GAS TURBINE ENGINE INCLUDING A THIRD FLOWPATH EXHAUST NOZZLE

摘要

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.

主权项

1. A turbofan engine, comprising:
a first flowpath that is radially inboard of a second flowpath at a location upstream of a core section of the turbofan engine; a third flowpath that is radially outboard of the second flowpath at the location upstream of the core section of the turbofan engine; a third flowpath exhaust nozzle that defines a plurality of third flowpath exhaust exit ports through which gas traveling along the third flowpath may be discharged; and wherein the third flowpath exhaust nozzle is configured so that an area or a geometry of each of the plurality of third flowpath exhaust exit ports is independently and selectively adjustable.