Variable area jet nozzle using shape memory alloy actuators in an antagonistic design

James H. Mabe; Frederick T. Calkins; Mehmet Bahadir Alkislar

doi:10.1117/12.776816

22 April 2008 Variable area jet nozzle using shape memory alloy actuators in an antagonistic design

James H. Mabe, Frederick T. Calkins, Mehmet Bahadir Alkislar

Proceedings Volume 6930, Industrial and Commercial Applications of Smart Structures Technologies 2008; 69300T (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.776816
Event: SPIE Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring, 2008, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

A significant reduction in noise and improved fuel consumption can be achieved by varying the area of a commercial jet engine's fan nozzle. A larger diameter at takeoff and approach can reduce jet velocity reducing noise. Adjusting the diameter in cruise, to account for varying Mach number, altitude, etc, can optimize fan loading and reduce fuel consumption. Boeing recently tested a scaled variable area jet nozzle capable of a 20% area change. Shape Memory Alloy actuators were used to position 12 interlocking panels at the nozzle exit. A closed loop control system was used to maintain a range of constant diameters with varying flow conditions and to vary the diameter under constant flow conditions. Acoustic data by side line microphones and flow field measurements at several cross-sections using PIV was collected at each condition. In this paper the variable area nozzle's design is described. The effect of the nozzle's diameter on its acoustic performance is presented for a range of Mach numbers and mass flow rates. Flow field data is shown including the effects of the joints between the interlocking panels.

Citation Download Citation

James H. Mabe, Frederick T. Calkins, and Mehmet Bahadir Alkislar "Variable area jet nozzle using shape memory alloy actuators in an antagonistic design", Proc. SPIE 6930, Industrial and Commercial Applications of Smart Structures Technologies 2008, 69300T (22 April 2008); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.776816

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