Aerodynamic Interaction Between A Propeller And The Fuselage On A Lift + Cruise Type Evtol Aircraft

Abstract

Numerical simulations and experimental tests have been carried out to study the performance and aerodynamic interactions between the major components on a lift + cruise type eVTOL aircraft. A two-bladed lift-rotor moving in level attitude is simulated. When the fixed-pitch propeller rotates at a constant speed, the rotor lift grows with the flying speed, while the required power is almost the same from the hover. The drag of the rotor varies significantly with the blade phase. Aerodynamic interaction between a propeller with the fuselage is also studied. It is found that when the propeller is behind the fuselage, the propulsion efficiency is improved, especially at high flight speed. However, variation in the generated thrust becomes noticeable, compared to a propeller installed in the front of the fuselage.