Some turboprop aircraft, for example DHC 6 Twin Otter have “intake deflectors” which should be engaged when taking off from or landing on unpaved surface to prevent foreign object damage. But how does it actually work?
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asked Jun 23, 2015 at 21:43
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$\begingroup$ First hit on Google: airplanepilot.blogspot.fi/2005/06/intake-deflectors.html $\endgroup$– Ville NiemiCommented Jun 23, 2015 at 21:55
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$\begingroup$ @VilleNiemi second hit on google: aviation.stackexchange.com/questions/16206/… , and that one has illustrations too! ;) $\endgroup$– falstroCommented Jun 24, 2015 at 5:55
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$\begingroup$ @falstro I have to say I am impressed by the google fu of the stackexchange. This probably isn't that common a search term, but still... $\endgroup$– Ville NiemiCommented Jun 24, 2015 at 10:56
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1 Answer
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This document describes it nicely. They are also known as inertial seperators:
The nacelle inlet of many aircraft models includes an inertial separator provided by the aircraft manufacturer to prevent heavy particles from entering the engine inlet. Most installations incorporate two moveable vanes, one upstream of the engine inlet and the other blocking the bypass duct. For bypass operation, the inlet vane is lowered and the bypass duct vane is opened permitting maximum separating efficiency. In some installations, the vanes are fixed in the bypass mode.
As shown in the sketch, air entering the engine inlet must turn sharply past the inlet vane (shown in the lowered position). Particles heavier than air are carried straight through, by their own inertia, into the bypass duct and dumped overboard.
The aft radial inlet design provides many advantages such as superior anti-icing utilizing the principle of inertial separation, low noise levels and unequalled protection from FOD.
answered Jun 23, 2015 at 21:57