프로펠러 후류 효과가 분산전기추진 항공기의 날개 공력 특성에 미치는 영향에 대한 전산해석

Abstract

The development of eco-friendly aircraft with a distributed electric propulsion(DEP) system has garnered significant attention due to the push for carbon neutrality. The DEP system helps improve aerodynamic efficiency, reduce noise levels, and lower carbon emissions. However, as the number of propellers increases, the interaction between the propellers and wings has emerged as a critical factor affecting aerodynamic performance. This study delves into the effects of propeller wakes on flow separation, skin friction, and overall aerodynamic performance of fixed-wing aircraft in detail. Using the lattice- Boltzmann method(LBM), computational analysis of the NASA X-57 Maxwell aircraft in its full configuration with 12 propellers was conducted. The study concluded that the propeller wake accelerates the flow around the fixed-wing, leading to an increase in suction peak and skin friction, as well as a delay in flow separation. Additionally, it was confirmed that the strong upwash flow induced by counter-rotating propellers results in flow separation at high angles of attack, thereby increasing drag.