Periodic Reporting for period 3 - ENODISE (Enabling optimized disruptive airframe-propulsion integration concepts)
Reporting period: 2023-06-01 to 2024-11-30
In parallel with the ever-increasing growth of civil air transport, the world has seen an unexpectedly fast development of a new paradigm: Urban Air Mobility (UAM) and the associated Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft. Following the successful deployment of drones for defense and professional applications, several fast-emerging companies have now successfully validated quite disruptive flying concepts. A common denominator of these innovative concepts is the formidable complexity of the aerodynamic and acoustic interactions, affecting both aerodynamic performance and noise emissions, compared with conventional tube-and-wing aircraft.
ENODISE focused on future, disruptive civil air transport concepts and has been designed to develop the knowledge, data, tools and methods that are necessary to understand, model and optimize engine-airframe aerodynamic and acoustic installation effects, with a strong focus on innovative architectures bringing a tighter integration of the propulsive system with the wing, fuselage or control surfaces. Simplified geometrical configurations have been investigated with the aim to unravel the intricate aeroacoustics mechanisms involved in future aircraft architectures, and eventually enable their reliable simulation and optimization while mitigating the adverse effects.
The project’s objectives were the following:
- the development of a novel research approach, based on extensive test campaigns complemented with numerical simulations, permitting to understand the aerodynamic and aeroacoustic installation effects in novel propulsion integration concepts;
- to perform numerical optimization studies in clean vs. installed conditions, and to validate the results quantitatively through experimental verification;
- the inclusion of innovative flow and acoustic control technologies in the optimization loop;
- the constitution of extensive, well documented and cross-validated experimental and numerical databases that will be made publicly available for benchmarking purposes.
ENODISE focused on future, disruptive civil air transport concepts and has been designed to develop the knowledge, data, tools and methods that are necessary to understand, model and optimize engine-airframe aerodynamic and acoustic installation effects, with a strong focus on innovative architectures bringing a tighter integration of the propulsive system with the wing, fuselage or control surfaces. Simplified geometrical configurations have been investigated with the aim to unravel the intricate aeroacoustics mechanisms involved in future aircraft architectures, and eventually enable their reliable simulation and optimization while mitigating the adverse effects.
The project’s objectives were the following:
- the development of a novel research approach, based on extensive test campaigns complemented with numerical simulations, permitting to understand the aerodynamic and aeroacoustic installation effects in novel propulsion integration concepts;
- to perform numerical optimization studies in clean vs. installed conditions, and to validate the results quantitatively through experimental verification;
- the inclusion of innovative flow and acoustic control technologies in the optimization loop;
- the constitution of extensive, well documented and cross-validated experimental and numerical databases that will be made publicly available for benchmarking purposes.
The ENODISE project has delivered significant advancements in airframe-propulsion integration, pushing forward innovative solutions to improve aircraft efficiency while minimizing noise and environmental impact. The project developed and validated new numerical and optimization frameworks, advanced experimental methodologies, and novel noise mitigation strategies, with the results widely disseminated to benefit both the aerospace industry and other sectors.
One of the key achievements was the development of highly accurate multi-fidelity numerical models, which have improved the ability to predict aeroacoustic behavior and optimize propulsion-airframe integration. These models have been incorporated into industrial design workflows, allowing manufacturers to develop quieter and more efficient aircraft. Additionally, the ENODISE project conducted extensive wind tunnel experiments across multiple facilities, producing a validated dataset that is now publicly available for researchers and industry professionals.
Noise reduction strategies explored in ENODISE are directly applicable to various industries beyond aviation. Wind energy companies can leverage insights on blade aerodynamics to reduce noise from turbines, automotive manufacturers can adopt new low-noise fan designs for electric vehicles, and UAV developers are integrating quieter propeller technologies to minimize disturbance in urban environments. The project’s research has also informed best practice guidelines, helping engineers design propulsion systems that optimize both aerodynamic performance and noise reduction.
To ensure broad accessibility and long-term impact, ENODISE has pursued a comprehensive dissemination strategy. The results have been published in over 30 peer-reviewed papers and presented at major international conferences. Open-access datasets have been made available via ZENODO, and a dedicated online tool has been developed to help users navigate and extract insights from the project’s extensive experimental and numerical databases. Furthermore, a white paper outlining roadmaps for future disruptive aircraft architectures has been distributed to policymakers, industry leaders, and regulatory bodies, helping shape the future direction of sustainable aviation.
One of the key achievements was the development of highly accurate multi-fidelity numerical models, which have improved the ability to predict aeroacoustic behavior and optimize propulsion-airframe integration. These models have been incorporated into industrial design workflows, allowing manufacturers to develop quieter and more efficient aircraft. Additionally, the ENODISE project conducted extensive wind tunnel experiments across multiple facilities, producing a validated dataset that is now publicly available for researchers and industry professionals.
Noise reduction strategies explored in ENODISE are directly applicable to various industries beyond aviation. Wind energy companies can leverage insights on blade aerodynamics to reduce noise from turbines, automotive manufacturers can adopt new low-noise fan designs for electric vehicles, and UAV developers are integrating quieter propeller technologies to minimize disturbance in urban environments. The project’s research has also informed best practice guidelines, helping engineers design propulsion systems that optimize both aerodynamic performance and noise reduction.
