Mounting Troubles

This article analyzes the problems encountered in developing the first jumbo jet, the Boeing 747. In the 1960s, the jumbo jet—a wide-body aircraft with two aisles and up to 10 seats per row—was the logical next step in the progression of the airliner. For the Pratt & Whitney JT9D, which was causing the 747 trouble, the engine skin casing was both bending and ovalizing—exhibiting non-circular distortion—under thrust loading that could be as high as 43,500 pounds on takeoff. The ovalizing distortion resulted in turbine and compressor blade rubbing against the interior of the engine case and necessitated power-robbing increases in blade tip clearance gaps. The result was a serious reduction in thrust, and increased fuel consumption as much as 7 percent above guaranteed rates. Boeing chose to mount the JT9D engines well forward of the 747 wing leading edges. The successful resolution of ovalization problems encountered in mounting the JT9D to the first Boeing 747s has provided guidance for future installations of large fan commercial jet engines.