US Patent:
20110146230, Jun 23, 2011
Inventors:
Donald George LaChapelle - Cincinnati OH, US
Christopher Charles Glynn - Lawrenceburg IN, US
Donald Lee Gardner - West Chester OH, US
Stephen Craig Mitchell - West Chester OH, US
Mullahalli Venkataramaniah Srinivas - Mason OH, US
Edward Atwood Rainous - Cincinnati OH, US
David Lance Pennekamp - Hamilton OH, US
International Classification:
F02K 3/02
F04D 29/44
Abstract:
An assembly includes a unitary nacelle structure and an integrated fan housing for a gas turbine engine assembly. The unitary nacelle structure includes an inlet region and a fan cowl region, and is configured to at least partially circumscribe the integrated fan housing. The integrated fan housing comprises an integral composite structure and includes a fan case sized and configured for encircling a fan blade assembly of an associated gas turbine engine, a fan hub, and a plurality of fan outlet guide vanes. The unitary nacelle structure cooperates with the integrated fan housing to transfer static and dynamic loads directly to a support structure, rather than through the engine core, to minimize backbone bending.