3D Simulation of a Convergent-Divergent Aero Engine Intake, Using Two Different CFD Methods

Abstract

This study refers to the development and validation of a Three Dimensional (3D) Vortex Lattice Method (VLM) to be used for internal flow case studies and more precisely aero-engine intake simulation. It examines the quantitative and qualitative response of the method to a convergent – divergent intake, produced as a surface of revolution of the CFM56-5B2 upper lip geometry. The study was carried out for three different sections namely: Intake outlet, intake throat and intake inlet. Moreover five different settings of Angle Of Attack (AOA) were considered. The VLM was based on an existing code. It was modified to accommodate internal flow effects and match, as closely as possible, the boundary conditions set by the Reynolds Average Navier-Stokes (RANS) Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation. In the context of this study, Vortex Lattice-derived average values velocity profiles were compared against RANS CFD results.