To ensure broad accessibility and long-term impact, ENODISE has pursued a comprehensive dissemination strategy. The results have been published in over 30 peer-reviewed papers and presented at major international conferences. Open-access datasets have been made available via ZENODO, and a dedicated online tool has been developed to help users navigate and extract insights from the project’s extensive experimental and numerical databases. Furthermore, a white paper outlining roadmaps for future disruptive aircraft architectures has been distributed to policymakers, industry leaders, and regulatory bodies, helping shape the future direction of sustainable aviation.
ENODISE has made substantial progress beyond the state-of-the-art in the field of airframe-propulsion integration, advancing experimental, numerical, and design methodologies that set new standards for future research and industrial applications.
In the numerical domain, the project has developed high-fidelity Computational Aeroacoustics (CAA) methods, which allow for highly accurate simulations of aeroacoustic phenomena. These methods have been coupled with low-CPU prediction tools that enable rapid design iterations, ensuring that optimization can be performed efficiently without excessive computational costs. ENODISE also introduced advanced optimization techniques for installation effects, allowing engineers to fine-tune propulsion integration with unprecedented precision.
On the experimental front, ENODISE has enhanced multi-facility wind tunnel testing methodologies, establishing new benchmarks for data consistency and reliability. The project tackled key challenges related to cross-facility standardization and inflow quality control, ensuring that data obtained from different test sites could be meaningfully compared and integrated into design workflows. These advancements significantly improve the reliability of experimental aeroacoustic research, reducing uncertainties that have historically limited progress in this field.
Beyond technology, ENODISE has significant socio-economic impacts. By advancing quieter, more efficient propulsion technologies, the project contributes to reducing noise pollution in urban and suburban areas, enhancing the quality of life for communities near airports and drone operation zones. The development of low-noise UAV technologies is particularly relevant for urban mobility applications, where reducing acoustic footprint is crucial for public acceptance and regulatory approval.
In the energy sector, ENODISE’s findings on blade aerodynamics and flow control are helping improve the efficiency of wind turbines, making renewable energy more viable in noise-sensitive locations. Similarly, automotive and industrial applications are benefiting from advanced noise reduction techniques, leading to quieter, more efficient products that improve both user experience and environmental impact.
From an economic perspective, the project strengthens European leadership in sustainable aerospace technologies, positioning the region at the forefront of next-generation aircraft development. By providing validated datasets, open-access tools, and industrial guidelines, ENODISE ensures that European companies can maintain a competitive edge in the global market while aligning with FlightPath 2050 environmental goals.
In conclusion, ENODISE’s advancements extend beyond technical innovations, fostering economic growth, environmental sustainability, and improved quality of life. By bridging the gap between research and industry, the project has established a foundation for the next generation of aircraft and propulsion systems, setting new standards for efficiency, noise reduction, and cross-sectoral applicability.
In the numerical domain, the project has developed high-fidelity Computational Aeroacoustics (CAA) methods, which allow for highly accurate simulations of aeroacoustic phenomena. These methods have been coupled with low-CPU prediction tools that enable rapid design iterations, ensuring that optimization can be performed efficiently without excessive computational costs. ENODISE also introduced advanced optimization techniques for installation effects, allowing engineers to fine-tune propulsion integration with unprecedented precision.
On the experimental front, ENODISE has enhanced multi-facility wind tunnel testing methodologies, establishing new benchmarks for data consistency and reliability. The project tackled key challenges related to cross-facility standardization and inflow quality control, ensuring that data obtained from different test sites could be meaningfully compared and integrated into design workflows. These advancements significantly improve the reliability of experimental aeroacoustic research, reducing uncertainties that have historically limited progress in this field.
Beyond technology, ENODISE has significant socio-economic impacts. By advancing quieter, more efficient propulsion technologies, the project contributes to reducing noise pollution in urban and suburban areas, enhancing the quality of life for communities near airports and drone operation zones. The development of low-noise UAV technologies is particularly relevant for urban mobility applications, where reducing acoustic footprint is crucial for public acceptance and regulatory approval.
In the energy sector, ENODISE’s findings on blade aerodynamics and flow control are helping improve the efficiency of wind turbines, making renewable energy more viable in noise-sensitive locations. Similarly, automotive and industrial applications are benefiting from advanced noise reduction techniques, leading to quieter, more efficient products that improve both user experience and environmental impact.
From an economic perspective, the project strengthens European leadership in sustainable aerospace technologies, positioning the region at the forefront of next-generation aircraft development. By providing validated datasets, open-access tools, and industrial guidelines, ENODISE ensures that European companies can maintain a competitive edge in the global market while aligning with FlightPath 2050 environmental goals.
In conclusion, ENODISE’s advancements extend beyond technical innovations, fostering economic growth, environmental sustainability, and improved quality of life. By bridging the gap between research and industry, the project has established a foundation for the next generation of aircraft and propulsion systems, setting new standards for efficiency, noise reduction, and cross-sectoral applicability.