Gas turbine engine air inlets having particle separators

Abstract

A gas turbine engine air inlet having an improved separator for particulate matter is described. Liner means define an annular flow passage which curves inwardly to the entrance of the engine's compressor. Hollow struts extend radially through the curved portion of the air passage. A V-shaped trap provides particle receiving pocket portions which span adjacent struts and open into first chambers in the struts. A plate extends downstream of the upstream edge of the inner trap leg to define a narrow entrance to the pocket portions. The upstream edge of the inner trap leg is spaced inwardly of the inner liner means at the entrance portion to capture most, if not all, of the particulate matter entrained in the inner portion of the air stream. The outer liner means comprise first and second liners, with the latter having its upstream edge radially inward of the upstream edge of the outer trap leg and intermediate its length. Plates extending from the first and second outer liners define the entrance to pocket portions, outwardly of the second outer liner, which capture particulate matter from the outer portions of the air flow stream. These outer pocket portions also open into the first strut chambers which are maintained at a reduced pressure to draw particulate matter therein for disposal. The second strut chambers are connected to the compressor discharge to provide warm air which flows through passages in the separator to inhibit ice formation.