A vorticity-based exact theory for the analysis of the aerodynamic force is here applied to three-dimensional aircraft configurations in steady transonic flow by postprocessing numerical solutions. A rigorous and unambiguous definition of lift-induced drag in compressible flows and its distinction from the profile component have been obtained. The equation is based on field integrals of the Lamb vector field highlighting the generation of the aerodynamic force in the rotational part of the flow only. Encountered numerical difficulties, arisen in high-transonic flow conditions, are first described. They have been overcome by a proper treatment of the numerical integration in the shock region where the accuracy of the numerical flow solution is poorer. Thus, a new exact formula is obtained for an accurate aerodynamic force computation in high-transonic and supersonic flows. In addition, a proper identification of the shock wave wake in the numerical solution allows for the decomposition of the profile drag in viscous and wave contributions. Applications are shown in the case of airfoil, elliptic wing and for the NASA Common Research Model wing–body configuration. Comparisons with classical drag breakdown methods are presented and the improvements obtained in the lift-induced drag analysis are discussed.


    Access

    Download


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Aircraft Lift and Drag Decomposition in Transonic Flows


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    Journal of Aircraft ; 54 , 5 ; 1933-1944


    Publication date :

    2017-09-01




    Type of media :

    Conference paper , Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English




    Aircraft Lift and Drag Decomposition in Transonic Flows

    Mele, Benedetto | Online Contents | 2017


    Drag and lift in nonadiabatic transonic flow

    Schnerr, G.H. / Dohmann, U. | Tema Archive | 1994


    Drag and lift in nonadiabatic transonic flow

    SCHNERR, GUENTER / DOHRMANN, ULRICH | AIAA | 1991


    Drag and Lift in Nonadiabetic Transonic Flow

    Schnerr, G.H. | Online Contents | 1994


    Drag and lift in nonadiabatic transonic flow

    Schnerr, Guenter H. / Dohrmann, Ulrich | AIAA | 1994