초록 ▼

In an aircraft, a jet engine is carried by a frame (4), and the engine core casing (18B) acts as a beam. An engine core cowl (30) is made of a composite material that maintains structural strength within a given temperature range. The outer surface of the cowl (30) is cooled by the ambient airstream

In an aircraft, a jet engine is carried by a frame (4), and the engine core casing (18B) acts as a beam. An engine core cowl (30) is made of a composite material that maintains structural strength within a given temperature range. The outer surface of the cowl (30) is cooled by the ambient airstream. The sidewall (32) of the cowl (30) is stiffened by a plurality of beams on its inner surface, preferably including axial beams (34) and circumferential beams (38). The beams (34,38) are tubular and have interconnecting passageways (37,39). The cowl (30) is connected to and structurally integrated with the engine casing. Cooling air is aspirated through the passageways (37,39) to maintain the inner portions of the beams (34,38) at essentially the same temperature as the outer surface of the sidewall (32). The flow of cooling air is metered. The cowl (30) acts as a beam and shares bending loads with the engine-casing.

대표청구항 ▼

In combination with an aircraft wherein an engine having a casing is carried by an engine mounting frame and wherein the engine casing acts as a beam, the improvement which comprises: a core cowl surrounding a portion of the engine; said cowl comprising a material that can withstand heat but that lo

In combination with an aircraft wherein an engine having a casing is carried by an engine mounting frame and wherein the engine casing acts as a beam, the improvement which comprises: a core cowl surrounding a portion of the engine; said cowl comprising a material that can withstand heat but that loses strength as its temperature rises above a predetermined level; and said cowl including a sidewall the outer surface of which is positioned to be exposed to a cooling airstream, and stiffening means for stiffening the cowl, said stiffening means including a plurality of tubular beams on the inner surface of the sidewall of the cowl, each of said beams having a wall portion that is spaced from said inner surface; connecting means for connecting the cowl to said engine mounting frame and for structurally integrating the engine casing with the cowl; and means for directing cooling air through said beams; wherein the cowl acts as a beam and shares bending loads with the engine casing.