An assessment on the unsteady flow distortion generated by an S-duct intake

Abstract

Closer integration between the fuselage and the propulsion system is expected for futureaircraft toreducefuel consumption, emissions, weight and drag. The use of embedded or partially embedded propulsion systems may require the use of complex intakes. However, thiscanresult in unsteady flow distortion which can adversely affect the propulsion system efficiency and stability. This works assesses the characteristics of the unsteady flow with a view to the potential flow distortion presented to the compression system.Particle image velocimetry is used to measure the flow distortion generated by an S-shaped intake.The time-resolved tracking of the idealized relative incidence angle revealed that most frequent distortion events exhibited90°exposure sector and upto±5°meanrelativeincidence. The imposition of a thicker boundary at the S-duct inlet increased the probability of distortion events that are characterized by a longer exposure sector and higher relative incidence angles.Because of these characteristics, thedistortion caused by the S-duct intake could induce instabilities that are detrimental for the propulsion system performances and stability. Overall, this work proposes a new method to assess thepossible relativeincidence angle on the compressor rotor taking into account the intake flow unsteadiness.