Measurements of distributed propulsion system over a wing in cruise conditions

• Main Author: Muhammad Nizamuddin Bin Mohd Ali
• Other Authors: Chan Wai Lee
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2024
• Subjects: Engineering; Distributed propulsion; Aeronautical engineering
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/177850
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

The advancement of electric motors and generators gives rise to distributed electric propulsion (DEP), improving the overall efficiency, capabilities, and sustainability of air vehicles. The concept of DEP differs from conventional propulsion systems by utilizing boundary layer ingestion (BLI) and wake ingestion (WI). The experimental data on DEP and by extension, BLI and WI, has been limited. A cost-effective method of generating experimental data is required to elucidate the characteristics and flight performance of a DEP system. Therefore, this project aims to evaluate the performance of a DEP system by designing an inexpensive experimental setup, in conjunction with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, to validate the experimental results acquired. The DEP system will be investigated for the type of flow ingestion, BLI or WI, using CFD. The CFD simulation will be modelled to replicate the experimental setup as closely as possible, allowing for flow visualization of the setup. Preliminary simulation results showed that the studied DEP system only ingested the boundary layer, for all angles of attack. Furthermore, experimental results showed the DEP system has improved aerodynamic efficiency at high angles of attack (beyond 10 degrees). This suggests that DEP could potentially improve the overall performance of the aircraft.