Integrated Turbofan Airframe Performance (ITAP)

Purpose and goal

The project ITAP evaluated advanced engine to aircraft integration to improve the aerodynamics and reduce the environmental impact of commercial aircraft. Novel methods for designing short nacelles for future engines have been developed. The project compared performance of conventional under-wing nacelles and innovative over-wing engines. The engine position was optimized using a tailored wing reshaping for the over-wing nacelle. Low-speed powered experiments were carried out for a standalone nacelle and an over-wing nacelle configuration, to validate simulation results.

Expected results and effects

The project has created a set of methods for designing and evaluating the aerodynamic design of nacelles. A configuration with engines on top of the wings was evaluated and its advantages and issues were identified. The company´s competence regarding motor to aircraft integration has been strengthened both through the new methods and due to that the former PhD student has been recruited to the company. We have strengthened the company´s ability to develop components for turbofan engines and also taken a step towards developing electric propulsion for future aircraft.

Planned approach and implementation

ITAP was a collaboration between GKN Aerospace and Chalmers. The work focused on design and analysis of aerodynamical shaping of a nacelle. GKN used its knowledge of engine integration from the previous mainly military project, and its expertise in aerodynamic design. The work with geometry design is demanding both in terms of geometric understanding and calculation time. The combination of the simulations with small-scale tests proved highly successful in part due to support of researchers with experimental experience, and gave valuable training to the student.