Rapid Aerostructural Optimization of Wing-Propeller Systems

Propeller-wing configurations are expected to return to the aviation industry due to their high propulsive efficiency and applicability in urban and regional air mobility. A knowledge gap exists around wing-propeller optimization because of the complexity of the propeller-wing system and the absence of a computationally efficient way to assess the coupled system. This paper addresses this gap by providing and validating a computationally efficient, mid-fidelity framework. The paper presents optimization results and recommendations for future iterations of the framework. The TU Delft PROWIM propeller is optimized with the framework, comparing sequential isolated optimization, trim optimization, and fully coupled optimization. The studies gives a conservative estimate of the efficiency gains that can be achieved by using coupled optimization, as compared to isolated optimization. Lastly, recommendations are given for future studies, such as including a battery weight model and including swirl velocities. It is expected that such model additions will affect the optimization results, and further emphasize the importance of coupled aerostructural optimization.