4 ms·
> the possibility that it's going to get sucked into a jet engine I've often wondered why the turbine intakes don't have some sort of "filter" in front to prev
by cronix 8y ago
> the possibility that it's going to get sucked into a jet engine
I've often wondered why the turbine intakes don't have some sort of "filter" in front to prevent larger objects from entering? Birds have been a problem forever. Why isn't there a simple solution? Even a grid in front like a common 4"x4" chainlink fence would provide. Is there some reason why they're all just wide open?
- CydeWeys 8y agoJet engines have unbelievably powerful suction on their intake side. A fence wouldn't stop anything; a bird or drone would just get broken up into smaller pieces as it's sucked through the filter. Similarly there's no fence that could keep this crab out: https://youtu.be/AMHwri8TtNE https://youtu.be/AMHwri8TtNE
- brokenmachine 8y agoHave a look at videos of jets blowing vans off the runway and you get an idea of how powerful the sucking is. A bird would get sucked through a chainlink fence in front of the engine. Also you'd be reducing the efficiency of the engine all the time, which would add up over hundreds of trips.
- toomanybeersies 8y agoThat wouldn't really prevent larger objects from entering, it would just slice them up on entry.
- AWildC182 8y agoThe actual answer is aerodynamics. Having a structure in front of the turbine blades disrupts airflow, creating turbulent flow over the blades which causes the blades to lose efficiency. It's much easier to design the engine to be able to run for a little while after ingesting soft FOD than it is to create a good debris cover that doesn't destroy efficiency.