Impact of geometrical modelling depth on aerodynamic characteristics of a 3D high lift configuration

Abstract

The aim of this thesis is to investigate the impact of the geometric modeling depth on high lift aerodynamics. Therefore, a simplified geometry model that does not consider the nacelle, a slat cut-out, and fairings is analyzed in addition to a detailed three-dimensional high lift configuration. The application of the simplified geometry model within the Virtual Product House (VPH) Process is assessed. Modifications at the underlying XRF1 configuration are adapted in the detailed geometry model. The flap is deployed in both geometry models with the Adaptive Dropped Hinge Flap (ADHF) mechanism. The numerical investigation is performed by solving the Reynold-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equation with the DLR TAU code using the Spalart-Allmaras turbulence model. The results show a comparable global trend of the lift coefficient, which is qualitatively represented by the simplified geometry model. Local differences due to missing geometrical elements in the simplified geometry model impede to a quantitative representation of the results. As the simplified geometry model overestimates the aerodynamic performance, a conservative approach, regarding the loads, allows the application of the simplified geometry model within the VPH process for an estimation of system and structural loads.