Hostname: page-component-586b7cd67f-vdxz6 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-25T16:37:53.614Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

On the induced drag reduction due to propeller-wing interaction

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 July 2016

G. Chiocchia
Affiliation:
Department of Mechanics and Aeronautics, University of Palermo, Italy
S. Pignataro
Affiliation:
Department of Mechanics and Aeronautics, University of Palermo, Italy

Abstract

The aerodynamic interaction between a wing and a couple of propellers in tractor configuration is investigated by means of a model based on the lifting line concept and under the assumption of quasi-steady incompressible motion of inviscid fluid. The ways the propellers influence the wing performances, particularly the induced drag, are analysed. It turns out that the lift increase and the possible drag reduction depend strongly on the direction of the blade rotation and on the propeller distances from midspan, and result from two main effects: the direct propeller induction on the wing and the modification of the lift distribution along the span. An additional nonlinear (mixed) contribution affects the drag but has only negligible influence on the lift. The described model allows one to evaluate separately all these effects and helps understanding their influence on the global modification of the wing performances.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Aeronautical Society 1995 

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

1. Pistolesi, E. Aerodinamica, Chapter 6, UTET, Torino, 1932.Google Scholar
2. Glauert, H. The elements of airfoils and airscrew theory, Cambridge University Press, 1926.Google Scholar
3. Betz, A. Schraubenpropeller mit geringsten Energieverlust, In: PRANDTL, L. and BETZ, A. Vier Abhandlungen zur Hydrodynamik und Aerodynamik, Selbstvlg. D.K. Wilhelm Inst fur Stroemungsforschung, Goettingen, 1927.Google Scholar
4. Favier, D., Ettaouil, A. and Maresca, C. Numerical and experimental investigation of isolated propeller wakes in axial flight, J Aircraft, 1989, 26, (9), pp 837-846.Google Scholar
5. Witkowski, D.P., Lee, A.K.H. and Sullivan, J.P. Aerodynamic interaction between propellers and wings, J Aircraft, 1989, 26, (9), pp 829836.Google Scholar
6. Cho, J. and Williams, M.H. Propeller-wing interaction using a fre quency domain panel method, J Aircraft, 1990, 27, (3), pp 196203 Google Scholar
7. Pistolesi, E. Betrachtungen ueber die gegenseitige Beeinflussung von Tragfluegelsystemen, in Gesammelte Vortraege der Hauptversammlung 1937 del Lilienthal - Gesellschaft, Berlin, 1937.Google Scholar
8. Weissinger, J. Ueber die Auftriebverteilung von Pfeilfluegeln, Forsch.Ber.d.Zentr.f.wiss.Berichtswesen 1553, Berlin-Adlershof, 1942.Google Scholar
9. Proessdorf, S. and Tordella, D. On an extension of Prandtl's lifting line theory to curved wings, Impact Comp Sci Eng, 1991,3, pp 192212.Google Scholar
10. Favier, D. and Maresca, C. Etude du sillage 3D d'une hélice aérienne quadripale, AGARD CP 366, Paper No. 15, October 1984.Google Scholar
11. Favier, D., Nsi MBA, M., Barbi, C. and Maresca, C. A free-wake analysis for hovering rotors and advancing propellers, In: Proc 11th European Rotorcraft Forum, Paper No. 21, London, Sept 1985.Google Scholar
12. Mikhlin, S.G. and Proessdorf, S. Singular integral operators, Springer Verlag, 1986.Google Scholar
13. Munk, M.M. The minimum induced drag of airfoils, NACA Rep 121, 1921.Google Scholar