Different types of cowlings used in a modern turbofan engine.

 Different types of cowlings used in a modern turbofan engine.

Cowlings in a Modern Turbofan Engine

Cowling Type	Location	Function	Key Features
Nacelle (Overall Cowling)	Entire engine covering	Houses all cowling components, provides aerodynamic efficiency	Made of lightweight composites or metals, reduces drag
Inlet Cowling (Air Intake)	Front of the engine	Directs smooth airflow into the engine, reduces noise, prevents FOD	May contain acoustic liners, optimized shape for efficiency
Fan Cowl Doors	Surrounding the fan section	Allows maintenance access, protects fan components	Hinged panels, fireproof insulation, lightweight composite materials
Thrust Reverser Cowlings	Midsection of the nacelle	Redirects airflow to assist braking during landing	Cascade-type, bucket-type, or pivoting-door mechanisms
Core Cowl (Aft Cowling)	Surrounding the core engine (compressor, combustor, turbine)	Protects high-temperature components, reduces drag	Fireproof insulation, made of titanium or composites
Exhaust Nozzle Cowling	Rear of the engine	Shapes and controls exhaust gases, reduces noise	Convergent or convergent-divergent nozzles, includes mixers for noise reduction
Acoustic Treatment Panels	Inside the fan and inlet cowls	Reduces engine noise	Made of sound-absorbing materials, used to meet noise regulations