Numerical Study of Propeller–Induced Aerodynamics in a STOL Aircraft via Virtual Blade Model

This study investigates the aerodynamic effects of propeller-induced flow on a fixed-wing Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) aircraft using the Virtual Blade Model (VBM) in ANSYS Fluent. The focus is on understanding how the propeller slipstream influences lift, drag, and thrust performance at various operating conditions. Simulations were conducted at different inflow velocities, with varying angles of attack and propeller rotational speeds. The results demonstrate that VBM accurately captures slipstream-induced increments at acceptable cost, and propeller activation significantly enhances lift, especially at higher angles of attack. Thrust analysis reveals that lower inflow velocities result in higher thrust due to reduced advance ratio. The VBM proves to be an efficient tool for simulating the complex aero-propulsive interactions in STOL aircraft, offering insights into optimizing performance and stability in distributed propulsion systems.