Unsteady CFD Simulations of Contra-Rotating Propeller Propulsion Systems

Abstract

Having proven its utility for the simulation of single rotation propellers (SRP), the unstructured DLR TAU-Code has been applied to the unsteady simulation of isolated Contra Rotating Open Rotor (CROR) congurations. In order to demonstrate the codes applicability to the simulation of the complex aerodynamics of this type of propulsion system, a generic 8x8 pusher CROR powerplant was designed and uRANS computations at typical cruise conditions of M=0.75 and an altitude of 35,000ft were performed for the two angles of attack of 0 and 2 degrees. The results obtained allow for a detailed analysis of the complex aerodynamic interactions between the two rotors as well as an in-depth analysis of the blade and rotor forces