Adaptive BEM for low noise propeller design

C Orlando, Michael Carley, R M A Marretta

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

178 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

A potential-based Boundary Element Method is presented for the aerodynamic and acoustic design of propellers at on- and off-design point conditions. Using an adaptive method, a family of airfoil sections is selected to produce the required performance (thrust, torque and efficiency versus advance ratio) at different cruise flight levels. Climb conditions are also considered in order to check the off-design point performance. Once the available airfoil data have been stored in a database, the code processes the families of airfoils to generate a complete geometry for a propeller of the specified performance with an optimized noise emission. The computational scheme adjusts the blade geometry (radial distribution of chord, local sweep angle and thickness) under the control of an optimization routine. The geometric data and pressure distribution are then used in the acoustic calculation, based on the Ffowcs Williams-Hawkings equation. Results are presented demonstrating the application of the technique and the resulting aerodynamic performance and noise output.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)20-30
Number of pages11
JournalThe Open Acoustics Journal
Volume2
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2009

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Adaptive BEM for low noise propeller design'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this