An Efficient Distributed Propeller Configuration Calculation Method

Distributed electric propulsion (DEP) shows a more obvious development potential among many innovative concepts. However, it is difficult to evaluate the impact of distributed propulsion in conceptual design. In this paper, an advanced momentum source method is used to simulate the propeller. The method developed in this paper takes advantage of the fact that the momentum source method has no requirement for the computational domain itself. By loading the momentum source term into any grid in space through a UDF program, a large rectangular area is used in front of the wing as the computational domain of the propeller, avoiding repetitive and complex mesh while eliminating errors caused by grid division. The method can control all parameter changes of the propeller using a program without any modifications to the grid. The greatest benefit of the method is that it provides a convenient and efficient calculation method for the optimal design of parameters such as the number, diameter and position of propellers in distributed propeller configurations.