Performance bookkeeping for aircraft configurations with fuselage wake-filling propulsion integration

Abstract

AbstractThe aim of this research is the identification of a unified bookkeeping and evaluation scheme for the integrated performance analysis of a boundary layer ingesting (BLI) concept in the conceptual design phase. A thorough review and classification of existing performance bookkeeping schemes suits as a basis for the derivation of a bookkeeping scheme suitable for the initial sizing as well as detailed design analysis during the conceptual phase of a BLI concept. Figures of merit for the concept performance assessment are evaluated with regard to the requirements of aircraft multidisciplinary conceptual design. Based on the survey, the most practical integral momentum conservation approach is deduced and its application to integrated conceptual sizing and a subsequent design analysis is evaluated. The proposed scheme is universally applicable to coupled airframe–propulsion aircraft concepts, compatible with standard aircraft and propulsion system sizing tools and, under certain assumptions, deployable for low- and high-fidelity evaluation methods. Finally, several figures of merit are selected to cover a range of design aspects in the BLI evaluation.