Investigation of Thrust Reverser Cascade Design Using Aerodynamic and Structural Integration

Through the prediction of aerodynamic and structural performance of the cascade thrust reverser, aerodynamic and structural integration design improved the layout of cascade vanes and reduced the design costs and operational costs. Using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technology, integrated design approach could simulate the flow field of the cascade thrust reverser, and complete the evaluation of the aerodynamic performance of the thrust reverser. Using finite element analysis (FEA) method, the vanes by the force were analyzed and the numerical simulation of the thrust reverser structure and properties were completed. In this study, the effects of different number of cascade channels and number of vanes on the aerodynamic and structural performances were investigated. The results indicated that reducing the number of cascade channels would cause a decline in the reverser efficiency, but we could get the benefit of reducing the number of vanes. Reducing the number of transverse supports improved the reverser efficiency and reduced the weight of thrust reverser, but it also increased the maximum stress and deformation of vanes.