Aerodynamic Optimization of Wing-Mounted Propeller Configurations for Distributed Electric Propulsion Architectures
Matthew Clarke, Racheal M. Erhard, Jordan T. Smart, Juan J. Alonso
Abstract
View Video Presentation: https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2021-2471.vid In this paper, we demonstrate the use of new capabilities in the SUAVE open-source design environment to optimize multi-propeller and multi-rotor aircraft. Departing from traditional single-point approaches, the design objective of minimizing total energy consumed over the entire mission profile guarantees arrival to a mission-level optima. This holistic approach to vehicle design serves to ensure that optimizations are not biased to one flight condition, making it particularly applicable in instances where the numerous flight profile segments are of comparable duration, as is the case of regional and urban air mobility. This study utilizes SUAVE’s medium-fidelity aerodynamic analysis module that comprises semi-empirical and numerical models for analyzing propellers, rotors, lifting surfaces and their interactions. Methods are validated using wind tunnel data. We then examine three distinct aircraft configurations that are projected to facilitate future short-range commuter travel. Two of these aircraft possess distributed electric propulsion architectures, in which propulsors are situated around the airframe.