Numerical investigation of mutual interaction between a pusher propeller and a fuselage

Abstract

This article presents the numerical analysis of the aerodynamic impact of the fuselage on propeller performance in the pusher configuration and the propeller impact on the flow around the fuselage. The main aim of the presented investigation was to find the magnitude of the interaction between the propeller and the fuselage. This effect was evaluated based on the analysis of the change of the fuselage drag and the propeller thrust according to the change of the propeller's geometry. All obtained results allowed to prepare the methodology for choosing the best propeller geometry for the aircraft in the pusher configuration. During the investigation, the impact of the propeller geometry on the results was analysed. First of all, the change of the blade pitch ratio and the propeller radius was tested. Computation was made for numerous flight conditions and propeller rotation rate. As a main result, the relation between the propeller performance and the fuselage in the pusher configuration was found. Especially, the significant influence on the propeller thrust caused by the fuselage and the influence on the fuselage drag caused by the propeller were observed. Finally, all the obtained outcomes were used to create a knowledge base, which was next used to select the best propeller geometry to satisfy the required power condition for a level flight for the newly designed aircraft PW-Chimera.