Computational Study of Propeller–Wing Aerodynamic Interaction

Pooneh Aref,Keith Bergeron,Mehdi Ghoreyshi,Matthew Satchell,Adam Jirasek

doi:10.3390/aerospace5030079

Pooneh Aref, Keith Bergeron + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace5030079

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Abstract

Kestrel simulation tools are used to investigate the mutual interference between the propeller and wing of C130J aircraft. Only the wing, nacelles, and propeller geometries are considered. The propulsion system modelled is a Dowty six-bladed R391 propeller mounted at inboard or outboard wing sections in single and dual propeller configurations. The results show that installed propeller configurations have asymmetric blade loadings such that downward-moving blades produce more thrust force than those moving upward. In addition, the influence of installed propeller flow-fields on the wing aerodynamic (pressure coefficient and local lift distribution) are investigated. The installed propeller configuration data are compared with the non-installed case, and the results show that propeller effects will improve the wing’s lift distribution. The increase in lift behind the propeller is different at the left and right sides of the propeller. In addition, the propeller helps to delay the wing flow separation behind it for tested conditions of this work. Finally, the results show the capability of Kestrel simulation tools for modeling and design of propellers and investigates their effects over aircraft during conceptual design in which no experimental or flight test data are available yet. This will lead to reducing the number of tests required later.

Highlights

For low speed operations, propeller-driven aircraft are more effective than jet engines
The clockwise spinning propeller still shows some changes in C p plots up to y = 380 inches due to upwash effects over these regions. These results show that a propeller installed on the front of the wing can significantly change the wing aerodynamics in particular behind the propeller; these effects depend on the propeller direction of rotation and they can even be seen at different wing locations that are not behind the propeller
The effects will depend on the blade angle, direction of rotation, and position of propellers on the wing

Summary

Introduction

Propeller-driven aircraft are more effective than jet engines. Advanced computational methods of sliding interfaces, Chimera or overset grids have been used for propeller flow simulations as well [4,5,6,7] Results of such simulations have compared well with available wind tunnel data. In addition to propeller slipstream interaction with the wing, other components of the aircraft may be affected by the local unsteadiness depending on relative position of the propeller and the aircraft component It is well known for traditional single engine aircraft, the wake–fuselage and wake–tail interactions are significant at high power and low airspeed configurations, such as during takeoff. Computational Research and Engineering Acquisition Tools and Environments (CREATE)TM -Air. Vehicles (AV) Kestrel simulation tools (version 8.0) to investigate the propeller wing aerodynamic interaction of the C130J aircraft. The article concludes with the a presentation of the results of the C130J wing and propeller aerodynamic interaction

CFD Solver

Propeller Performance

Test Cases

Results and Discussion

Conclusions