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Rear End Aerodynamic and Aeroelastic Studies

Project description

Aircraft rear-end configuration optimisation ensures no tail-off in fuel efficiency

Engineering and technological advances have greatly improved the design of aeroplanes over the last couple of decades. To improve fuel efficiency, the impact of rear end aerodynamic and aeroelastic phenomena cannot be underestimated. The EU-funded TailSurf project will optimise rear-end configuration and increase the aeroelastic efficiency of tail surfaces via computations and experiments. Specifically, the project will define and test technologies and shapes to delay flow separation that can stall the tail surface and saturate the control surfaces. Validation will be conducted by wind tunnel experiments and computational fluid dynamics. Finally, the project will study the integration of all technologies on an advanced rear-end configuration and numerical prediction and post-test calibration system.

Objective

TailSurf will contribute to the design, testing, integration and optimisation of ARE for the improvement of performance at component level of 20% weight reduction, 20% recurring cost reduction and 50% lead time reduction. It is also expected that 1.5% reduction of fuel burn at aircraft level will be achieved from the optimal rear end configurations.

The specific objectives and the associated work packages to achieve this aim are shown below.
1. To define and test technologies and shapes to delay the flow separation, leading to stall of the tail surface and saturation of the control surfaces (WP1 – deliverable DX in MX). Thee control effect of these technologies and devices will be verified by both wind tunnel experiments and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) on high-performance computing (HPC) facilities.
2. To study means and concepts to increase aeroelastic efficiency of tail surfaces using computational and experimental means.
3. To study the integration of all technologies on an advanced rear-end configuration and numerical prediction and post-test calibration.
4. To investigate the applicability of plasma actuators (DBDs) for de-icing and delaying stall experimentally.
5. To carry out management and administration required over the course of the whole project. It will serve to administer and manage the project in accordance with the Clean Sky 2 Management Manual, including the management of risks, finances and administrative tasks. It will also be essential to promote the project results and scientific and technical outcomes through targeted dissemination and communication activities

Coordinator

THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM
Net EU contribution
€ 732 462,50
Address
University Park
NG7 2RD Nottingham
United Kingdom

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Region
East Midlands (England) Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Nottingham
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
Total cost
€ 732 462,50

Participants (2)