Aerodynamic Analysis of Propeller-Wing-Flap Configurationusing High-Fidelity Computational Fluid Dynamics

Ethan Brown, Nikos Trembois, Seongkyu Lee, Kenneth S. Brentner

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

This paper analyzes the aerodynamics of propeller-wing-flap configurations using high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics. The study examines two configurations, featuring one or two 3-bladed propellers with Clark-Y airfoil sections mounted on a tapered half-span wing with a NACA 0015 airfoil section, at three different propeller thrust conditions. The findings indicate that the highest thrust condition produced the most significant increase in lift for the propeller-wing system with a flap at angles of attack (AoA) of 0 and 30 degrees. A notable rise in the pressure coefficient around the flap placement contributed to the overall lift increase. Visual representations of pressure coefficient fluctuations on the wing surface provide detailed insights into the influence of the propeller’s potential flow and wake on wing aerodynamics. However, at 60 degrees AoA, prominent flow separation and spanwise flow resulted in a decrease in sectional lift, especially when a flap is deployed. The use of double flaps did not provide additional aerodynamic benefits for the configuration considered. The introduction of two propellers further increased lift across the entire wing, significantly enhancing the flow interactions between the propellers and the wing. Blade vortex interactions occurred between the overlapping propellers, and the propeller tip vortices interacted with the wing tip vortex, potentially becoming a significant noise source. Overall, this paper provides comprehensive insights into the complex aerodynamic interactions in propeller-wing-flap configurations, highlighting the conditions under which different configurations perform optimally in terms of wing aerodynamics.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationAIAA Aviation Forum and ASCEND, 2024
PublisherAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc, AIAA
ISBN (Print)9781624107160
StatePublished - 2024
EventAIAA Aviation Forum and ASCEND, 2024 - Las Vegas, United States
Duration: Jul 29 2024Aug 2 2024

Publication series

NameAIAA Aviation Forum and ASCEND, 2024

Conference

ConferenceAIAA Aviation Forum and ASCEND, 2024
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityLas Vegas
Period7/29/248/2/24

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
  • Nuclear Energy and Engineering
  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Space and Planetary Science

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