ASSIGNMENT NO.

2
NAME: CONSIGNADO, MAYBELYN D. DATE: 18 MAR 2023

SUBJ-SEC: AMTE 130 - 5B INSTRUCTOR: Mr. Ivan Kevin Satentes

AIR INLET DUCTS

The air intake is designed to direct incoming air to the compressor with minimal energy loss through drag or ram
pressure loss. In other words, the airflow to the compressor should be free of turbulence to maximize operating
efficiency. Proper inlet design contributes significantly to aircraft performance by increasing the ratio of
compressor discharge pressure to duct inlet pressure.

This is also known as the compressor pressure ratio. This ratio is the outlet pressure divided by the inlet pressure.
The amount of air flowing through the engine is determined by three factors:

Compressor speed (RPM)

Forward speed of the aircraft
Ambient (surrounding) air density 

TYPES OF AIR INLET DUCTS

SUBSONIC INLET

A typical subsonic air inlet consists of a fixed geometry duct with a diameter that progressively increases from front
to back. This divergent shape works like a venturi; as the intake air spreads out, the velocity of the air decreases and
the pressure increases. This added pressure contributes significantly to engine efficiency after the aircraft reaches its
design cruising speed. At this speed, the compressor reaches its optimum aerodynamic efficiency and produces the
most compression at the best fuel economy. It is at this design cruise speed that the inlet, compressor, combustor,
turbine, and exhaust duct are designed to match each other as a unit. If any mismatch occurs because of damage,
contamination, or ambient conditions, engine performance suffers.

SUPERSONIC INLET

A typical air inlet duct has either a fixed or variable geometry with a diameter that progressively decreases, then
increases from front to back. This convergent-divergent shape is used to slow the incoming airflow to subsonic
speed before it reaches the compressor. In addition to the convergent-divergent shape, many supersonic inlet ducts
employ a movable plug or throat that changes duct geometry according to flight conditions. This variable geometry
is necessary so that the duct can accommodate a wide range of flight speeds.

BELLMOUTH INLET

These have a convergent profile that is designed for obtaining high aerodynamic efficiency when stationary or in
slow flight. Bellmouth inlet ducts are typically used on helicopters, some slow-moving aircraft, and on engines
being run in ground test stands. A typical bellmouth inlet duct is short in length and has rounded shoulders that
offer little air resistance. However, because their shape produces a great deal of drag in forward flight, bellmouth
inlet ducts are typically not used on highspeed aircraft. Because bellmouth inlet ducts are most efficient when
stationary, engine manufacturers typically collect engine performance data from engines fitted with a bellmouth
inlet duct.
REFERENCES:

Aircraft Turbine Engine Air Entrance and Inlet Types. (n.d.). Aircraft Systems. Retrieved March 18, 2023, from
https://www.aircraftsystemstech.com/p/air-entrance.html 

Air Inlet - Generic Information. (n.d.). The Aircav®. Retrieved March 18, 2023, from https://www.aircav.com/geninlet.html  

Home. (n.d.). YouTube. Retrieved March 18, 2023, from https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/689191549214233878/ 

Wilkerson, D., & MS, D. (n.d.). Subject Name: AIRCRAFT PROPULSION Subject Code: 10AE55 - ppt download.
SlidePlayer. Retrieved March 18, 2023, from https://slideplayer.com/slide/14357674/