Aerodynamic Performance and Interaction Effects of Circular and Square Ducted Propellers

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceedings/Edited volumeConference contributionScientificpeer-review

8 Citations (Scopus)
345 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Ducted propellers constitute an efficient propulsion-system alternative to reduce the environmental impact of aircraft. These systems are able to increase the thrust-to-power ratio of a propeller system by both producing thrust and by lowering tip losses of propellers. In this research, steady and unsteady RANS CFD simulations were used to analyze the possible impact of modifying a propeller duct shape from a circular to a square geometry. Initially, the two duct designs and the propeller were studied separately, in order to estimate the numerical errors and to compare with existing data. In the installed simulations, the propeller was first modelled as an actuator disk, and afterwards with a full blade model, in order to understand the time-averaged influence of the propeller on the duct before studying the complete unsteady propeller-duct interaction. In the current design, the square duct corners were found to be prone to separation, and to contribute towards the generation of strong vortices. Furthermore, due to the reduced leading-edge suction on the square duct, the square ducted system was found to be 4.5% less efficient than the circular one, for the conditions tested. By relating the aerodynamic interaction phenomena to the performance of the system, this study provides and important basis for the design of unconventional ducted systems.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAIAA Scitech 2020 Forum
Subtitle of host publication6-10 January 2020, Orlando, FL
PublisherAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc. (AIAA)
Pages1-21
Number of pages21
ISBN (Electronic)978-1-62410-595-1
ISBN (Print)9781624105951
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2020
EventAIAA Scitech 2020 Forum - Orlando, United States
Duration: 6 Jan 202010 Jan 2020

Publication series

NameAIAA Scitech 2020 Forum

Conference

ConferenceAIAA Scitech 2020 Forum
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityOrlando
Period6/01/2010/01/20

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