Auteurs
J. Reneaux, P. Beaumier, P. Girodroux-Lavigne
Numerical simulation capability is one key differentiating factor in designing efficient transportation systems. With advanced numerical simulation capabilities, complex phenomena involved can be taken into account. This is illustrated in this paper through several research studies. All the simulations were carried out with the elsA software developed at Onera.
In terms of performance prediction, the capabilities of the CFD software are
highlighted with various applications related to aircraft drag, control surface
efficiency, high-lift configuration performance and store separation. Unsteady simulations are carried out to investigate complex interactions and off-design conditions: jet simulation, buffet prediction and dynamic stall. The importance of the coupling of different disciplines is underlined through aeroelastic, aeroacoustic and aero-thermal applications related to aircraft, helicopter rotors, engine compressors and turbines.
Performance improvement for transportation vehicles can be studied with
optimization and flow control techniques. The adjoint approach has been used to optimize pylons and winglets for transport aircraft and helicopter rotor blades. Flow control is regarded as a key evolution offering new solutions for performance improvement. Control of buffet onset with Vortex Generators and separation control with synthetic jets for helicopter fuselages is presented to highlight the elsA software’s ability to simulate actuator effects.
Various innovative concepts have been investigated using the elsA software. The flying wing, the supersonic business jet, the UCAV configuration, the Counter Rotating Open Rotor and the Tilt Rotor configurations are among the most promising ones.