This paper aims to reveal the influence of selected geometric parameters on the aerodynamic performance of circular variable aero engine inlets in transonic and supersonic civil aviation.

    Design/methodology/approach

    The trade-off in inlet design and aerodynamic evaluation parameters is presented. The approach to investigate the dependencies between the aerodynamic and geometric parameters at different flight conditions by means of a parametric design study is introduced.

    Findings

    The dependencies of inlet drag and efficiency from geometric parameters at flight speeds of Mach 0.95 up to Mach 1.6 are identified. Although entailing additional weight, the inlet length represents the parameter with the highest potential for drag reduction by up to 50% in the selected design space. Ideal geometries for variable pitot inlets are determined. After considering weight, their potential range benefit nearly disappears for subsonic applications, but remains above 20% for supersonic flight at Mach 1.6.

    Originality/value

    Hence, the technology of circular variable pitot inlets for supersonic transport aircraft could be a way to achieve the ambitious ecological, safety and economic goals for future civil aviation.


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    Title :

    Identification of efficient geometries for variable pitot inlets for supersonic transport


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    Publication date :

    2020-05-29


    Size :

    12 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English






    Variable Geometry for Supersonic Mixed-Compression Inlets

    Norman E.Sorensen / Eldon A.Latham / Donald B. Smeltzer | AIAA | 1976


    Variable geometry for supersonic mixed-compression inlets

    SORENSEN, N. / LATHAM, E. / SMELTZER, D. | AIAA | 1974


    Supersonic cruise inlets

    Bowditch, D. N. / Coltrin, R. E. / Sanders, B. W. et al. | NTRS | 1971