 as the linkage 55 continues to apply a force to the translating hinge 80 in the longitudinally rearward direction. As it rotates, the thrust reverser doors 82 will pivot from a position substantially coplanar with the walls of the nozzle body 50 to a deployed position (shown in phantom) that is substantially skewed relative to the walls of the nozzle body 50. In the deployed position, the rear portion of the thrust reverser door 82 is positioned to intercept the exhaust plume as the plume passes through the exit plane of the nozzle assembly 40 ". When disposed in this position, the thrust reverser doors 82 intercept and redirect a portion of the exhaust plume exiting the nozzle assembly 40 ". This causes the redirected portion of the flow to exert thrust in a generally forward direction, which is opposite the direction of travel of the aircraft 20. This forward directed thrust effectively acts as a brake, slowing the aircraft 20. Like nozzle assembly 40 and nozzle assembly 40', in nozzle assembly 40 ", actuator 70 is spaced apart from nozzle assembly 40". This allows the size of the gap 61 to be reduced, thereby providing the advantages discussed above, including, but not limited to, allowing the nozzle assembly 40 "to have a smaller radial periphery than conventional nozzle assemblies that position the actuator within the gap 61.

With respect to fig. 2-4, the above exemplary discussion is directed to a nozzle assembly having a single movable component and a single actuator connected thereto via a single linkage. It should be understood that the present disclosure also contemplates a nozzle assembly having a plurality of movable members and a corresponding plurality of actuators mounted to locations on the aircraft other than the nozzle assembly, and also having a plurality of linkages coupling such plurality of movable members to the respective plurality of actuators. For example and without limitation, the nozzle assembly may have a thrust reverser and a variable outlet plane (variable a9), or a thrust reverser and a translating central body (variable A8), or a thrust reverser and a translating central body and a variable outlet plane. The teachings disclosed herein are applicable to nozzle assemblies with and without a central body. In yet another embodiment, additional and/or alternative movable components may be employed without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure. In yet another embodiment, two or more movable components may be actuated by a single actuator and/or a single linkage without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

With continued reference to fig. 1-4, fig. 5 is a perspective fragmentary view showing a non-limiting arrangement 100 including various components that are compatible for use with nozzle assemblies 40, 40', and 40 ″ and other nozzle assemblies made in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein. It should be understood that arrangement 100 is merely exemplary in nature and that other arrangements having different components and/or different configurations may also be used with nozzle assemblies having movable components (such as, but not limited to, nozzle assemblies 40, 40', and 40 ") without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

The arrangement 100 comprises an actuator 102. The actuator 102 may comprise a linear actuator, a rotary actuator, or any other type of actuator suitable for applying a force or a moment, or both, on a linkage. To simplify the illustration, the actuator 102 has been shown as a rectangular box having a length L, a height H, and a width W. In other embodiments, the actuator 102 may have any other suitable configuration (e.g., a servo motor). In the illustrated embodiment, the minimum dimension of the actuator 102 is its width W. Thus, the width W of the actuator 102 is less than its height H or its length L. In other embodiments, the length or height may constitute the minimum dimension. As used herein, the term "minimum dimension" refers to any dimension of an actuator, such as actuator 102, having a minimum size.

The actuator 102 is coupled to a linkage 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the linkage 104 comprises an elongated solid steel rod having a circular cross-section. It should be appreciated that the linkage 104 may alternatively be constructed of titanium, nickel-based superalloys, or any other material suitable for carrying a load. It should also be understood that the linkage 104 is not limited to having a circular cross-section, and in other embodiments, the linkage 104 may have a cylindrical configuration (i.e., it may have a hollow), a square configuration, a rectangular configuration, or a triangular configuration, or any other configuration suitable for transmitting force along a longitudinal axis of the linkage 104 or for transmitting rotational force (e.g., torque or torsion). In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 102 is configured to deliver a force to the linkage 104 that produces a back and forth movement of the linkage 104 in the longitudinal direction indicated by the double-headed arrow 106.

A portion of the shroud 110 and a portion of the nozzle body 112 are shown downstream of the actuator 102. A gap 114 is provided between the cap 110 and the nozzle body 112. Other components of the nozzle assembly, or of the propulsion system, or of the aircraft are not shown in fig. 5, and it should be understood that the arrangement 100 is a simplified representation of the actuator and some other components of the nozzle assembly of the propulsion system of the aircraft as discussed and described above. It should also be understood that the actuator 102 is mounted to a portion of the aircraft other than the nozzle assembly of the propulsion system. It should also be understood that in some embodiments, the actuator 102 is mounted to a portion of the aircraft other than the propulsion system.

