Mid-Fidelity Numerical Simulation of a Propeller-Blown Wing

This paper assesses the capability of the Simcenter FlightStream ® surface-vorticity panel method, with integrated viscous modelling and actuator-disc propulsion representation, to predict the aerodynamics of a propeller-blown wing. The solver is applied to both unblown and propeller-blown configurations, and numerical predictions are compared against the experimental data for lift, drag, surface-pressure distributions, and spanwise load behaviour. The results show strong agreement across a wide range of propeller operating conditions and angles of attack, with FlightStream ®accurately capturing key aero-propulsive effects such as lift augmentation, drag reduction, and the characteristic redistribution of inboard-up and outboard-up loading caused by slipstream-induced increases in local dynamic pressure and local angle of attack. The study also highlights the practical performance benefits of the method for conceptual and preliminary design, with typical solution times of only a few seconds per angle of attack. Overall, the findings demonstrate that FlightStream ® offers a robust, computationally efficient, and sufficiently accurate mid-fidelity framework for analysing propeller-wing interaction effects relevant to distributed electric propulsion and advanced air-mobility aircraft concepts.