RuAviation

The Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute named after Professor N.E. Zhukovsky (TsAGI) continues research into the possibility of using electric impeller propulsion systems for regional aircraft. The aim of the work is to ensure connectivity of the Russian Federation territories by means of air transport, which is one of the key priorities of the state, TsAGI reported.

One of the promising concepts of future aircraft is the use of electric distributed propulsion system with impeller thrusters. This can significantly expand the basing conditions of such aircraft, while ensuring their high cruising speed. Scientists believe that the introduction of such technologies in the design of regional aircraft has the potential to significantly improve their performance characteristics.

As part of this work, TsAGI specialists tested a wing model with an impeller distributed propulsion system. The experiments were conducted in a low-speed wind tunnel at different angles of attack. The researchers compared the experimental data with the results of calculations based on the institute’s own methods, also assessing the efficiency of integrating the propulsion system with the wing at different take-off and landing regimes.

“The experiments demonstrated a more than twofold increase in the wing’s load-carrying properties at take-off and landing. This result was obtained primarily due to the realisation of the supercirculation effect: the operation of the impellers “rearranges” the flow around the wing. Other factors also played a favourable role: elimination of boundary layer detachments from the wing surface and deflection of the thrust vector”, – noted Sergey Kuzin, junior researcher of FAU “TsAGI”.

“The results of the tests confirmed the preliminary computational studies, which allows to use the developed methods for further evaluation of aerodynamic characteristics of the wing with impeller distributed propulsion system”, said the press service of TsAGI.

A representative of the institute added that the findings will be used in the design of aircraft with energy control of the streamline, which will open up new opportunities for the development of regional aviation.