Abstract:
An "adaptive synchrophaser" is disclosed for modifying the phase angle relationship between aircraft propellers to reduce cabin noise and/or vibration. Rather than use a constant pre-selected angle for a specific passenger cabin configuration during a particular flight mode (e.g. during liftoff or cruise), the synchrophaser periodically monitors actual operating conditions and modifies the phase angle accordingly. In the preferred embodiment, a plurality of transducers (microphones) (16-20) are installed at several cabin locations to sample noise periodically. The signals are then transmitted via a signal conditioner (26), a multiplexer (28) and an analog-to-digital converter (30) to a signal processor (32). The processor calculates the maximum acoustic noise at each microphone location (16-20) for all possible phase angles. It then identifies the optimum phase angle that resulted in the lowest maximum noise anywhere in the cabin (24), and signals a synchrophaser (14) to set that angle. This process not only reduces noise based on actual on-going conditions, but also balances the cabin noise so that there are not any "hot" seats with high noise levels.
Abstract:
Tube (16) within airfoil (10) carries cooling air. Flow openings (28) in the tubes direct cooling air (29) against the airfoil inner surface (14) for impingement cooling. Protrusions (30) form extended surface in the form of segmented trip strips are located with at least same in registration with openings (28). The chamber (18) between the tube (16) and surface (14) has an increasing flow area toward air exit (20).
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for simultaneously exposing an optical fiber (32), made of a material which has a refractive index that can be permanently changed by exposure to light of a predetermined intensity at a predetermined wavelength, to two writing light beams (268, 272) which intersect and interfere in a predetermined region (30) of the fiber (32) so as to create an interference pattern along a longitudinal axis of the fiber (32), for a time long enough to form a permanent refractive index variation in the waveguide. Each of said two writing beams have a predetermined number of wavelengths, each wavelength being sufficiently different from each other so as to cause said refractive index variation to be an aperiodic variation. Also, each wavelength represents a Fourier component of the desired aperiodic refractive index variation.
Abstract:
A method for removing a fuel cell from an aircraft fuselage cavity includes the steps of sealing the fuel cell by securing complementary covers and gaskets or O-rings in combination with the ports of the fuel cell (12) installing an evacuation system in combination with the fuel cell (14), operating the evacuation system to evacuate the sealed fuel cell (16) wherein the ambient air pressure of the aircraft fuselage cavity collapses the fuel cell to a predetermined height, and removing the collapsed fuel cell from the aircraft fuselage cavity (18).
Abstract:
A duct cover (12) for use with a duct (4) within a vehicle, the duct cover (12) operative for directing a fluid flow. The duct cover being further operative for minimizing the entrance of foreign object debris into the duct (4). The duct cover (12) has a flow directing honeycomb portion (16) for conducting the passing fluid flow in a preferred direction. The flow directing honeycomb (16) comprises an array of continuous, polygon shaped open cells (20) which are biased with respect to the initial fluid flow direction. The periphery (17) of the flow directing honeycomb (12) is rigidized to stiffen the same for minimizing the displacements thereof. The rigidity is provided by a framing member comprising upper and lower skin structures (28, 29) affixed to a core material (30). The framing member is preferably adhesively bonded to the flow directing honeycomb (16) by means of a foaming adhesive (36) and a barrier member (38). The barrier member (38) is operative for minimizing the expansion of the foaming adhesive (36) into the open cells (20) of the honeycomb (16). In order to improve the low observability characteristics of the structure, the cells (20) of the flow directing honeycomb (16) are preferably coated with a radar absorbent material, such as carbon, which acts to minimize the amount of electromagnetic energy that is reflected therefrom.
Abstract:
A seal assembly (18) for blocking the leakage of fluid between a first region (26) and a second region (28) is disclosed. Various construction details are developed for improving the sealing capability under operative conditions which cause a severe reverse pressure gradient across the seal assembly. In one particular embodiment, the seal assembly includes a seal (36) having a front (88) which faces the first region and a pair of sidewalls (92, 94) which extend from the front and are urged apart by a spring means (96).
Abstract:
This invention relates to the grinding of titanium alloys (20) and particularly to the grinding of titanium alloys (20) using electroplated synthetic diamond wheels (10) with a surface speed (Vs) in excess of 2290 surface meters per minute. Other operating parameters, such as depth of cut (a), grit size of the wheels (10), are defined which permit the effective grinding of the titanium alloys (20) at high rates and which produce desirable residual compressive stresses in the surface of the ground article.
Abstract:
A membrane humidifying device (10) is disclosed that can operate with normal potable quality water without a demineralizer and which prevents the transport of microbes, particulates, dissolved salts and liquid water to the airstream. It is positioned in the flow path of air to be humidified and comprises at least one membrane cell (12) and a means for introducing water into each cell. The membrane cell (12) is comprised of at least one sheet of a hydrophilic membrane (16) and at least two screens (18a, b). Ambient or low pressure water is introduced into the membrane cell(s) (12); at least a portion of which contacts or passes through the screen(s) (18a, b); contacts the hydrophilic membrane(s) (16a, b); and is osmotically transported across the membrane(s) (16a, b) where it evaporates into the airstream.
Abstract:
A titanium alloy matrix fiber reinforced composite made from titanium alloy sheet processed to have ductility up to about 35 %. Of particular usefulness is the composite having a Ti3A1 titanium aluminide having this level of ductility. The composites have good resistance to thermal cyclic fatigue. Preferred reinforcing fibers are silicon carbide. The processing involves multiple working steps below the beta transus with intervening thermal annealing steps, also at temperatures below the beta transus.
Abstract:
A method for casting metering holes connecting the inner and outer surfaces of hollow investment cast objects, such as hollow air cooled gas turbine airfoils. The method incorporates mini cores having metering hole pins which extend further into the inner cavity than the surface of the cavity, so that the ends of the holes can be exposed by a subsequent machining operation. The method also includes forming a wax pattern which avoids contact between the wax and the metering hole pins so that the pins are not broken by the wax during the heatup portion of the wax removal step after formation of the ceramic casting mold.