Fast Numerical Modeling of Propeller–Wing Aerodynamic Interactions

This paper presents an improved approach for fast numerical modeling of the mutual aerodynamic interactions between a wing and tractor propellers for preliminary design purposes. Vortex methods are used to model the propeller and wing aerodynamic performance. The blade element momentum (BEM) method, which is used to model the propeller performance, is extended to allow for a nonuniform inflow field, such that the upstream effects of the wing can be included in the propeller performance modeling. The circulation distribution over the propeller blades is then used in the slipstream tube model (STM) to determine the time-averaged propeller slipstream velocities. Finally, an improved vortex lattice method (VLM) is used to model the wing’s spanwise lift distribution. The method includes an often overlooked correction for the finite slipstream dimensions experienced by the wing segments, in both vertical extent and spanwise extent. This physics-based correction, based on the image vortex technique, partially offsets the large discrepancies in the lift augmentation found in previous low-order numerical analyses of propeller–wing interactions, while keeping the analysis routine computationally very cheap. The BEM and STM are validated against experimental data, while the VLM and complete propeller–wing system are validated against high-fidelity numerical data, confirming the accuracy of the used models. Discrepancies are found in regions or operating conditions where viscosity becomes more relevant, such as separated flows. The numerical model derived in this paper can be used for a quick and accurate first-order estimation of the aerodynamic performance of new conceptual distributed propeller aircraft.