Advanced Cascades

Background A nacelle is an aerodynamic cover that houses the aircraft

engine and accessories, including the thrust reverser A cascade thrust reverser is deployed during landing roll in

which the fan duct airflow is blocked and redirected through a series of grills, called cascades, generating reverse thrust and reducing landing roll distance

Objective Modify the cascade to improve thrust reverser performance

Approach Brainstormed potential design solutions based on

engineering principles and customer requirements Down-selected the brainstormed ideas based on several

criteria and preliminary analysis to three potential solutions

Used CATIA and FLUENT (Computational Fluid Dynamics) to model the design candidates and evaluate their feasibility

Results Effectively worked as a multidisciplinary team Submitted four designs for invention disclosures, with

possibility for patent applications Proved feasibility in improving the thrust reverser

performance

Matthew Wen Mechanical Engineering ‘15

Joshua Pritekel Aerospace Engineering ‘14

Anthony Whitaker Structural Engineering ‘14

UTC Aerospace Acknowledgements: Ann Khidekel Project Advisor Sara Crawford Project Advisor Teresa Kruckenberg R&D Manager