CFD simulation of flow around angle of attack and sideslip angle vanes on a BAe Jetstream 3102 – Part 1

Abstract

CFD modelling techniques are exploited to investigate the local velocity field around angle of attack and sideslip angle sensors fitted to the nose of a modified BAe Jetstream 3102 small airliner. Analysis of the flow angularity at the vane locations has allowed the vanes response to varying flight conditions to be predicted and errors in the readings to be quantified. Subsequently, a more accurate calibration of the system is applied to the current configuration on the Jetstream, and a better understanding of the position error with respect to the vane locations is obtained. The above aircraft was acquired by Cranfield University in 2003 with subsequent flow angle vane modifications taking place in 2005. The aircraft is currently in operation with the National Flying Laboratory Centre (NFLC) for research and demonstration purposes.

CFD simulation of flow around angle of attack and sideslip angle vanes on a BAe Jetstream 3102 – Part 2

“…All systems for measuring angle of attack and sideslip mentioned above are susceptible to errors due to a number of external factors as outlined in [3]. This has led to considerable 1 work focused on eliminating these errors with sophisticated calibration techniques.…”

“…This has led to considerable 1 work focused on eliminating these errors with sophisticated calibration techniques. A number of proposed methods for calibration are summarised in [3] including theoretical calculations, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modelling, wind tunnel and flight testing. Due to the availability of substantial historical flight test data for the Jetstream and significant computational resources, this study will utilise CFD analysis with comparison to flight test data to determine an accurate calibration.…”

“…In the previous study [3], a detailed CFD [4] investigation of the local flow around angle of attack and sideslip angle vanes was carried out for a range of angles of attack and sideslip. Examining the direction of the local flow at the vane locations, it was seen that the readings from the vanes differed considerably depending on the flight configuration of the aircraft.…”

“…This behaviour is due to the deflection of the airflow around the nose section of the aircraft. The analysis [3] highlighted significant errors with the calibration method originally implemented following the vanes modification since the effect of sideslip angle on the angle of attack reading and vice versa was not considered. Therefore, a revised calibration method based on the CFD analysis, in conjunction with flight test data, was developed to convert the raw data from the vanes into true readings depending on the angle of attack and sideslip angle, but for zero bank angle in all cases.…”

“…In this paper, the aim is to extend the method [3] to include the effect of bank angle. Again, a comprehensive set of CFD simulations are presented, this time with the inclusion of a range of bank angles of up to ±5 • , to investigate the effect on the local flow around the vanes and hence the additional errors in the readings which may arise.…”