Numerical Study on the Effect of Vortex Generators on S-Shaped Intake in Propeller Slipstream

Abstract

In turboprop engines, the lip of the S-shaped intake is behind the propeller rotation plane, so the complex slipstream flowfield has a strong impact on the flowfield in the S-shaped intake and affects engine performance. The present work attempts to improve the flowfield in the S-shaped intake in turboprop engines by using vortex generators. The research was carried out by solving Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations employed SST k-ω turbulence model. An attempt was made to explore the vortex generators’ effect on S-shaped intake performance in the propeller slipstream. The results show that the total pressure recovery coefficient and distortion coefficient change periodically with time for the S-shaped intake in the propeller slipstream. For S-shaped intake with vortex generators (s/sm=0.3, 12-mm height, 18° with the incoming flow) in the propeller slipstream, the vortices induced by the vortex generators are coupled with the propeller slipstream, which effectively inhibits flow separation in the S-shaped intake for turboprop engine and improves air quality on the aerodynamic interface plane (AIP) section of the S-shaped intake.