In this article, an actuator disk model for simulating propeller is presented by coupling the momentum and the blade element theories. The pressure jump across the disk is computed by integrating the blade aerodynamic characteristics of specific geometric topology, three-dimensional induced velocities and tip-loss correction. Validations have been performed to assess the simulated ability of the developed actuator disk model. The computational results show a good agreement of the experimental data in terms of thrust and torque coefficients. Moreover, the flow visualization indicated a considerable accuracy by comparing with full modelling computation. The actuator disk model can be therefore be regarded as a reliable model for predicting propeller flow.
FroudeRE. On the part played in propulsion by differences of fluid pressure. Trans Inst Naval Architects1889; 30: 390–405.
2.
RankineWJM. On the mechanical principles of the action of propellers. Trans Inst Naval Architects1865; 6: 13–39.
3.
HorlockJH. Actuator disk theory, New York: McGraw-Hill, 1978.
4.
RosenAGurO. Novel approach to axisymmetric actuator disk modeling. AIAA J2008; 46(11): 2914–2925.
5.
ConwayJT. Analytical solutions for the actuator disk with variable radial distribution of load. J Fluid Mech1995; 297: 327–355.
6.
ConwayJT. Exact actuator disk solutions for nonuniform heavy loading and slipstream contraction. J Fluid Mech1998; 365: 235–267.
7.
ConwayJT. Prediction of the performance of heavily loaded propellers with slipstream contraction. J Canadian Aeronautics Space J1998; 44(3): 169–174.
8.
Conway JT. Analytical solutions for the general non-axisymmetric linearized actuator disk. In: 21st AIAA applied aerodynamics conference, Orlando, FL, 23–26 June 2003, AIAA paper no. 2003–3521, pp.1–14.
9.
Garcia-Duffy C, Peters DA and Ormiston RA. Optimum rotor performance in skewed flow based on actuator-disk theory. In: 27th AIAA applied aerodynamics conference, San Antonio, TX, 22–25 June 2009, AIAA paper no. 2009–3517, pp.1–18.
10.
KominerSRosenA. New actuator-disk model for a skewed flow. AIAA J2013; 51(6): 1382–1393.
11.
ConwayJTSuJ. PMAL propeller-induced asymmetric flow calculations for the aurora aircraft using embedded non-linear actuator disks. Canadian Aeronautics Space J2000; 46(1): 20–27.
12.
SuJConwayJT. Numerical analysis of the aerodynamics of the aurora aircraft by an inviscid/viscous interaction method. Canadian Aeronautics Space J2001; 47(1): 17–24.
13.
ChaffinMS. A guide to the use of the pressure disk rotor model as implemented in INS3D-UP, Hampton, VA: National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Langley Research Center, 1995.
14.
Strash DJ,Lednicer DA and Rubin TD. Analysis of propeller-induced aerodynamic effects. In: 16th AIAA applied aerodynamics conference, Albuquerque, NM, 15–18 June 1998, AIAA paper no. 98–2414, pp.96–104.
15.
Moens F and Gardarein P. Numerical simulation of the propeller/wing interactions for transport aircraft. In: 19th AIAA applied aerodynamics conference, Anaheim, CA, 11–14 June 2001, AIAA paper no. AIAA-2001–2404, pp.1–11.
16.
Veldhuis LLM and Luursema GW. Comparison of an actuator disk and a blade modeling approach in Navier-Stokes calculations on the SR-3 propfan. In: 19th AIAA applied aerodynamics conference, Denver, CO, 14–17 August 2000, AIAA paper no. 2000–4528, pp.924–932.
17.
Veldhuis LLM and Nebiolo S. Analysis of calculated and measured wake characteristics of a propeller-wing model. In: 38th AIAA applied aerodynamics conference, Reno, NV, 10–13 January 2000, AIAA paper no. 2000–0908, pp.1–10.
18.
VeldhuisLLM. Propeller wing aerodynamic interference. PhD Dissertation, Faculty of Aerospace Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, the Netherlands, 2005.
19.
Marquez CO and Stuermer A. Validation of actuator disk simulations of CROR propulsion systems at low-speed flight conditions. In: 38th AIAA applied aerodynamics conference, New Orleans, LA, 25–28 June 2012, AIAA paper no. 2012–2787, pp.1–18.
20.
Farrar B and Agarwal R. CFD analysis of open rotor engines using an actuator disk model. In: 52nd AIAA aerospaces science meeting, National Harbor, MD, 13–17 January 2014, AIAA paper no. 2014–0408, pp.1–7.
21.
LiuP. Theory and application of air propellers, Beijing, China: Beihang University Publication, 2006.
22.
Glauert H. Airplane propellers Xu HF (translator) (in Chinese). Beijing, China: Xinhua Printing Factory, 1950.
