초록 ▼

A torque converter is interconnected between the fan and core rotor of a turbofan engine such that the speed of the core rotor can be boosted from windmill speed to a speed sufficient to allow an in-flight start by selectively extracting power from the windmilling fan during the start sequence of th

A torque converter is interconnected between the fan and core rotor of a turbofan engine such that the speed of the core rotor can be boosted from windmill speed to a speed sufficient to allow an in-flight start by selectively extracting power from the windmilling fan during the start sequence of the engine. Control logic is included to automatically drain the oil from, and thereby unload, the torque converter whenever the engine is in the operating speed region. Further assurance is provided by an overrunning clutch which decouples the system when the core rotational speed exceeds the converter output.

대표청구항 ▼

An improved air-start system for a turbofan engine of the type having compressor rotor and fan rotor assemblies independently driven by separate turbine means wherein the improvement comprises a torque converter drivingly connectable between said compressor and fan rotors during periods of in-flight

An improved air-start system for a turbofan engine of the type having compressor rotor and fan rotor assemblies independently driven by separate turbine means wherein the improvement comprises a torque converter drivingly connectable between said compressor and fan rotors during periods of in-flight windmilling such that the fan can be made to impart rotary motion to the compressor to accelerate it to a speed sufficient to accommodate an air start.