Overview
Scheduled commercial transport volume is continuously growing, representing the global megatrend "Mobility". The subsequently higher number of aircrafts require new and low energy concepts to achieve the European goals for sustainable aviation. Distributed (Electric) Propulsion (DP/DEP) is a new technology which opens up the design space and promises significant increase in overall aircraft efficiency whilst reducing emissions. A sound and reliable prediction of the aerodynamic effects of DP/DEP and close wing coupling at high-lift based on aerodynamic models and simulation is not yet available.
The overall objective of CICLOP is to close this gap by providing high fidelity experimental data that will allow for a leap in aircraft performance due to efficient synergetic use of DP and wing interaction. The most dominant design parameters, driving the sensitivity of positive as well as adverse aerodynamic effects will be identified and quantified. The results will thus significantly increase the conceptual and pre-design know-how for DEP/DP driven aircraft and allow for off-design performance prediction and sensitivity identification.
Therefore, the CICLOP project members will:
- Build and test a versatile wind tunnel model coupling three propeller sizes of different thrust to a wing of 0.8m chord including a high-lift flap, droop-nose a deflectable spoiler.
- Identify aerodynamic interactions mechanism up to flow separations by the means of local static pressure measurement combined with oil flow visualization, hot-film techniques and PSP.
- Assess the design parameters for propeller design and propeller to wing coupling.
- Strengthen the competitiveness of the EU industry and supply in the field of new technologies for regional aircraft, following REG IADP activities for preliminary studies on hybrid/electrical regional aircraft configurations.
The CICLOP total grant request is 847.688€ and will be conducted within 24 months.