Proof of Concept Study for Fuselage Boundary Layer Ingesting Propulsion

Julian Bijewitz,Biagio Della Corte,Arne Seitz,Alejandro Castillo Pardo,Mariusz Kowalski,Tomas Grönstedt,Martijn van Sluis,Xin Zhao,Fabian Peter,Florian Troeltsch,Zdobyslaw Goraj,Guido Wortmann,Anaïs Luisa Habermann

doi:10.3390/aerospace8010016

Abstract

Key results from the EU H2020 project CENTRELINE are presented. The research activities undertaken to demonstrate the proof of concept (technology readiness level—TRL 3) for the so-called propulsive fuselage concept (PFC) for fuselage wake-filling propulsion integration are discussed. The technology application case in the wide-body market segment is motivated. The developed performance bookkeeping scheme for fuselage boundary layer ingestion (BLI) propulsion integration is reviewed. The results of the 2D aerodynamic shape optimization for the bare PFC configuration are presented. Key findings from the high-fidelity aero-numerical simulation and aerodynamic validation testing, i.e., the overall aircraft wind tunnel and the BLI fan rig test campaigns, are discussed. The design results for the architectural concept, systems integration and electric machinery pre-design for the fuselage fan turbo-electric power train are summarized. The design and performance implications on the main power plants are analyzed. Conceptual design solutions for the mechanical and aero-structural integration of the BLI propulsive device are introduced. Key heuristics deduced for PFC conceptual aircraft design are presented. Assessments of fuel burn, NOx emissions, and noise are presented for the PFC aircraft and benchmarked against advanced conventional technology for an entry-into-service in 2035. The PFC design mission fuel benefit based on 2D optimized PFC aero-shaping is 4.7%.

Highlights

Novel propulsion systems and their synergistic integration with the airframe are expected to play a key role in achieving aviation’s long-term sustainability targets [1,2]
This principle of energy recuperation via boundary layer ingesting (BLI) propulsion is applicable to airborne systems [4]: the kinetic energy in the boundary layer flow is induced by surface skin friction as the body moves relative to the fluid
This paper summarizes the key results and findings obtained from technology readiness level (TRL) 3 research and innovation activities for a propulsive fuselage concept (PFC) aircraft featuring a turbo-electrically powered BLI fuselage fan (FF) that were performed as part the recently completed European Commission (EC) funded project CENTRELINE

Summary

Introduction

Novel propulsion systems and their synergistic integration with the airframe are expected to play a key role in achieving aviation’s long-term sustainability targets [1,2]. Ship propellers are installed at the stern of the vessel in order to utilize the kinetic energy that is contained in the boundary layer flow around the vessel’s body for the production of thrust. This principle of energy recuperation via boundary layer ingesting (BLI) propulsion is applicable to airborne systems [4]: the kinetic energy in the boundary layer flow is induced by surface skin friction as the body moves relative to the fluid. By ingesting the boundary layer flow at the aft of the vehicle’s body, the required thrust force is produced against the fluid being in motion together with the body. The wake kinetic energy loss associated with the ingested share of the boundary layer flow is reduced or totally eliminated, a mechanism referred to as wake-filling

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Results

Conclusion