Propulsion Systems Modeling with Vehicle Sketch Pad

Abstract

The design of advanced aircraft that simultaneously meet increasingly strict noise, emissions, and fuel burn requirements will require accurate analysis of propulsion-airframe integration effects even at the conceptual design level. To meet this requirement, there is a need for new, easy-to-use parametric-based geometry and modeling analysis methodologies. This paper presents a research strategy for integrating various levels of analytical fidelity for conceptual level engine design and integration and presents geometric parameterizations for engine components at the conceptual level. The parameterizations and design strategy are intended to be used with standard MDAO tools and include parameterizations of 3D geometry in order to facilitate more detailed analyses of the engine cycle and flow-path design for highly integrated propulsion-vehicle concepts. The primary tools utilized in this research include the NASA-developed programs Numerical Propulsion System Simulation (NPSS), Weight Analysis for Turbine Engines (WATE++), and Vehicle Sketch Pad (VSP).