How to simulate a plane with propeller

Luk_Fiz · March 23, 2009, 04:15

Hi all,
I have following problem.
Simulating a propeller (or fan) we usually use "circular" symmetry: we model the flow domain around single blade and after that use symmetry on both sides. We apply rotation and so on... and achieve fan specifications.
But what to do in case of for example plane or hovercraft that also has a propeller but has no circular symmetry in the rest of the construction (a hull, wings)? Is it possible to simplyfy calculation in CFX using some symmetry criteria or to calculate in steps, for example a propeller at first and after that using momentum source for the rest of the plane?

I would be very grateful for any suggestions,
Luk

ghorrocks · March 23, 2009, 23:44

Hi,

In this case we use multiple domains. One domain is a rotating frame of reference and the other is stationary, and they are connected with a GGI (the general domain interface).

Regards,
Glenn Horrocks

Luk_Fiz · March 24, 2009, 04:34

Hi Glenn, thanks for Your reply but it is not exactly my point. I know that the domains should be connected by interface (as it is also with propellers if You want to simulate some far "inlet" or "outlet"). But in case of simulating only properller You are able to use "circular" symmetry what dramatically reduces the mesh, time consuption and so on... My question is: are similar things possible with simulation of the for example propeller and the plane hull that has no circular simmetry.

For example, simulating plane with propeller in the nose: can I simulate half of the hull (symmetry BC in plane along the hull) and a single blade of propeller (defined as rotating domain) with circular simmetry.

Simulation of full plane will be very demanding for hardware - entire hull and a multiblade propeller (rotating domain).

Luk

ghorrocks · March 24, 2009, 17:13

Hi,

Yes, you can use symmetry and periodicity and combine with multiple frames of reference. You can do this with the frozen rotor or stage averaging approach.

Glenn Horrocks

Luk_Fiz · March 25, 2009, 04:04

Niiiiice!!!
Thanks You very much!

Luk

March 23, 2009, 04:15	How to simulate a plane with propeller	#1
Luk_Fiz Member Lukasz Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 67 Rep Power: 17	Hi all, I have following problem. Simulating a propeller (or fan) we usually use "circular" symmetry: we model the flow domain around single blade and after that use symmetry on both sides. We apply rotation and so on... and achieve fan specifications. But what to do in case of for example plane or hovercraft that also has a propeller but has no circular symmetry in the rest of the construction (a hull, wings)? Is it possible to simplyfy calculation in CFX using some symmetry criteria or to calculate in steps, for example a propeller at first and after that using momentum source for the rest of the plane? I would be very grateful for any suggestions, Luk

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March 23, 2009, 23:44		#2
ghorrocks Super Moderator Glenn Horrocks Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 17,854 Rep Power: 144	Hi, In this case we use multiple domains. One domain is a rotating frame of reference and the other is stationary, and they are connected with a GGI (the general domain interface). Regards, Glenn Horrocks

March 24, 2009, 04:34		#3
Luk_Fiz Member Lukasz Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 67 Rep Power: 17	Hi Glenn, thanks for Your reply but it is not exactly my point. I know that the domains should be connected by interface (as it is also with propellers if You want to simulate some far "inlet" or "outlet"). But in case of simulating only properller You are able to use "circular" symmetry what dramatically reduces the mesh, time consuption and so on... My question is: are similar things possible with simulation of the for example propeller and the plane hull that has no circular simmetry. For example, simulating plane with propeller in the nose: can I simulate half of the hull (symmetry BC in plane along the hull) and a single blade of propeller (defined as rotating domain) with circular simmetry. Simulation of full plane will be very demanding for hardware - entire hull and a multiblade propeller (rotating domain). Luk

March 24, 2009, 17:13		#4
ghorrocks Super Moderator Glenn Horrocks Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 17,854 Rep Power: 144	Hi, Yes, you can use symmetry and periodicity and combine with multiple frames of reference. You can do this with the frozen rotor or stage averaging approach. Glenn Horrocks

March 25, 2009, 04:04		#5
Luk_Fiz Member Lukasz Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 67 Rep Power: 17	Niiiiice!!! Thanks You very much! Luk