Aerodynamic performance and interaction effects of an over-the-wing distributed-propeller system in cruise conditions

Reynard de Vries*, Tomas Sinnige, Leo L.M. Veldhuis

*Corresponding author for this work

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

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Abstract

The goal of this study is to determine the aero-propulsive performance of an over-the-wing distributed propulsion (OTWDP) system, and to understand how it depends on various operating conditions. For this, a windtunnel test is performed with a simplified OTWDP geometry consisting of three unducted propellers placed side-by-side above a rectangular wing. A numerical model combining 2D panel methods, a slipstream vortex model, and a lower-order method for propeller performance in non-uniform inflow is then used to analyze additional operating conditions. A comparison to experimental data shows that the numerical method captures the changes in wing and propeller performance due to aerodynamic interaction in cruise conditions, though it is inaccurate if flow separation occurs on the wing surface beneath the propeller. For a setup with propellers of diameter-to-chord ratio 0.6 placed above the wing at 80% chord, the sectional lift-to-drag ratio of the wing is found to increase by 40% – 70% for typical cruise lift and thrust coefficients, while the propeller efficiency is decreased by 10% – 15%, compared to the two components in isolation. Parameter sweeps demonstrate that the combined aero-propulsive performance improves with a variable-pitch propeller and at higher lift coefficients, thrust settings, or Reynolds numbers.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication34th Congress of the International Council of the Aeronautical Sciences
Number of pages29
Publication statusPublished - 2024
Event34th Congress of the International Council of the Aeronautical Sciences - Florence, Italy
Duration: 9 Sept 202413 Sept 2024
Conference number: 34

Publication series

NameICAS Proceedings
ISSN (Print)1025-9090

Conference

Conference34th Congress of the International Council of the Aeronautical Sciences
Abbreviated titleICAS 2024
Country/TerritoryItaly
CityFlorence
Period9/09/2413/09/24

Keywords

  • aerodynamic performance
  • distributed propulsion
  • experimental aerodynamics
  • over-the-wing propellers
  • propeller interaction

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