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CFD simulation of engine nacelle cooling on pusher configuration aircraft

Aleksander Olejnik (Faculty of Mechatronics, Armament and Aerospace, Military University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland)
Adam Dziubiński (Aerodynamics Department, Lukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Aviation, Warsaw, Poland)
Łukasz Kiszkowiak (Faculty of Mechatronics, Armament and Aerospace, Military University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland)

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology

ISSN: 0002-2667

Article publication date: 6 May 2021

Issue publication date: 11 November 2021

194

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to simulate with in-depth reconstruction of existing geometry a process of cooling of the aircraft engine in pusher configuration, which is more problematic than usually used, tractor configuration. Moreover, a complex thermal and fluid flow analysis is necessary to verify that an adequate cooling is ensured and that temperatures in the engine nacelle are maintained within the operating limits.

Design/methodology/approach

Methodology used in this research is based on computational fluid dynamics tools to model adequately the internal and the external flow, to find the state of cooling system and research the results of baffles modification inside the engine cover. Additionally, two types of the cover with different sizes of inlets and outlets are tested.

Findings

The results showed the influence of baffles modifications and changes in inlets and outlet sizes on the mass flow rate and temperature distributions inside the engine nacelle. The best configuration of air inlets and outlets was determined.

Practical implications

The method used in the research is the safest method in testing of such cases, provided the proper approach in modeling is taken. The collaboration of internal and external flow is crucial and should not be replaced with assumed flow rate through inlet and outlet area. The obtained results will help in future studies on cooling systems of engines in pusher configuration.

Originality/value

The work presents original results obtained by the authors during a complex fluid flow and heat transmission analysis and is a part of the design project of the OSA patrol aircraft.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

Funding: The methods and results described herein comes from Applied Research Programme granted and financed by National Centre for Research and Development. The paper was elaborated basing on data taken from the project No. PBS3/B6/35/2015 Increasing the utility of a light aircraft with an innovative aerodynamic system typical for STOL airplanes, that was implemented in Military University of Technology.

Citation

Olejnik, A., Dziubiński, A. and Kiszkowiak, Ł. (2021), "CFD simulation of engine nacelle cooling on pusher configuration aircraft", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 93 No. 9, pp. 1421-1429. https://doi.org/10.1108/AEAT-12-2020-0290

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited

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