It should also be appreciated that fig. 5 illustrates a direct coupling between the linkage 104 and the actuator 102 for simplicity and ease of illustration. In actual practice, there may be a joint coupled to linkage 104 and additional linkages coupled to the joint. In such an application, it would be the additional linkage that would be coupled to the actuator 102 instead of the linkage 104.

As shown in fig. 5, a portion of the linkage 104 extends through the gap 114. The gap 114 is sized large enough to accommodate the presence and movement of the linkage 104, but smaller than the minimum dimension of the actuator 102 (in the present case, smaller than the width W of the actuator 102). Thus, the actuator 102 does not accommodate the gap 114 and thus cannot fit between the cap 110 and the nozzle body 112. Instead, the gap 114 is just large enough to accommodate the linkage 104. By reducing the size of the gap 114 to just large enough to accommodate the linkage 104, the entire nozzle assembly associated with the shroud 110 and nozzle body 112 may be given a smaller radial periphery than would be possible if the gap 114 were sized large enough to accommodate the actuator 102.

Alternatively, the path of the jet (such as path 53) may be given a larger periphery than would be possible if the gap 114 were sized large enough to accommodate the actuator 102. Additionally, when the gap 114 is reduced to just large enough to allow the linkage 104 to pass through, the entire nozzle assembly may be given a smaller radial periphery and the path of the jet may be given a larger radial periphery.

With continued reference to fig. 1-5, fig. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a non-limiting embodiment of a method 120 for assembling a propulsion system for an aircraft. The method 120 may be used to assemble the propulsion systems 42, 42', and 42 "discussed above. Additionally, the method 120 may be used to assemble any other propulsion system made in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein.

In step 122, an engine and exhaust nozzle assembly is obtained. The engine is configured to generate a jet. In some embodiments, the engine may comprise a gas turbine engine. The exhaust nozzle assembly includes a nozzle body configured to receive a jet. The exhaust nozzle assembly also includes an outer cover (outer cover) at least partially covering the nozzle body. The exhaust nozzle assembly also includes a movable member configured to move between a first position and a second position relative to the nozzle body when a force is applied to the movable member. The movable member is arranged and configured to have an effect on the jet, or on the exhaust plume generated by the propulsion system, or both, when the movable member is moved between the first position and the second position. The nozzle assembly also includes a linkage coupled to the movable member and adapted to be coupled to the actuator. The actuator is configured to generate a force. The linkage is configured to transmit a force to the movable component when the linkage is coupled with the actuator and when the actuator is actuated.

At step 124, a nozzle body of the nozzle body assembly is fluidly coupled to the engine. Methods and mechanisms for achieving fluid coupling of a nozzle body with a downstream end of an engine are well known in the art and, for the sake of brevity, will not be described herein.

With respect to the nozzle assembly, a gap is defined by the space between the inner surface of the outer shroud and the outer surface of the nozzle body. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional dimension of the linkage may be less than the minimum dimension of the actuator. Further, in some embodiments, the gap may have a dimension that is less than the minimum dimension of the actuator and greater than the cross-sectional dimension of the linkage. This allows the linkage to be at least partially disposed within the gap while precluding installation of the actuator within the gap. There is no (free of) actuator in the exhaust nozzle assembly.

With continued reference to fig. 1-6, fig. 7 illustrates a nozzle assembly 40 "'and a propulsion system 42"', which are further alternative embodiments of nozzle assembly 40 and propulsion system 42, respectively. In nozzle assembly 40 "'and propulsion system 42"', linkage 55 is again coupled with translating hinge 80 and is configured to control the deployment of thrust reverser doors 82. In this regard, nozzle assembly 40 '"and propulsion system 42'" are similar to nozzle assembly 40 "and propulsion system 42", respectively. The difference between the two propulsion systems and between the two nozzle assemblies is that in the case of nozzle assembly 40 "and propulsion system 42", actuator 70 is spaced from nozzle assembly 40 ". However, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the actuator 70 is mounted directly to the nozzle body 50. Specifically, the actuator 70 is mounted proximate to a mounting location 130 on the nozzle body 50. Mounting location 130 is the location where mounting structure 132 attaches nozzle assembly 40 "' to aircraft component 74. The mounting structure 132 may include any suitable load bearing structure effective for mounting the propulsion system to an aircraft component, such as a fuselage or wing or other load bearing structure.

Surrounding mounting structure 132 and actuator 70 is a fairing 134. The fairing 134 is configured to provide an aerodynamic skin around the mounting structure 132 and the actuator 70 to reduce drag of the aircraft 20 in flight. This mounting arrangement allows the actuator 70 to be mounted closer to the movable component than in the earlier described embodiment described above, while still allowing the shroud to be positioned closer to the nozzle body 50 as permitted by the linkage 55, thereby reducing the overall circumferential periphery of the nozzle assembly 40' ".

While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description of the disclosure, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an exemplary embodiment of the invention. It being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.