Numerical position optimization of an over the wing mounted engine installation

Abstract

The Collaborative Research Center 880 is investigating different technologies and configurative variants for the purpose of short take-off and landing (STOL) capabilities, ranging from high-lift systems with Coanda flaps to unusual but potentially more efficient engine arrangements. The present study focuses on the reference configuration 3 (REF3). This configuration is characterized by an UHBR over-the-wing nacelle (OWN) located above the wing trailing edge. Starting from the wing/ body configuration the installation effects of the OWN were investigated. A fully automatized surrogate based optimization was used to evaluate the impact of an engine position variation in vertical and horizontal direction to observe fundamental aerodynamic interactions between wing and OWN in cruise flight conditions. Due to the presence of OWN and pylon, a distinct disturbance on the wing upper surface could be observed leading to significant interference effects. Nevertheless, the overall cruise drag of REF3 could be improved by 37 drag counts or nearly 11% due to the position optimization.