Preliminary parameter characterization for numerical optimization of ducted propellers

Abstract

In this paper, a preliminary parameter characterization for the numerical optimisation of ducted propellers was performed. The ENSTA Bretagne in-house solver used is based on the potential flow theory. Although the potential flow solver is able to solve unsteady problems, in this preliminary study only steady state flow problems are considered. Different parameters were analysed, such as the gap between the propeller tip and the inner duct surface as well as the propeller location in the duct tube. The analyses were carried out on a standard advance coefficient range. A quick study showed that a neutral NACA profile for the duct section could provide higher performance predictions than the classical accelerating Kort nozzle 19A.