Thrust Reverser Systems

Abstract

To ensure a good braking effect for the aircraft also on contaminated runways (with water or slush) and for the reduction of brake wear, transport aircraft are equipped with thrust reversers. A thrust reverser allows the generation of a rearward-directed thrust force when deployed. To achieve this it redirects the exhaust gas flow at an angle of approximately 120 degrees. Figure 8.1 shows the direction of the airflow during reverse thrust operation. On turbofan engines with high bypass ratios, only the secondary gas flow is redirected by the thrust reverser because this gas flow generates the larger portion of the engine thrust. This results in a reverse thrust force high enough for braking purposes. To redirect the secondary gas flow only makes mechanical deflector components in the hot gas flow unnecessary. This results in a simpler reverser kinematics with less weight and costs.