| description abstract | Conventional propulsion systems are typically represented as uninstalled systems to suit the simple separation between airframe and engine in a podded configuration. However, boundary layer ingesting systems are inherently integrated, and require a different perspective for performance analysis. Simulations of boundary layer ingesting propulsions systems must represent the change in inlet flow characteristics, which result from different local flow conditions. In addition, a suitable accounting system is required to split the airframe forces from the propulsion system forces. The research assesses the performance of a conceptual vehicle, which applies a boundary layer ingesting propulsion system—NASA's N3-X blended wing body aircraft—as a case study. The performance of the aircraft's distributed propulsor array is assessed using a performance method, which accounts for installation terms resulting from the boundary layer ingesting nature of the system. A “thrust split” option is considered, which splits the source of thrust between the aircraft's main turbojet engines and the distributed propulsor array. An optimum thrust split (TS) for a specific fuel consumption at design point (DP) is found to occur for a TS value of 94.1%. In comparison, the optimum TS with respect to fuel consumption for the design 7500 nmi mission is found to be 93.6%, leading to a 1.5% fuel saving for the configuration considered. | |
