This technology is a new type of design for the wing flap, aileron, or flaperon located directly behind the engine nozzle on jet aircraft. Using a concave-down curved shape for the trailing edge instead of a conventional right angle, the cross section of the flap, aileron, or flaperon directly in the jet exhaust stream is reduced, thus reducing noise.

A schematic of an aircraft rear with the trailing edge device cutout design on the right.

Currently, if the normal length of the flap, aileron, or flaperon element is such that it produces too much jet exhaust interaction noise, the length of the element can be cut back to a length that reduces noise to acceptable levels. With this innovation, the length is cut back in the center of the element, but length is retained on both edges (in the spanwise direction) and blended in the trailing edge shape with a curve similar to a semicircle in the planform of the element. This approach preserves more of the aerodynamic load capacity of the element than does the typical approach.

Potential applications include use in commercial and military aircraft, and in UAVs.

NASA is actively seeking licensees to commercialize this technology. Please contact The Technology Gateway at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to initiate licensing discussions. Follow this link for more information: here  .