Session: 06-01-01: General Aerospace-1

Paper Number: 166930

Aerodynamic Performance and Effects of the Nacelle for a Subscale Aircraft Model Using a Wind Tunnel 

Nacelles are the housing for the aircraft engines as they protect the turbine and blades from any unexpected external disturbances, and nacelles are aerodynamically designed to deliver efficiency and minimize the induced D (Drag force) during the flight. It is important to investigate the effect of variation of engine position by altering their position vertically, longitudinally, and also the toe angle. Typically, CFD simulations are used to assess such alterations to predict the aerodynamic efficiency. By integrating simulation-based analysis with wind tunnel validation, this study contributes to the broader goal of enhancing aircraft performance through refined aero-propulsion interactions.

In this research work, the effect of the location of the engines is studied for 1, 2, 3 & 4 engines per wing configuration. Boeing 737 Max 800 is chosen as the baseline aircraft for the study, and its wing is studied. Initially, a low-fidelity CFD simulation software named MachUp is used to understand the effect of the change of the engine’s location along the span of the wing. The engines are considered as a group and they are placed near the wing root, at the middle of the wing, and near the wing tip. The same study is repeated for the mentioned number of engines.

Then wind tunnel tests are performed to validate the findings from the simulation results. The open loop, subsonic wind tunnel at Tennessee Technological University is used for the tests. Due to the size constraints of the wind tunnel, a 1:22 sub-scaled model of the wing is tested in the wind tunnel. The same experiments are performed to validate the findings of the CFD simulation by changing the location of the engines. It should be noted that the purpose of the study is to assess the trend of the changes, not to match the performance.

The resutls show that a similar trend was found in the case of wind tunnel tests as CFD analysis. Maximum aerodynamic efficiency was found when the engines were placed near the wing root or wing tip, and it was the lowest when the engines were placed in the middle.

The outcome of the study opens the door for future deeper study on nacelle aerodynamics. It is worth exploring the idea of altering the location of the engine vertically, and longitudinally and changing the toe angle of the engines. These studies can significantly help understand the effect of such changes, paving the way for designing more efficient aircraft.

Presenting Author: Azizur Rahman Tennessee Technological University

Presenting Author Biography: Azizur Rahman is an accomplished and experienced mechanical engineer and researcher from Bangladesh. He received his undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) in 2017. With more than five years of experience in Power Plants in Bangladesh, Azizur has established himself as a dedicated professional with expertise in the operation and mechanical maintenance of machinery. Currently serving as a Graduate Research Assistant at Tennessee Tech University (TTU), he is deeply focused on Aerodynamics and Propulsion, which showcases his strong passion for sustainability and the advancement of engineering in this sector. Azizur’s academic and professional journey is marked by a strong commitment to innovation and precision. His work reflects a passion for pushing the boundaries of engineering, particularly in the fields of 1) aerodynamics, 2) propulsion, 3) wind tunnel, and computational testing techniques, and 4) modern manufacturing technologies like 3D printing. These efforts are directed toward enhancing the performance and sustainability of aircraft. Beyond his research and professional endeavors, Azizur Rahman exemplifies the spirit of inquiry and relentless pursuit of knowledge. He is a driven individual, and his contributions to the field of mechanical engineering underscore his dedication to driving progress in aerospace technology and making a lasting impact in the dynamic realm of engineering.

Authors:

Azizur Rahman Tennessee Technological University
Achintya Saha Tennessee Technological University
Alex Savage Tennessee Technological University
Bruce Jo Tennessee Technological University