Streamline Nose Aerodynamic Design for Civil Aircraft

Aerodynamic characteristics of traditional noses have been analyzed, and the deficiencies of the aerodynamic shape of the noses are summarized. Streamline nose aerodynamic design for civil aircraft is studied in this paper. Special control elements are defined based on the demands of cockpit space and airworthiness to generate the nose surface with CATIA. Parametric modeling technique is used to shape the nose profile, and CFD analysis is conducted to optimize the aerodynamic characteristics by adjusting the special control element. Aerodynamic characteristics of the noses designed have been evaluated by CFD and wind tunnel test, and the results show that the pressure and flow on the nose is well-distributed, and there is no supersonic zone existing on the nose at cruise condition. The method in this paper is feasible, can be widely used in the future aircraft design.