TorPropel Update: AUTH and Limmat Efforts on Modelling and Optimizing Toroidal Propellers

In the TorPropel project, we are combining the CFD simulation with the Multi-Objective Optimization methodology. The Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation is a practical implementation of the Navier-Stokes equations, approximated by the RANS turbulence model to compute an approximate result of the flow field. The CFD methods revolutionized modern aerodynamics and are widely used in the aerospace and automotive industries, from aircraft aerodynamics to heat transfer.

By implementing both steady and unsteady simulations, the propeller thrust and torque are simulated and coupled with structural simulations (FEA), feeding a Multi-Objective Optimization algorithm to establish an optimal Pareto solution. Furthermore, in TorPropel project, the CFD is used to perform a detailed analysis of the propeller thrust and propeller wake, studying effects on aircraft control surfaces, improving aircraft efficiency, CO2 pollution, and noise emissions.

Below is presented a CFD-RANS unsteady simulation of the baseline propeller; this simulation is used to calibrate the simulation setup with propeller data provided by the manufacturer.