Abstract

The FanWing propulsion system is a novel propulsion system which aerodynamically behaves as a hybrid between a helicopter and a fixed wing aircraft, and if the knowledge base with regards to this novel concept can be fully explored, there could be a new class of aircraft developed. In the current research, only 2D CFD studies have been done for the FanWing, hence the 3D lift characteristics of the FanWing have been unknown thus far, at least in the theoretical domain. Therefore, it was proposed to develop a modified Prandtl's Lifting Line Theory numerical solution and a CFD solution, comparing the results of each. A new variable was introduced into the classical Lifting Line Theory solution, αi,FW, to account for the additional lift produced by the FanWing as opposed to a traditional airfoil. This variable, αi,FW, is a function of the wing angle and the velocities taken at three-quarter chord length on the FanWing. The introduction of this variable was informed by other papers which superimposed velocities when developing Lifting Line Theory for unconventional airfoil planforms. After introducing a correction factor, the numerical model aligned with the 3D CFD results where LLT assumptions were valid. For the 3D simulation, it was observed that the lift per unit span rapidly increases from quarter span to wingtip, which is different from traditional wing planforms. This study provides a valuable first step towards documenting the 3D lift characteristics of the novel FanWing propulsion system.

Thesis Completion

2021

Semester

Spring

Thesis Chair/Advisor

Kinzel, Michael

Degree

Bachelor Science in Aerospace Engineering (B.S.A.E.)

College

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Department

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Degree Program

Aerospace Engineering

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Release Date

5-1-2021

Download

Share

COinS