In a convergent-divergent flap pair for a turbojet engine nozzle of the variable-geometry convergent-divergent type, the convergent flap and the divergent flap include respective cooling-air ducts connected to one another through air passage openings formed in respective contact surfaces of the convergent flap and of the divergent flap arranged facing one another.

A variable-section nozzle for an aircraft nacelle includes a deformable portion of which is movable between a narrow section position and a wide section position. In particular, the variable-section nozzle includes piezoelectric actuators and a controller to control the piezoelectric actuators in order to displace the deformable portion between the narrow and wide section positions. The piezoelectric actuators can be disposed on at least one faces of the deformable portion or be disposed end-to-end to form actuating rods.

A variable area nozzle assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a nozzle disposed about a nozzle centerline and a fixed ring radially surrounding the nozzle. The nozzle includes a radially outer surface and a radially inner surface. The radially inner surface defines an outlet cross-sectional area of the nozzle. The nozzle is movable relative to the nozzle centerline between a first position of the radially inner surface defining a maximum area of the outlet cross-sectional area and a second position of the radially inner surface defining a minimum area of the outlet cross-sectional area. With the nozzle in the first position, the radially outer surface contacts the fixed ring. With the nozzle in the second position, the radially outer surface is spaced from the fixed ring.

The present disclosure provides a drive link assembly that includes a case having a spherically formed inner ring. A clevis is affixed to a surface of the case such that is disposed horizontally between a first end and a second end of the clevis. A spacer having a spherical inset portion is positioned on the surface horizontally between the clevis and the spherically formed inner ring, such that the spherical inset portion is aligned with the spherically formed inner ring. A spherical bearing is seated within the spherically formed inner ring. A rod is affixed to an outer surface of the spherical bearing.

An articulating exhaust nozzle thrust reverser includes an outer articulating panel comprising an outer skin and an outer thrust reverser door and an inner articulating panel comprising a forward inner skin, an aft inner skin, and an inner thrust reverser door. The outer articulating panel is configured to pivot to vary a nozzle exit area. The forward inner skin is configured to pivot to vary a nozzle throat area. The outer thrust reverser door is pivotally coupled to the outer skin. The inner thrust reverser door is pivotally coupled to the aft inner skin. The outer articulating panel and the inner articulating panel may be individually operated to independently vary the exhaust nozzle throat area and/or the exhaust nozzle exit area.

An articulating exhaust nozzle thrust reverser includes an outer articulating panel comprising an outer skin and an outer thrust reverser door and an inner articulating panel comprising a forward inner skin, an aft inner skin, and an inner thrust reverser door. The outer articulating panel is configured to pivot to vary a nozzle exit area. The forward inner skin is configured to pivot to vary a nozzle throat area. The outer thrust reverser door is pivotally coupled to the outer skin. The inner thrust reverser door is pivotally coupled to the aft inner skin. The outer articulating panel and the inner articulating panel may be individually operated to independently vary the exhaust nozzle throat area and/or the exhaust nozzle exit area.

An articulating exhaust nozzle thrust reverser includes an outer articulating panel comprising an outer skin and an outer thrust reverser door and an inner articulating panel comprising a forward inner skin, an aft inner skin, and an inner thrust reverser door. The outer articulating panel is configured to pivot to vary a nozzle exit area. The forward inner skin is configured to pivot to vary a nozzle throat area. The outer thrust reverser door is pivotally coupled to the outer skin. The inner thrust reverser door is pivotally coupled to the aft inner skin. The outer articulating panel and the inner articulating panel may be individually operated to independently vary the exhaust nozzle throat area and/or the exhaust nozzle exit area.

In a convergent-divergent flap pair for a turbojet engine nozzle of the variable-geometry convergent-divergent type, the convergent flap and the divergent flap include respective cooling-air ducts connected to one another through air passage openings formed in respective contact surfaces of the convergent flap and of the divergent flap arranged facing one another.

A third stream duct producing a third air stream at reduced pressure that is exhausted through a separate nozzle that is concentric with the main or primary engine nozzle. The third stream exhaust air from the separate concentric nozzle is exhausted to a location at which pressure is ambient or sub-ambient. The location at which the third stream air is exhausted contributes to the thrust of the aircraft. The airstream from the third air duct is exhausted through an exhaust nozzle of the third duct that is positioned at the interface between the aft of the airframe and the leading edge of the engine outer flaps. This location is a low pressure region that has a recirculation zone. The exhaust of third stream air to this low pressure region substantially reduces or eliminates this recirculation zone and associated boat tail drag, thereby improving the efficiency of the engine.

A turbofan engine that includes a first flowpath, a second flowpath, a third flowpath, and a third flowpath exhaust nozzle is provided. The first flowpath is radially inboard of the second flowpath at a location upstream of a core section of the turbofan engine. The third flowpath is radially outboard of the second flowpath at the location upstream of the core section. The third flowpath exhaust nozzle defines a plurality of third flowpath exhaust exit ports through which gas traveling along the third flowpath may be discharged. An area or a geometry of each of the plurality of third flowpath exhaust exit ports is independently and selectively adjustable. A method for operating the turbofan engine includes independently and selectively adjusting an area or a geometry of at least one of the plurality of third flowpath exhaust exit ports to achieve a desired engine operation.