Research on numerical simulation method of propeller-driven aircraft flow fields at low altitude

A high efficient numerical simulation method of propeller-driven aircraft flow fields at low altitude is developed through the consideration of the influence of ground effect and prop slipstream on aerodynamics. The computed space meshes with ground effect of a propeller-driven aircraft are established with an unstructured meshing technology. The prismatic meshes with the same height near ground are joined to space meshes at different ground height using an algebraic method, being high efficient for creating meshes. The slipstream boundary condition is imposed on the surface swept by prop, and the flow fields of the propeller-driven aircraft are calculated by solving compressible Euler equations with numerical method. The method avoids mass calculation of simulating the prop circumrotating with high velocity and improves computing efficiency greatly. The influence of ground effect and prop slipstream on aerodynamics is investigated and the variety regularity of aerodynamic performance parameters is obtained. The numerical calculation results are compared with experimental ones. Results indicate that the present method is feasible and efficient, and can provide technical support for propeller-driven aircraft design.