Application of a Navier–Stokes Solver to the Study of Open Rotor Aerodynamics

Abstract

This paper establishes a proven computational approach for open rotor configurations that can be used as a basis for further studies involving open rotor aerodynamics and design. Many of the difficulties encountered in the application of computational fluid dynamics to an open rotor engine arise due to the removal of the casing that is present in conventional aero-engine turbomachinery. In this work, an advanced three-dimensional Navier–Stokes solver is applied to the open rotor. The approach needed to accurately capture the aerodynamics is investigated with particular attention to the mesh configuration and the specification of the boundary conditions. A new three-step meshing strategy for generating the mesh and the most suitable type of far-field boundary condition are discussed. A control volume analysis approach is proposed for post-processing the numerical results for the rotor performance. The capabilities of the solver and the applied methodology are demonstrated at both cruise and take-off operating conditions. The comparison of the computational results with the experimental measurements shows good agreement for both data trend and magnitudes.