Improving aerodynamic and aeroacoustic performance of the propeller by synchronic wavy tubercles

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

Qadr Aerodynamic Research Center, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Imam Hossein Comprehensive University

Abstract

One of the effective methods in improving performance of propellers is use of tubercles on blade inspired by nature and basis of passive flow control. In this research, effectiveness of an innovative idea has been investigated from aerodynamic aspect with computational fluid dynamics analysis and from aeroacoustic aspect with experimental testing. This idea has been studied by creating wavy simultaneous tubercles on leading and trailing edges with a wavelength of 6 mm and an amplitude range of 3 degrees in pitch direction from near root to tip of blade. Improvement of aerodynamic efficiency has been done by numerical simulation using rotating reference frame method, and improvement of static aeroacoustic efficiency has been done with experimental test resulting from calibration of microphone sensors. Computational fluid analysis using the finite volume method based on finite element and solving Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes equation with K-Omega-SST model has been validated from reference experimental test. By studying independency of results, appropriate computing domain and grid for numerical simulation of flow has been determined. Results show an increase in aerodynamic efficiency of 7.5% in advance ratio equivalent to maximum efficiency and an increase of 22% in others. Reduction of maximum sound intensity in frequency equivalent to main harmonic of propeller, 1.4% in area near rotor plate and 3.8% in area behind plate, shows improvement of aeroacoustic performance.

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Amirkabir Journal of Mechanical Engineering
Volume 55, Issue 9
December 2023
Pages 1157-1172

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