Validation of ACD and ACL propeller simulation using blade element method based on airfoil characteristics

Abstract

Investigations concerning the aerodynamic interactions of propellers at new configurations such as distributed propulsion, wingtip mounted propellers, etc., are characterized by a large, multidimensional parameter space. Simplified models like the steady-state Actuator Disk (ACD) or the unsteady Actuator Line (ACL) are therefore common to reduce the calculation time. Since the quality of the models depends on the accuracy of the input data, it is essential that these are represented in a physically correct manner. In this study a validation and comparison of blade element method (BEM) based ACD/ACL models with fully resolved simulations and experimental data known from literature is performed. It is demonstrated that both the effects of the propeller on the wing and vice versa are accurately captured with BEM-based propeller models.