Ultra-efficient propulsor with an augmentor fan circumscribing a turbofan
First Claim
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1. An ultra-efficient aircraft propulsor comprising:
- a turbofan propulsor comprising a core engineand a ducted fan driven by the core engine, the ducted fan comprising a plurality of ducted fan blades circumferentially contained by a fan cowl, and the core engine comprising a combustion engine;
an augmentor hub ring substantially surrounding an inner perimeter of the fan cowl, and configured to rotate separately from the ducted fan; and
an augmentor fan mechanically coupled to and driven by the core engine, and comprising a plurality of augmentor fan blades arranged circumferentially around the augmentor hub ring.
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Abstract
An ultra-efficient “green” aircraft propulsor utilizing an augmentor fan is disclosed. A balanced design is provided combining a fuel efficient and low-noise high bypass ratio augmentor fan and a low-noise shrouded high bypass ratio turbofan. Three mass flow streams are utilized to reduce propulsor specific fuel consumption and increase performance relative to conventional turbofans. Methods are provided for optimization of fuel efficiency, power, and noise by varying mass flow ratios of the three mass flow streams. Methods are also provided for integration of external propellers into turbofan machinery.
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Citations
51 Claims
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1. An ultra-efficient aircraft propulsor comprising:
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a turbofan propulsor comprising a core engine and a ducted fan driven by the core engine, the ducted fan comprising a plurality of ducted fan blades circumferentially contained by a fan cowl, and the core engine comprising a combustion engine; an augmentor hub ring substantially surrounding an inner perimeter of the fan cowl, and configured to rotate separately from the ducted fan; and an augmentor fan mechanically coupled to and driven by the core engine, and comprising a plurality of augmentor fan blades arranged circumferentially around the augmentor hub ring. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51)
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Specification