Approach to Modeling Boundary Layer Ingestion Using a Fully Coupled Propulsion-RANS ModelAlthough boundary layer ingestion (BLI), or wake ingestion, is commonly applied in marine propulsion applications, it has not yet seen wide-spread adoption in aircraft applications. However, recent studies have predicted that BLI offers a potential for a 10 reduction in aircraft fuel burn, even on a fairly traditional aircraft configuration. This dramatic reduction in fuel burn is achieved via tight integration of the propulsion system and airframe aerodynamics, but actually realizing such large performance gains will require modifying the aircraft design process to account for this integration. Traditionally, in aircraft design, the airframe and the propulsion system are designed separately and then the engine sizing is managed with a rubber-engine approach. This works when the propulsion system is placed in the free-stream air, away from the aerodynamic influence of the airframe, and it is reasonable to assume that small changes to either system won't have a strong impact on the other.
Document ID
20170005216
Acquisition Source
Glenn Research Center
Document Type
Presentation
Authors
Gray, Justin (NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH United States)
Mader, Charles A. (Michigan Univ. Ann Arbor, MI, United States)
Kenway, Gaetan K. W. (Michigan Univ. Ann Arbor, MI, United States)
Martins, Joaquim R. R. A. (Michigan Univ. Ann Arbor, MI, United States)