Progress toward the analysis of complex propulsion installation flow phenomenon

A trend toward replacement of parametric model testing with parametric analysis for the design of aircraft is driven by the rapidly escalating cost of wind tunnel testing, the increasing availability of large fast computers, and powerful numerical flow algorithms. In connection with the complex flow phenomena characteristic of propulsion installations, it is now necessary to employ both parametric analysis and testing for design procedures. Powerful flow analysis techniques are available to predict local flow phenomena. However, the employment of these techniques is very expensive. It is, therefore, necessary to link these analyses with less powerful and less expensive procedures for an accurate analysis of propulsion installation flowfields. However, the interfacing and coupling processes needed are not available. The present investigation is concerned with progress made regarding the development of suitable linking methods. Attention is given to methods of analysis for predicting the flow around a nacelle coupled to a highly swept wing.