Multi-fidelity Analysis and Reduced-Order Modeling of Wing-Body Aerodynamics

Karthik Mahesh, Arjun Shah, Phillip J. Ansell

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

The aerodynamic design benefits and configuration integration challenges of blended wing body (BWB) configurations over traditional tube-and-wing (TAW) designs have been thoroughly studied over the years. Research has shown that an intermediate approach, the lifting-centerbody (LCB) configuration is optimal for regional and short-haul passenger aircraft, providing a significant aerodynamic benefit while reducing the integration complexity. In this paper, we characterize the geometry and configuration aerodynamics of LCB aircraft across a range of wing-body blending. We use a variety of aerodynamic analysis methods to characterize the surface pressure and lift distributions and determine the sensitivity of various performance parameters to the degree of blending, and inform configuration design guidelines through these studies for aerodynamic design of LCB aircraft. We postulate that spanload optimization strategies can provide significant reduction in induced drag for an LCB configuration over tube-and-wing configurations, and understanding the chordwise effects can further play an important role in the performance of these designs.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationAIAA Aviation and Aeronautics Forum and Exposition, AIAA AVIATION Forum 2023
PublisherAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc, AIAA
ISBN (Print)9781624107047
DOIs
StatePublished - 2023
EventAIAA Aviation and Aeronautics Forum and Exposition, AIAA AVIATION Forum 2023 - San Diego, United States
Duration: Jun 12 2023Jun 16 2023

Publication series

NameAIAA Aviation and Aeronautics Forum and Exposition, AIAA AVIATION Forum 2023

Conference

ConferenceAIAA Aviation and Aeronautics Forum and Exposition, AIAA AVIATION Forum 2023
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego
Period6/12/236/16/23

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
  • Nuclear Energy and Engineering
  • Aerospace Engineering

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