Jet engine having a planar exit opening

Abstract

To eliminate the fish-mouth geometry at the downstream portion of a thrust reverser fitted jet engine which results from the formation of substantially arcuate notches when the thrust reverser doors are stowed, moveable flaps are positioned in close proximity to the doors such that when the doors are in their stowed position, the flaps would fill, at least partially, the arcuate notches to effect a substantially planar exit opening, thereby substantially eliminating the fish-mouth geometry. Moreover, the flaps can be used to effect a uniform thickness for the exit opening of the jet engine by each having a shape corresponding to that of the corresponding arcuate notch; and the principal outer surfaces and inner surfaces of the flaps provide continuity with the outer surfaces and the inner surfaces, respectively, of the doors, with the ends of the flaps have trailing edge which have thicknesses similar to those of the trailing edges of the doors. Thus, when the doors are in their stowed position, the respective trailing edges of the doors and the flaps form a minimum base surface, at the exit opening of the jet engine, in the shape of a ring having a uniform minimum thickness.