LEW-TOPS-61
Lightweight Acoustic Liner to Reduce Noise in Aircraft Engines
Center: Glenn Research Center
Category: Aeronautics
Patent: US Patent Application 13/537,816
Inventor: Michael G. Jones
Invention Overview:
Aircraft engines use acoustic liners to dampen engine noise. They are applied to the internal walls of the engine and are typically made of metallic and thermoplastic materials. LEW-TOPS-61 is a ceramic composite (CMC) acoustic liner that is much lighter than typical acoustic liners. The CMC liner uses a new design of alternate channel shapes in its design that offers increased engine noise reduction in a smaller and lighter package. Additionally, the composite’s materials are able to withstand extreme temperatures, providing a thermal barrier to the engine
Stage:
Component/subsystem validation in laboratory environment. Standalone prototyping implementation and test. Integration of technology elements. Experiments with full-scale problems or data sets.
Application(s):
Primary applications are in commercial airliners and other sub-sonic jet engines
Differentiators:
Reduces broadband noise over a range of 400 - 3000 Hertz (Hz) or 2-3 octaves, reducing noise frequency 25%
Provides a light weight alternative to metallic liners, decreasing the average density of liners from 8.4 g/cc to 2.8g/cc
Ceramic composite material allows the liner to perform at temperatures up to 1000 degrees Celsius, providing higher strength and additional oxidation resistance
Invention Disadvantages and Possible Mitigation:
Primary application is within the airline market. LEW-TOPS-61 must penetrate this market to be of any value
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