Investigation on Different Methods for Numerical Simulation of Propeller Slipstream

In order to describe propeller slipstream interactions with other components and assess the capability and applicability of different methods in propeller slipstream simulation, the flow fields and aerodynamics of propeller/nacelle and propeller/wing models at different work status are calculated. Numerical methods used for comparisons are unsteady method in which propeller is accurately simulated with body-fitted grid and quasi-steady approach where propeller is modeled as an actuator-disk. The solver used is based on unstructured embedded grid technique and OMP parallel method, Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes equations associated with the one-equation Spalart-Allmaras turbulence model are solved and the governing equations are discretized by a second-order upwind finite-volume scheme and dual time-stepping scheme. The results for propeller/nacelle and propeller/wing configuration in axial flow conditions, which contain the induced velocity in axial and azimuthal directions and aerodynamics obtained by different methods, are compared. Meanwhile, effect of propeller installation to wing loads under differentincidence flow angles is discussed further, and some meaningful conclusions are drawn.